|
Blog
March 11th, 2010
Doctor’s handwriting has always been the source of jokes because in many cases it is so cryptic. But in a recent report presented at the Diabetes UK’s Annual Professional Conference in Liverpool this week, it was suggested that bad handwriting is no laughing matter. Doctor’s bad handwriting is responsible for prescription errors.
The UK Diabetes research indicates that in one out of 20 cases, instructions about medication could easily be misread because of poor handwriting. The study used the hospital charts of 75 diabetes patients. In just these 75 patients alone, the report showed that there was one error in every six prescriptions, and that the timings for insulin injections were wrong in one out of every three charts!
There are serious ramifications of incorrectly following insulin injection guidelines and since one in ten hospital patients has diabetes, these are commonly prescribed. The high percentage of insulin errors resulting from poorly written instructions can have serious consequences, sometimes even fatal consequences.
The report stated that “A misunderstanding from an abbreviation for insulin units could have serious if not fatal consequences. For example, a doctor should prescribe insulin as “10 units” at a specified time, if written as “10 I U” or “10 I units”, this could be easily misread as 101 units.”
By providing training to doctors and nurses, the report also showed a significant decrease in prescription errors.
If you or a loved one has suffered as result of incorrectly prescribed medication, you may need the help of a Lawyer for Medical Malpractice.
March 11th, 2010
Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Philadelphia are now accepting Relgan cases. The Reglan side effects lawyers, and are now offering free case evaluations to anyone who was prescribed Reglan. If you suspect that you need a proven Philadelphia Reglan attorney, contact Mark S. Rosenberg, medical malpractice lawyers in Philadelphia, for a free case evaluation today.
Doctors typically prescribe Reglan or its generic equivalent Metoclopramide to treat, among other conditions, acid reflux. At least two studies have linked Reglan to Tardive Dyskinesia, a permanent neurological disorder that is characterized by involuntary movements of the face, tongue and mouth.
The FDA has issued a “Black Box Warning on Metoclopramide”, but as of February 2009 the drug is still on the market, and doctors have been told to recommend it only for short term use.
Other studies have associated Reglan and Metoclopramide with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and body temperature. NMS Symptoms can include:
Fevers of (101º-108º F)
Bouts of sweating and increased blood pressure
Irregular heart rate
Rigid muscles
Coma or unconsciousness
If you think you or a loved one has been adversely affected by Relgan or Metoclopramide, call (610) 370-6697 for a free consultation.
February 15th, 2010
On January 21, 2010, the Conair Corp. of Stamford, CT voluntarily recalled the Lysol Steam Cleaning Mop which is manufactured in China. The product recall was in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), and the hazard is the potential for the hot water and Lysol solution to burst from the unit and harm users. The water rupture causes the water housing unit to break, making the consumer vulnerable to lacerations in addition to the burn risk.
There have been 14 reports of hot water bursting from the reservoir, and two minor burns were reported with these consumers who needed medical attention. Unit model numbers SM10L or SM10LR are printed on the bottom of the mop, and about 162,000 units were sold at national retailers and on the internet from September 2006 through September 2009. Consumers who purchased these items should stop use of the unit, and can contact Conair at 800-687-6916 or www.conair.com/recallmop for a replacement mop which does not pose the hazard.
Tap water at high temperatures is the leading cause of scalds and hospital admissions for burns, and the active ingredients in Lysol are irritants to the skin and eyes. Lawsuits for injuries can result from faulty cleaning equipment that uses water at high temperatures and can be reviewed with Philadelphia Accident Lawyers.
February 15th, 2010
Pier 1 Imports of Ft. Worth, Texas in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled their Silver Glitter Tea Lights and Gold Glitter Tea Lights on January 14, 2010. The decorative glitter in the candles can ignite, making the items a fire hazard. No injuries have been reported, but the company has had three consumer complaints with concerns about the glitter burning. About 40,000 units of the product have been sold in the United States and Canada.
Look for the SKU number on the bottom of the package reading SKU 2410335 and
SKU 2410322 to determine if the box is a recalled product. Pier 1 Imports retailers will give a full refund or merchandise credit when returned to the store.
Combustibles placed too close to the flame cause most candle fires in homes, and this risk is increased by the ignitable glitter in this product. Residential fires caused by candles are a frequent problem. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of fires caused by decorative candles has doubled in the last ten years.
A Philadelphia Accident Lawyer can manage accidents and injuries from faulty products including fires caused by defective decorative candles, and can fairly determine settlements and liabilities.
February 15th, 2010
In cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC), a voluntary recall of Cybex strollers by Regal Lager, Inc. took place on January 27, 2010. The models of Cybex strollers included in the recall are Ruby, Onyx and Topaz. The hinge mechanism can potentially amputate a fingertip or cause a laceration hazard. There has been one reported finger fracture by a child who put their finger in the hinge mechanism. Regal Lager can be contacted at 800-593-5522 or www.regallager.com/recalls for a free hinge cover or retrofit kit.
The strollers were sold mostly in the United States, and some in Canada between August 2009 and November 2009 at numerous retailers. There have been millions of strollers recalled in 2009 by other manufacturers with similar mechanical problems. The safety of children is foremost for parents and caretakers, and manufacturers are held to mandatory standards of safety for their products. Products discovered not to meet the safety standards are recalled in order to prevent additional injuries.
Consumers should stop using this Cybex stroller immediately, and contact the manufacturer for repair. Call a Philadelphia accident attorney with concerns about injuries from strollers or other children’s items.
February 15th, 2010
The federal lead paint standard was exceeded in the surface paint coating on Nature Wonders HD Pinto Horse Toy Figures, leading to a January 26, 2010 voluntary recall of the item. The toys are imported by Blip Toys of Minneapolis, MN and were manufactured in China. About 15,000 units have been recalled, and the item was sold at Wal-Mart from January 2009 – July 2009.
The item is a white plastic horse with brown spots and is about 4 inches tall. The model number is 92093.
Blip Toys can be reached at 888-405-7696 or www.bliptoys.com/recall for a replacement of the toy. In the meantime, consumers should take the toy away from children immediately.
Exposure to lead in children can cause nervous system damage, behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems and headaches. Symptoms are subtle and difficult to recognize, and excessive lead levels has been an ongoing issue with foreign manufactured toys.
Philadelphia injury lawyers are familiar with the effects of lead exposure in children, and the accepted legal levels appropriate for children’s toys.
February 15th, 2010
F.A.F., Inc. of Greenville, RI voluntarily recalled about 55,000 Children’s Metal Necklaces on January 29, 2010 because of high levels of cadmium. The recall by F.A.F. was in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the product was sold exclusively at Wal-Mart stores from November 2009 – January 2010.
The necklaces were manufactured in China for F.A.F, and additional information is available at www.faf.com. The CPSC would like to be made aware of any injuries related to this product, and can be contacted at https://cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident/aspx.
Cadmium is known to have adverse health effects and is toxic if ingested. Anyone who purchased this toy should take it away from children immediately. The metal crown or frog shaped pendant necklace has the words “The Princess and the Frog” on the packaging and the item can be returned for a full refund at Wal-Mart stores.
The UPC codes on the item are:
- Crown Model # 4616-4187 UPC # 72783367144
- Frog Model # 4616-4190 UPC # 72783367147
Concerns about exposure to this or other toys manufactured with toxins can be discussed with a Philadelphia injury attorney.
February 9th, 2010
On January 15, 2010 MuscleMaster.com asked for a nationwide recall of 17 dietary supplements sold between June 1, 2009 and November 17, 2009 because the FDA felt that they might contain ingredients that are steroids. While MuscleMaster.com has not confirmed the FDA’s concerns, the company has called for a voluntary recall in deference to FDA’s stated concerns.
There are many possible side effects to steroid use, including liver injury, male infertility, and breast enlargement in males, short stature in children, and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death among other health issues.
If you MuscleMaster.com dietary supplements, you should stop using them immediately. If you have experienced any of the above problems, you should contact your physician. You should return any unused products to the company. For instructions call (1-800-240-4767) or e-mail (returns@musclemaster.com) the Company.
In addition, if you had any adverse reactions related to the use of these dietary supplements, you should report them to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm.
If consuming these or any other dietary supplements has injured you please contact a Philadelphia Injury Attorney for information that may support your case.
lawsuit for injury, Philadelphia Injury Attorney
February 9th, 2010
On January 28, 2010 the Food and Drug Administration notified healthcare professionals of a recall on Edwards Lifesciences Aquarius Hemodialysis Systems because users can override the fluid imbalance alarm resulting in a change in the volume of circulating blood. This can result in serious injury or death.
A hemodialysis system cleans waste products and extra fluid in a patient’s body after kidney failure, and monitors all the fluid going in and out of the body. The system should trigger an alarm if there is an imbalance of fluid in a patient’s body. The problem is that patients can override the alarm accidentally.
Healthcare professionals, especially nephrology and hemodialysis healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential risks while using this equipment. The model numbers affected are: GEF08200, GEF09500, GEF09600, GEF09700, and GEF09800, using Software version 6.00.04.
To fix the problem the company plans a software upgrade that will prevent users from bypassing the fluid balance alarm more than five times in a 20-minute period.
If you have any questions about possible issues resulting from a hemodialysis system for yourself or a loved one, contract a Philadelphia Malpractice Attorney.
Philadelphia Malpractice Attorney
February 9th, 2010
On January 21, 2010, Toyota Motors (TM) suspended sales of 8 models and recalled 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals, since the accelerator pedals stick even without a floor mat. Models affected included the RAV4 crossover (2009-2010), Corolla (2009-2010), Matrix (2009-2010), Avalon (2005-2010), Camry (2007-2010), Highlander (2010), Tundra (2007-2010) and Sequoia (2008-2010). Toyota has also decided to stop production in several plants for at least a week.
The recall actually began back in September when Toyota called back 3.8 million vehicles after a California crash killed a Highway Patrol officer and three members of his family. At the time it was thought that a rubber floor mat could have covered the accelerator pedal.
As a temporary measure, Toyota told their dealers to shorten the length of the gas pedal. Toyota is also developing replacement pedals for the affected vehicles, and these are expected to be available around April 2010. In addition, some vehicles will have a “smart brake,” installed to make sure the vehicle stops even if a driver presses the brake and the accelerator pedals at the same time.
If you are driving, and the accelerator pedal sticks remember that the vehicle can be controlled by firmly applying the brake. Do not pump the brake. You can also put the vehicle into neutral and shut off the engine. If you are a Toyota owner and you have questions, contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
As a Philadelphia Auto Accident Attorney, I am closely watching the recall proceedings. If a faulty accelerator pedal has affected you, give us a call to discuss your options.
lawsuit for injury, Philadelphia Accident Attorney, Philadelphia Auto Accident Attorney
|
