Blog

Hospital reports drug-resistant bacteria kills seven

Sep 24, 2012

We've likely all seen a movie or read a book in which the outbreak of some deadly disease ends up wiping out the population of a whole city. In reality, when an outbreak of some form of deadly disease or bacteria is detected, it becomes the responsibility of the hospital at which the outbreak occurred to both contain the outbreak and notify the public. Failure to do so can result in unnecessary deaths due to...

Patients Who Tested Negative for Hepatitis C Added to Class Action Lawsuit

Sep 24, 2012

An attorney representing 169 people, including 11 former Exeter patients who have tested positive for the Hepatitis C virus, said “although most of his clients tested negative for hepatitis C, they still had to endure a gut-wrenching period of time fearing they were exposed to the illness but having no idea whether they had contracted it.” As we reported in earlier blogs, medical technician David Kwiatkowski was arrested in connection with the illegal use of...

Battery in toy cars could overheat posing burn hazard to children

Sep 21, 2012

Many young children love to imitate the actions of their parents and other adults. One of the favorites is pretending to drive a car. In response to this, toymakers have created smaller, child size versions of the mode of transportation which are available for purchase throughout the nation, including Pittsburgh. One retailer of these kid cars is Fingerhut, via catalogue or online. As is the case with real cars, these toy vehicles also suffer from...

Senior citizen unloading groceries struck by rolling van

Sep 21, 2012

In a trend seen throughout the nation, Pittsburgh area residents are living longer than ever. This longevity has lead to the development of many programs to assist the older population in living as independently as possible. Since one of the many ways members of the older generation lose their independence is the loss of driving privileges, transportation programs are especially important. Sadly, even when an older person is not behind the wheel of a car,...

Ohio high schools take steps to educate teen drivers

Sep 21, 2012

Each year, thousands of individuals across the United States are involved in motor vehicle accidents caused by inattentive or distracted driving. Many of those injured or killed in car accidents stemming from distracted driving are teenagers. In an effort to educate teens on safe driving practices, Ohio officials recently announced a new driver safety program called "You Are In Control". The program was created in partnership between the Ohio High School Athletic Association and the...

Medical errors affect children who are patients too

Sep 21, 2012

While few are interested in spending a prolonged time in a hospital, most would agree that it is particularly difficult to see children with chronic conditions as patients. In addition to having to deal with an illness, the kids are also missing the little things that occur each day that make being a kid fun. Now there is yet another negative thing for parents of children who must spend time in the hospital to be...

Pittsburgh accident involving motorcycle sends 1 to hospital

Sep 21, 2012

Pittsburgh's rush hour was made even more complicated one morning last week when a motor vehicle accident occurred on West Carson Street. In addition to blocking a portion of the street, the incident also resulted in serious injuries. The traffic and injuries were due to the collision of a pickup truck and motorcycle. The force of the impact reportedly sent the man riding the motorcycle flying. When he landed, it was actually in the bed...

Remembering one of Pittsburgh’s worst industrial accidents

Sep 19, 2012

People have been injured while working since the beginning of time. While the amount of work done increased greatly, more disastrous outcomes arose along with those efficiencies with the dawn of the industrial revolution. The changes to the way many tasks were accomplished left an impression for years to come. One of the worst industrial accidents the Pittsburgh area has seen occurred 150 years ago, during the Civil War. It was an explosion that took...

Family claims hospital negligent in death of 25-year-old

Sep 14, 2012

Medical complications that arise from surgical procedures are fairly common. Hospital staff members, including doctors and nurses, are typically able to diagnose and deal with common complications and ensure patients are comfortable. Unfortunately in some instances, doctors and nurses make medical mistakes and fail to recognize and attend to symptoms that can result in the serious injury or death to patients. The family of a 25-year-old woman recently filed a lawsuit against a hospital claiming...

Concerns grow over spike in Ohio motorcycle fatalities

Sep 12, 2012

More than 410,000 motorcycles are registered within the state of Ohio. This makes Ohio fifth out of 50 states for ridership. While traditionally a haven for motorcyclists, many riders around the state are questioning their safety after an increase in motorcycle accidents on Ohio's highways and roads. Throughout central Ohio there has been a troubling trend upward in the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities. So far during 2012 in one central Ohio County, six...