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- Hays Medical Center Patient files case against UPMC and two staffing agencies
Sep 10, 2012
David Kwiatkowski, traveling medical technician, worked at UPMC Presbyterian from March to May 2008. He was caught by other employees stealing syringes containing Fentanyl and replacing the Fentanyl with saline in the dirty syringes. Three syringes containing Fentanyl were found on him and a morphine syringe was found in his locker. Kwaitkowski tested positive for Hepatitis C and now patients who were seen by him are starting to report that they have contracted the disease...Read More - Surgical error leads to several suspensions
Sep 10, 2012
The transplantation of organs is a lifesaver for many and they are becoming more and more common and routine throughout the nation, including the Pittsburgh area. The transplant of kidneys from a live donor is just one surgery that is gaining in popularity. Despite the increased frequency of these types of surgeries, they are medical procedures nonetheless which means there are certain risks that accompany them. We have written about some of those risks in...Read More - Former Pittsburgh professor hurt in car accident
Sep 7, 2012
A retired University of Pittsburgh professor was injured after being struck in the growing number of car accidents involving bicycles. While riding in Highland Park, the professor was hit by a speeding vehicle. A long-standing family friend witnessed the aftermath and expressed her worry and concern after viewing the wreckage. Noting that the retired professor would have been cycling home at that time, the friend commented that "it's just so sad. Local police took the...Read More - Contaminated fruit recalled from four states
Sep 7, 2012
A four-state recall, including Pennsylvania, of prepackaged fruit involves 135 stores. The apparent culprit, Daniella Brand mangoes, were voluntarily recalled by the seller and packager. It was the Canadian Food Inspection Agency that found that these mangoes may be contaminated with salmonella, a potentially deadly bacteria strain. Fortunately, there are no reported illnesses yet from these recalled products. However, there are currently 103 salmonella infection cases under investigation by federal health officials. The affected products...Read More - Falling concrete barrier falls on Pennsylvania worker
Sep 7, 2012
As we have mentioned in previous posts, certain employers throughout the state of Pennsylvania are required to maintain workers' compensation insurance. The workers' compensation policy is designed to provide benefits to employees of the business should they be injured while working. The benefits provided under these policies vary depending on the extent of the injury suffered. Upon the acceptance of one's application, many injured workers find themselves receiving compensation for medical bills and lost wages...Read More - Insight into why C-sections are so common
Sep 7, 2012
While previously cesarean sections or C-sections were only performed when absolutely medically necessary, today they are the most common type of surgical procedure. While sometimes still medically necessary, some within the health care community are questioning why a major procedure that increases the risks for medical errors and pregnancy related injuries has become so routine. Today, a C-section is performed in one out of every three births. In 1965, that number was drastically less with...Read More - New regulations take aim at truck and bus companies
Sep 7, 2012
Last year, roughly 4,000 Americans lost their lives in commercial vehicle accidents. While that number represents a nearly 5 percent decrease in fatalities since 2010, still far too many people lose their lives in accidents related to safety violations by large commercial truck and bus companies. In an effort to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently announced new policies aimed to identify truck and bus companies that...Read More - Worker in Pennsylvania dies after fall from roof
Sep 7, 2012
Few people awake in the morning thinking that it could be the last time they do it. Most Pittsburgh area residents are instead focused on completing the tasks necessary to get the day going before they head out for the day’s planned activities, such as work. Despite the efforts of employees and employers, deaths that are due to job site accidents, sadly do occur fairly regularly. While they can of course happen in many different...Read More - UPMC sends letters to patients who may have been exposed to Hepatitis C
Sep 6, 2012
According to a story that aired on WPXI today, UPMC has sent letters to nearly 2,000 patients who may have been exposed to Hepatitis C while being treated at UPMC Presby in 2008. It is believed that these patients were exposed to the Hepatitis C because a traveling medical technician, David Kwiatkowski, who worked at UPMC from March to May of 2008 was recently arrested in New Hampshire after it was found that he transmitted...Read More - Government investigates cases of hospital negligence
Sep 5, 2012
Modern advances in the medical field allow individuals to live longer and more fulfilling lives. Many conditions that were previously considered a death sentence can now be treated with a variety of medical devices and surgical procedures. In recent years, however, there has been some concern that hospitals and doctors are performing procedures that may not be medically necessary. The U.S. Justice Department is currently conducting a widespread investigation into several possible cases of hospital...Read More