Athletics company recalls product after reported injury

April 16, 2014 (Press-News.org) When consumers buy products, they do so believing that the product will not only function the way that it's supposed to, but also will not cause injury to them.

According to Washington.CBSlocal.com, a local major sporting goods company has recalled a product after an injury was reported as being caused by the product's use. The company, STX, an official equipment sponsor of major league lacrosse, manufactures men's and women's lacrosse products, as well as equipment for field hockey and golf. The recall was announced February 24, 2014, and involves about 4,000 products, according to the recall information provided by STX.com, who has dedicated a page of its website to informing consumers about the recall.

According to reports, the recalled product is the STX Shield Throat Protector, most often used by goalies. It attaches to the helmet below the chin guard, intending to assist in protecting goalies from injuries. The recall information indicates that the shield can "crack or break when struck by a lacrosse ball," resulting in possible injuries from the broken product. One person reported that the shield broke during use, allegedly causing bruising and lacerations to the person's neck. Full recall information, including a phone number to call with questions about the recall, and refund information, are provided on the STX.com website.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is a government agency that provides information with the purpose of "protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death" associated with the use of a variety of different types of consumer products. Its website, CPSC.gov, reports that over the last 40 years, the Commission's work "contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products." In addition to posting recall information, the CPSC conducts research. In 2004, it produced a report of injuries and death resulting from use of equipment and products intended for use in "Team Sport" activities, including lacrosse. It reported that more than 20,000 medically treated injuries were attributed to lacrosse, annually. The sport was among the top five most "costly" sports relative to injuries and deaths, after basketball, baseball, football and softball.

The report explained that roughly 30 percent of the injuries from lacrosse were considered "addressable" by the CPSC, likely through improved product safety. Most injuries were caused by ball and stick injuries to the head and face. Coincidentally, the product involved in the recall was intended to prevent injuries to the throat area, by protecting it from the fast shots goalies often come into contact with. However, when a company makes a product, they must do so in a manner that does not cause further injuries to the user.

If you, or someone you know has been injured after using an unsafe product, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can get your case started on the right path, and lead you in the direction of the best possible recovery.

Article provided by Fay Kaplan Law, P.A.
Visit us at www.faykaplanlaw.com