Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog

Recently, the story surrounding three deaths and eighteen injuries caused by spending time in a “sauna-like sweatbox” has lead to a homicide investigation of the October 8 “Spiritual Warrior” program by self-help expert James Arthur Ray at the Angel Valley Retreat Center near Sedona, Arizona (CNN, 10/18). Ray is widely known for leading programs that “claim to teach individuals how to create wealth from all aspects of their lives -- financially, mentally, physically and spiritually.”

At the program, up to 65 participants, ranging from 30 to 60 years of age, “spent up to two hours inside the sweatbox, a dome-like structure covered with tarps and blankets, the sheriff's office said. Hot rocks and water are used to create steam in the enclosed environment… Fire and rescue officials received an emergency call from the resort and transported the injured by air and land ambulances to nearby medical facilities, the sheriff's office said. Two people were pronounced dead shortly after arrival at a local medical center.”

As a Chicago personal injury attorney, I am concerned about the incidents leading to the three deaths and eighteen injuries. One should consult with their doctor before engaging in any sort of activity or exercise at extraordinarily hot and humid conditions.

The Environmental Protection Agency said recently it is “re-evaluating the health effects of a popular weed killer that has been found in drinking water supplies,” to determine if further restrictions are needed to combat health concerns (Dina Cappiello, AP for Find Law, 10/7). Atrazine, a herbicide commonly used on corn and other crops has been linked to causing “low birth weights, birth defects, and reproductive problems,” even at low levels.

Research has shown that “runoff after rain storms can wash the chemical into streams and rivers, where it can enter drinking water supplies.” As a products liability attorney in Chicago, I am concerned about the potential reproductive risks associated with consumption of even very low levels of Atrazine and am hopeful that the EPA will act swiftly to minimize any potential health hazards.

Natasha Metzler reports, “Target has agreed to pay a $600,000 civil penalty for importing and selling a variety of toys with high levels of lead paint on the surface (AP for FindLaw, 10/1). The Consumer Product Safety Commission alleged, “Target knowingly imported and sold the illegal toys between May 2006 and August 2007.” Target denies that is knowingly broke the law, which some have speculated was part of the settlement. According to government safety officials, the lead content of the surface coatings on some toys was higher than is legally allowed by the 1978 lead paint ban.

The CPSC has been actively imposing sanctions this year as the Target settlement brings the number of civil penalties to 39 and the dollar value of fines imposed to just under ten billion dollars, a record for both penalties and fines. As a Chicago attorney who has seen too many lives torn apart by similar negligence, I am encouraged that the CPSC has imposed many sanctions this year on deserving companies. Although target denies knowingly breaking the law, importing toys with high levels of lead based paint is inexcusable.