In the past several weeks I have received numerous calls and email inquiries from women in Chicago and around the country complaining of severe rashes they developed after wearing Victoria’s Secret’s bras. The rashes are a result of several different styles but mainly the complaints are from the following lines: Very Sexy, IPEX and Body by Victoria. Complaints have also been made about the Secret Embrace, BioFit, Angel and Extreme Push-Up lines. The women are all complaining of varying degrees of rashes. All are found on the areas where the bra is touching the skin, including the breast area, the area where the back strap touches the skn and the area where the shoulder straps touch the skin. The rash for many has been severe causing blisters that open. In addition, many women have complained of itching that is so intense they have scratched themselves to the point they bleed. The itching also has caused a loss of sleep for many women.

So the question remains, what is causing this rash and itching? Recently it was revealed a woman in Ohio had her bra tested and it was found to contain formaldehyde. While Victoria’s Secret denies this, it is clear these bras have something in them that is causing this severe and in some cases debilitating rash. In the coming months, it is likely many claims will be filed against Victoria’s Secret and at some point these bras will be tested revealing what is causing these symptoms. In addition, in time we will learn if the chemicals in these bras are at a dangerous level and if they may lead to long term side effects. The fear is, among others, that formaldehyde is a carcinogen and if there are high levels of formaldehyde in the bras, could this cause breast cancer in the future.

There are a lot of unknowns at this time, but one thing is for certain, these women that have been injured as a result of wearing Victoria’s Secret’s bras have a right to seek compensation for their injuries. Our firm, Gary D. McCallister and Associates, LLC is currently representing women who have been injured as a result of these bras. If you believe you have been injured as a result of wearing a Victoria’s Secret bra, please contact our firm either by telephone or via online inquiry. We will be able to assist you in determining if you have a legal claim.

A recall is planned for November 2008 for 204,361 Nissan vehicles. Nissan is planning the recall because of a possible faulty passenger airbag. Nissan believes in approximately 1% of the recalled vehicles the passenger airbag will not deploy in an accident. The vehicles affected by the recall are 2007 and 2008 models. Specifically, Nissan is looking to recall the Altima, Altima Coupe, Murano, 350Z and the Nissan Rogue. Nissan is also expected to recall Infinity Models including the G35 Sedan, EX35 and G37 Coupe.

While many of the vehicles do not have faulty parts, it is important to contact your Nissan dealer if you own one of these vehicles. Nissan plans to replace the defective parts.

If you or a family member have been involved in a car accident while in any of these models and the airbag did not deploy, you may be able to take legal action against the car manufacturer. People with injuries related to the failure of the passenger airbag deploying in one of these cars should contact Gary D. McCallister and Associates immediately. An attorney will be able to help you determine whether you are able to take legal action against Nissan.

On July 18, 2007 the FDA recalled several brands of hot dog chili sauce after discovering it may be contaminated with botulism. On July 21, 2007, the FDA updated its recall to include additional brands as well as some dog food. The list contains five brands of Castleberry sauce, one Kroger brand of sauce, one Meijer brand of sauce, one Food Lion brand of sauce, one Bloom brand of sauce and one Thrifty Maid brand of sauce. The recall also includes the following dog foods: Irish Stew with Beef Dog Food, Chinese Take Out with Sauce with Vegetable and Chicken Dog Food, Southern Style Dumplings with Gravy with Chicken and Vegetables Dog Food and Hobo Chili with Chicken Pasta Dog Food. Any cans, regardless of the “best by” date should be discarded immediately.

Botulism is a serious illness and can lead to death. Symptoms of botulism include the following:

Double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness that moves progressively down the body, affecting the shoulders first then descending to the upper arms, lower arms, thighs, calves, etc. Botulism poisoning can also cause paralysis of the breathing muscles which can result in death unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided.

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The first salmonella cases have been filed against Pars Cove restaurant after over 600 people became ill at this years Taste of Chicago. Health officials believe the salmonella is linked to food that was served at the Pars Cove booth during the festival. Approximately a dozen people were hospitalized after falling ill.

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Krystina Brugh of Indiana received a kidney from her father on Monday. The eleven year old girl developed kidney failure after she ate contaminated peanut butter. The peanut butter was linked to the salmonella outbreak reported in February affecting ConAgra peanut butter. The family filed a lawsuit recently against ConAgra for manufacturing and selling the contaminated peanut butter. Several other lawsuits have also been filed throughout the country. If you believe you became ill from the eating contaminated peanut butter you should contact an attorney immediately.