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November 23, 2022
Medicaid Rates Must Improve So the Poor and “Not-so Rich” Can Be Placed in Higher Quality Nursing Homes
Did Their Son Get Poor Care After He Was Injured in Baltimore?
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Thank You!!!!!!
Thank You for Making Us One of America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys!
June 27, 2021
Florida Condo Collapse
The Latest in the Florida Condo Collapse:
April 19, 2021
A Rare Event
Doctor Loses His License After Expectant Mother’s Death
Clients Always Are Surprised When I Tell Them That It Is Rare for a Doctor to Lose His License After Seriously Injuring or Even Killing a Patient. Here’s a Rare Exception to That Rule (This Doctor Likely Lost His License Because He Previously Was Responsible for the Death of Another Expecting Mother Who Bled to Death After an Unsuccessful C-Section. Learn More About This Tragic Case Here
August 10, 2020
Baltimore Gas Explosion Levels Several Homes, Kills at Least One Person and Seriously Injures Several People
June 11, 2020
How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings
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April 29, 2020
COVID-19 Steps You Can Take
If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.
Stay home if possible.
Wash your hands often.
Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others (stay 6 feet away, which is about two arm lengths).
Keep away from people who are sick.
Stock up on supplies.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched services.
Avoid all cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
Call your healthcare professional if you have concerns about COVID-19 and your underlying condition or if you are sick.
February 19 - 28, 2020
It's Still Winter...but Spring is on its Way!!!
December 11 - December 20, 2019
Yes, it can be a pain, but jury duty is important! Remember, you generally can reschedule it (pick another date or time period) if the dates selected for you are inconvenient. But please go and deliver justice! Thanks!
November 6 to 15, 2019
Amusement Park Visitor Says Security Guards Beat Him at a Six Flags America Park Was Awarded $800,000 by a Prince Georges County, Maryland Jury.
June 25, 2019
Congress Is Looking at Legislation To Curb the Worst Abusers
June 5, 2019
Alert!!!
Chase Bank Is Taking Away Your Right to Sue
CHASE Bank is quietly taking away your right to trial by jury if you have a dispute with it. While you may never have to file a legal action against a credit card company, often filing a lawsuit in your local court and forcing the company to defend is what helps get your case settled.
CHASE is taking away your right to sue them! How? By quietly forcing its credit card holders to reject in writing its attempt to FORCE ARBITRATION on its customers. if you don't send them this letter by AUGUST 7, 2019, you will lose the right to sue Chase in your local court if it screws over you!
If you have a Chase acct, and want to keep your right to TRIAL BY JURY, send a snail mail letter saying: "I reject your arbitration agreement" to Chase, P.O. Box 15298, Wilmington DE 19850-5298. Incl your acct # and sign.
Don't make it complicated, just get a sheet of paper, right the above words with your account number and address, and sign it. Keep a copy for yourself.
Reject Forced Arbitration and Preserve Your Right to Sue!
April 5, 2019
Nursing Home Owner Stole Millions From Medicare - He Billed Medicare for Services He Didn’t Provide
December 17, 2018
Investigation Into an Infant’s Death at a New Jersey Hospital Finds “Major Infection Control Deficiencies” in the Hospital’s Neonatal ICU. An Investigation in October by the New Jersey Department of Health Found the Newark, n.j.-Based University Hospital “Had Issues Related to Hand Hygiene, Personal Protective Equipment and Cleanliness.” the Premature Infant Contracted an Infection Called A. Baumannii, a Bacteria Generally Found in Water or Soil, Potentially Causing Pneumonia or Serious Blood Infections. 4 More Cases of A. Baumannii Have Been Reported in the Hospital’s NICU.
March 3, 2018
Watch This Special Report on Nursing Home Residents Being Abused by the People Being Paid to Take Care of Them. While This Report Talks About Texas Nursing Homes, Such Abuse, Unfortunately, Occurs in Every State and Is Far Too Common. Caution --- Some of the Scenes May Be Difficult to Watch.
November 1, 2017
Police Are Investigating an Alleged Sexual Assault on a Resident at a Maryland Nursing Home That Took Place Sometime in the Last Few Months. The Sexual Assault of an 83 Year Old Elderly Woman Allegedly Was Committed by a Male Nurse Involved in the Care of the Resident. Forestville Health and Rehabilitation Center, the Nursing Home in Question, Is Cooperating With the Police. The Employee Suspected of the Violent Crime Has Been Suspended Pending Further Investigation. More Details Are Reported Here and Here.
August 3, 2017
Beware: Silicone Butt Injections Can Be Deadly.
There Are Fraudulent Individuals Calling Themselves “Doctors” Who Are Performing Butt Injections With Something Called Free Silicone - Liquid Silicone - Rather Than Packaged Silicone Such as an Implant.
July 5, 2017
"Dry drowning" suspected in child's death. A 4 year old toddler in Texas died a week after playing in knee deep water during a family outing. Authorities suspect that he inhaled water after being knocked down by a wave while playing. Read more here courtesy of CNN.
But what is "dry drowning"?
July 4, 2017
March 25, 2017
Facial Injuries to the Elderly At Nursing Homes Is a Common Problem
More Than 20,000 People Living in u.s. Nursing Homes Experienced Serious Injuries to the Face Last Year, Mainly From Falling and Hitting Hard Surfaces or While Getting in and Out of Bed, a Recent Study Suggests. “Falls Are a Tremendous Source of Disability in Older Adults,” Said Hilaire Thompson, a Professor at the University of Washington School of Nursing in Seattle.
February 22, 2017
Sexual Assault of the Sick and Vunerable In America’s Nursing Homes
A CNN Report: “Some of the Victims Can’t Speak. They Rely on Walkers and Wheelchairs to Leave Their Beds. They Have Been Robbed of Their Memories. They Come To Nursing Homes to Be Cared For. Instead, They Are Sexually Assaulted.”
February 20, 2017
AARP: Texas Nursing Homes Provide Horrible Care to Residents
According to AARP Texas, Nursing Homes Across the State Were Cited for 17,466 Violations in Fiscal Year 2015, but Only Took Enforcement Action in 40 of Those Cases. Very Bad Nursing Home Care for Its Residents. Take a Closer Look in This Latest Report.
Little People Can Fight Back!
If We Can Help You or Your Loved One With Anything, Feel Free to Contact the Garrow Law Firm on Our Live Chat Line (At the Bottom Right Drop Down Box of This Page), or Submit a Note Through the Find Out of You Have a Case - Case Evaluation Page of Our Website. And, as Always, You Can Call Us 24/7 at 888-88GARROW (Or 202-469-3411), and We’ll Follow Up Quickly.
Remember, We Help Little People With Big Problems.
November 15, 2016
Former Nurse Accused of Killing Her Patients
A Nurse Is Accused of Administering a Fatal Drug to 8 of Her Home Health Patients. If Proven, She Would Be One of Canada’s Worst Serial Killers.
November 7, 2016
Learn More About Deadly Bedsores
A Common Nursing Home Neglect Problem That Occurs Far Too Often
Bedsores — Also Called Pressure Sores or Pressure Ulcers — Are Injuries to Skin and Underlying Tissue Resulting From Prolonged Pressure on the Skin. Bedsores Most Often Occur Around the Bony Areas of the Body, Such as the Heels, Ankles, Hips and Tailbone. If Bedsores Are Not Treated Timely, They Can Develop Into Painful and Sometimes Life Threatening Injuries.
It Is the Responsibility of the Nursing Home to Turn and Reposition Your Loved One in a Bed, Chair or Wheelchair if Mom or Dad Cannot Do This on Their Own. The Failure to Turn and Reposition, Coupled With Poor Nutrition, Poor Medical Treatment, and Inadequate Hygiene All Can Contribute to the Development of Serious Pressure Sores. Different Stages of Bedsores
There Are Four Stages of Bedsores ---From Least Severe to Deadly Serious --- And as Bedsores Advance Toward Stage Four, They Become Increasingly Difficult to Take Care of and Eliminate.
Learn More About Stage 1 Through Stage 4 Bedsores
Monday, April 25, 2016
Dennis Hastert and the Abuse of a Teenager
A Sexual Abuse Case Pursued Long After the Abuse
The accuser at the center of the Dennis Hastert hush-money case sued the former House Speaker today under a breach of contract theory of liability, saying Hastert never finished paying $3.5 million in cash to settle a sexual abuse allegation that occured in the 1970s.
Hastert has been accused, and in part admitted to, the sexual abuse of a teen when Hastert was a wrestling coach at Yorkville High School, in Yorkville, Ill.
Hastert allegedly agreed to pay $3.5 million to settle the matter, and did make periodic payments from 2010 and 2014 of $9,000 from multiple banks, a pattern known to regulators as "structuring." It is believed that Hastert wanted to keep the payments under the $10,000 federal reporting threshold required of banks. A bank worker became concerned about the amount of the periodic payments, the FBI became involved, and as a result of the investigation, the sexual abuse was revealed. A second person also has come forward alleging abuse as a teen.
How can such a legal action be brought so many years after the abuse? The legal theory is breach of contract alleging failure to pay the amount agreed upon. The last payment was made in 2014, and the agreement appears to be in effect at this time. Just as a debtor might sue a creditor for an amount unpaid under an agreement, Hastert is being sued by the victim for failure to complete his payments under the agreement. There will be an issue of an oral versus written contract given that the agreement appears to have not been in writing.
Feel free to call the Garrow Law Firm, PLLC at 888-88GARROW to discuss your matter or the case of a loved one. If you prefer, speak with our Chat Representative in the right hand corner of this page. We will call you to discuss your matter within 24 hours of your chat.
Learn more about Hastert abuse allegation courtesy of NBC News.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Widower compensated $1 million in wrongful death suit against killer
Thursday, November 19, 2015
The average salary for a nurse in San Francisco? $131,800
Monday, September 30, 2015
Nursing Homes Bill Medicare for Physical Therapy Far More Than Residents Need
A recent inspector general report by the Department of Health and Human Services reveals that nursing homes charge Medicare for more physical therapy that residents need. The report said that nursing homes regularly filed claims for the highest, most expensive level of therapy, regardless of what patients required. Feel free to call us about nursing home abuse and neglect. 888-88GARROW.
Monday, September 21, 2015
GM Pays $900 Million Fine Over Faulty Ignition Switches
Deaths now total 124. “I don’t understand how they can basically buy their way out of it,” said Margie Beskau, whose daughter Amy Rademaker was killed in an October 2006 crash in Wisconsin. She added, “They knew what they were doing and they kept doing it.”
Thursday, September 17, 2015
DOJ and GM Nearing Criminal Settlement Over Faulty Ignition Swtiches
Expect General Motors to agree to a criminal settlement over the automaker's handling of defective ignition switches that could be announced as early as later this week.
So what the deal? GM would enter into a "deferred prosecution agreement" with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and be charged with hiding the ignition switch issues from regulators and defrauding consumers.The defect is linked to more than 120 deaths. GM's fine is expected to be significant but less than Toyota's $1.2 billion penalty in a similar case.
What is "deferred prosecution"? It means that DOJ will not move forward with criminal charges at this stage provided that GM meets the conditions of the agreement. If they abide by the agreement, the potential criminal charges will be dropped. Also, it most likely will permit GM's executives to avoid criminal charges.
GM allegedly first learned of the defective ignition problems as early as 2001 while testing the Saturn Ion. Even though the fix would have been inexpensive and easy to perform, GM opted not to spend the money. Recalls began in mid 2014 for certain models and continued in 2015.
Was your loved one injured or died in a crash where someone said that that the ignition swtich turned off and caused the GM car to lose power while on the highway? If so, please contact us now at 888-88GARROW. You also can use our Chat Line (see below), or our Contact Form here.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Did a Man Die Because the Hospital Was More Concerned About How He Was Going to Pay Than Saving His Life?
A lawsuit has been filed against a Houston hospital alleging a young man died because staff was more concerned with securing payment than saving his life. Mr. Florez was having an allergic reaction to medication and went into anaphylactic shock. The hospital failed to give him epinephrine for a full 90 minutes. The medical examiner confirms that he died from anaphylactic shock. Read more here.
Florida Boys Suffers Brain Damage After Home Is Sprayed for Termites
The fumigator informed the family that they could return home two days after their home was sprayed for termites, and the McCaughey family did so thinking that all was safe. However, it appears that this was not the case. Their son Peyton is now in a hospital bed with brain damage, apparently the victim of fumigation poisoning. Read more here.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
The Deadly Amtrak Crash of May 12
8 people were killed and more than 200 injured when a speeding Amtrak train derailed on May 12. Several lawsuits have been filed against Amtrak and others. Investigations continue. Call us at 888-88GARROW if you were injured in the crash.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Making the Right Choice on a Nursing Home
What to Consider
Before making the important choice of a nursing home for that special loved one, consider what the National Institute on Aging has to say about the selection. While there's no magic formula, there are things that should be weighed before placing your loved one in a local nursing home or skilled nursing facility.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Nursing Home Care - Still Not as Good as It Should Be
A 2014 report released by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General found that 22% of Medicare patients who stayed in a nursing facility for 35 days or less experienced harm as a result of their medical care. By harm, it means that the care provided by the nursing home was so poor that it caused the resident or patient harm.
An additional 11% suffered temporary injury. The report estimated that Medicare spent $2.8 billion on hospital treatment in 2011 because of harm experienced in nursing facilities.
Monday, December 15, 2014
About to Have Surgery?
Consider This Advice as You Prepare for Your Hospital Stay
Great hospital care can save lives. But, unfortunately, bad things can happen while you're in the hospital that have little to do with your health problem. Want to survive your hospital stay? Consider this advice before you enter the hospital.
Friday, November 28, 2014
88 Year Old Driver Kills Pittsburgh Pregnant Woman in Parking Lot
Doctors Deliver Infant
Allen Massie Jr., 88, pulled into a handicapped parking space at the Rite Aid on Brighton Road and Pennsylvania Ave in Pittsburgh, jumped a curb and pinned expectant mother-to-be Jodie Guthrie, 30, against the wall for about 30 seconds. Unfortunately, Guthrie, who was nearly 36 weeks pregnant with a baby boy, died in the emergency room at Allegheny General Hospital. Doctors were able to deliver the baby in stable but critical condition. Questions are being raised about the driver's fitness to be behind the wheel.
In such an unfortunate incident, there's clearly a civil wrongful death action that undoubtedly will be brought against the driver. While the infant successfully was delivered, the future health of the baby also must be considered, and a potential claim might be raised to ensure the baby's future health. Additionally, with unanswered questions about his ability to drive, potential criminal charges also may be brought against the elderly driver.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
The Worst Nursing Homes Usually Have These 5 Things in Common
Selecting a nursing home can be a real challenge for even the most diligent of family members. We'll talk soon about what you should look for in the better nursing homes and assisted living facilities. But today, here's a brief list describing the 5 tell-tale signs of a bad facility. To summarize quickly:
- A history of violations.
- A number of severe violations
- High staff turnover
- Residents lack independence
- Your intuition tells you that this home is not good place for your loved one.
Learn more about these warning signs here.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Internet Car Service Company Uber
The family of a 6-year-old girl killed while in a San Francisco crosswalk on New Year's Eve has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Internet ride-sharing car company Uber.
The girl was crossing the street along with her mother and younger brother last month when they were struck by a vehicle driven by Uber’s Syed Muzaffar, authorities said. This action appears to be the first wrongful death lawsuit filed against Uber.
Muzaffar also faces criminal charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and failure to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Be Careful in Your Use of Tylenol
(and monitor your dosage even if prescribed by a Doctor or given by a Nurse)
Overdose of TYLENOL (Acetaminophen) causes serious injury such as:
- Prolonged hospitalization due to liver damage
- Liver failure
- Liver transplant and/or being placed on the liver transplant list
- Death due to liver failure
Do not assume that the dosage is proper just because it is prescribed by a doctor or given by a nurse. Ask questions and be vilgilant. Tylenol generally is safe if taken as directed, but some health professional overprescribe. In some cases, liver damage and death has occurred when Tylenol is taken for too long of a period (long after the pain or fever is gone) or in too great of a dosage.
Acetaminophen overdose is one of the most common poisonings worldwide. If you have questions about your dosage, speak with your doctor.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wrongful Death Crash Caused by Big Truck Results in Verdict for 13 Year Old Girl
9 year old Kylie and her 11-year-old brother Blaine escaped the crash. Horribly, her other family members, including her mother, father and older brother did not. They were trapped under a big rig illegally parked on the highway. The other family members died in a fiery crash, and Kylie and Blaine were witnesses. The trauma later proved too much for Blaine, who committed suicide on his mother's birthday before the trial began. Learn more about this wrongful death tragedy here.
Avoid crashes with big trucks by following these simple driver safety tips.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
The 4 Stages of Pressure Sores
If your loved one at the nursing home is disabled and cannot get out of the bed alone, check his or her body regularly for pressure sores. These ulcers primarily are caused by the failure of the nursing home staff to reposition a resident while immobile in the bed, pulling or pushing a resident across the bed by an untrained or uncaring aide, understaffing or just plain greed by nursing home adminstrators who spend money on themselves instead of quality care. Poor nutrition also can make such bed sores more likely. Note the 4 stages of pressure sores.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
The Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese has settled a wrongful-death lawsuit for $2.25 million with the parents of a boy who allegedly took his own life 30 years ago because of repeated sexual abuse by a Kansas City priest. The boy's parents learned about the abuse from a man who served as an altar boy with their son, who told them of the alleged abuse. Brian Teeman, 14, died of a gunshot wound in November 1983 at the family’s home.
The lawsuit alleged that the priest forced the victim and three other boys to perform sexual acts in the sacristy, which is a room in the church where garments and other church furnishings might be kept. It said O’Brien warned the boys that if they ever told, they would be kicked out of the church, be disowned by their parents and go to hell.
Read the complete Kansas City Star article here.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Jury Returns Verdict for Immigrant Painter --- Bar Beating Unjustified
A jury returns a $58 million dollar verdict for an undocumented immigrant who was severely beaten by a bar security guard. He cannot speak, needs help to walk and requires 24 hours care. "I have explained to him that he now is going to be taken care of the rest of his long life," says his lawyer. "As you can see, 25% of his skull is missing." The verdict includes $11.5 million for future medical expenses, $35 million for past pain and suffering and $11 million for future pain and suffering. Assuming denials of appeals, the security company's insurer will be responsible for paying this verdict.
Learn more from the Los Angeles Times article, but note that it shows a disturbing picture of the injured victim.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Is This Surgery Necessary?
Or Is There Another Less Expensive Option That Does Not Involve Surgery????
Going to have surgery in the near future?
Then check this out: a recent USA Today investigation reveals that 6 commonly performed surgeries carry significant risks of being done without medical necessity, according to federal data and independent studies. In other words, perhaps they were not necessary at all!
Friday, May 3, 2013
Excerpt from January 12, 2012 report entitled QuarterWatch, the publication of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. The publication is discussing the drug Metoclopramide, also known as Reglan. It is prescribed for reflux and other gastrointestinal disorders.
"Many would not suspect that a generic drug for acid reflux and digestive complications of diabetes could result in often incurable and disfiguring abnormal movements of the lips, tongue and even entire limbs, a condition called dyskinesia. Despite these risks the drug, metoclopramide (REGLAN), is in widespread use with nearly 1 million dispensed prescriptions in the first quarter [of 2011]. In the same quarter, we identified 63 new cases of reported dyskinesia, along with an additional1,180 reported cases that originated from lawsuits and are not included in our regular event counts. The abnormal movements reported included drooling, grimacing, tongue protrusion and muscle twitching. In 2009 the FDA required its strongest warnings for both doctors and patients about this risk. While the FDA warnings apparently contributed to a modest decline in prescription volume, a more thorough evaluation is now needed of the drug's place, if any, in clinical practice."
No one should take this drug longer than 4 to 12 weeks. With such side effects after prolonged use, we question whether ANYONE should be taking this drug AT ALL. If you are taking it, contact your doctor immediately and ask if there is a safer alternative that can be prescribed. IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE UNDERLINED SYMPTOMS, CALL US RIGHT AWAY! 888-88GARROW TOLL FREE.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Jury Finds Hmo Liable for Failing to Monitor a Doctor in Its Network
A jury sided with two plaintiffs who contracted hepatitis C from contaminated anesthetic propofol vials used during colonoscopies.
Two UnitedHealth Group, Inc., subsidiaries were held liable for failing to properly monitor a gastroenterologist they hired for their HMO network. The patients both contracted hepatitis C when they underwent colonoscopies at one of the doctor's Las Vegas-area endoscopy facilities. He and his staff allegedly reused propofol vials and syringes and failed to sterilize equipment between patients.
The jury found that Health Plan of Nevada and Sierra Health Services were negligent in failing to properly monitor the doctor's performance, awarding $24 million in compensatory damages—$12 million to ome patient, $3 million to her husband for loss of consortium, and $9 million to another. A week later, the jury ordered the health plans to pay $270 million and $230 million in punitive damages.
This was the first trial against UnitedHealth divisions over the 2007 outbreak in which Nevada officials were forced to notify more than 50,000 patients that they may have contacted hepatitis C or another bloodborne disease.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
WARNING: Prolonged Use of the Drug REGLAN (Metoclopramide) & Tardive Dyskinesia
Reglan (also known as metoclopramide) is a medication used to treat certain conditions of the stomach and intestines. Typically, Reglan might be used In treating persistent heartburn when the usual medicines are not particularly effective (persistent and long term heartburn can cause damage to the esophagus, so drug treatment might be warranted).
Metoclopramide also is given to some diabetic patients who have poor emptying of their stomachs (gastroparesis). Treating gastroparesis can decrease symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and stomach/abdominal fullness. Additionally, this drug sometime is prescribed in cases of nausea from chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer.
However, Reglan should NOT be used continuously for more than 4 to 12 weeks. Prolonged use for longer periods can cause serious and permanent damage to the body. One of the more serious problems can involve severe and uncontrollable muscle movement catergorized under the broad term "dyskinesia," which refers to a wide range of movement disorders from minor facial and body tics to full-blown epileptic seizures).
Tardive Dyskinesia is one serious form of dyskinesia. It is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to perform voluntary muscular movements. This syndrome is neurological in nature and is often permanent and untreatable. Patients with tardive dyskinesia experience uncontrollable movements in certain muscles and an inability to remain motionless.
Symptoms include: Continuous and repetitive movements of the mouth, tongue, and jaw; Facial grimacing; Lip smacking; Puffing of the cheeks; Uncontrollable movements of the arms, legs, fingers, and toes; and Swaying motions of the trunk or hips. Movements of the jaw usually consist of an up-and-down motion, as if a person is chewing. When the tongue is affected, it may protrude or move around in a twisting manner.
If a doctor recommends the use of Reglan (other drugs are implicated as well), ask if there are other safer drugs that can accomplish the same result. If you decide to use metoclopramide, make certain that such usage does not last more than 4 to 12 weeks, and even then consult your doctor regularly about the need to remain on this drug.
Tell your doctor immediately if symptoms occur. If they do not go away quickly, call us at 888-88GARROW.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Sometimes, patients are the victims of doctors' bad behavior.
Some hospitals finally are listening to nurses about the bad behavior of doctors. While the number is small (according to one study in the Journal of Medical Regulation, about 3 to 5% of doctors really behave badly with consequences), some doctors engage in bad behavior that is labeled "disruptive" and can impact negatively upon patient care. In one example, a physician ridiculed a nurse after she called him at home, worried that a patient in the intensive care unit had developed aspiration pneumonia, a dangerous condition that occurs when a substance such as food or vomit is inhaled into the lungs. "He told the nurse to 'get better training' and refused to address the issue." Unfortunately, the patient died.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Hospital Bills are Killing Us!
Check out why our medical costs have skyrocketed over the years. Time magazine did a great piece and explains in frightening detail here:
With all we are paying, and sponges still get left behind in patients. Read about one woman's nightmare.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Wrongful Death Suit Can Proceed Against Child Protection Workers
Two Denver child protection workers accused of failing to investigate suspicions of abuse in the weeks before a 7-year-old died from starvation and dehydration can face a lawsuit over the case. A federal appeals court rejected arguments that the caseworkers should be immune from such suits or weren't plausibly to blame in the child's death. Thr ruling does not establish liability, but rather allows the legal action to proceed.
This lawsuit comes on the heels of controversy in the Colorado child protection system. Since 2007, 175 children have died of abuse and neglect beaten, starved, suffocated and burned. Deepening the tragedy is that the families or caregivers of 72 of them were known to caseworkers whose job was to protect them.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Research on Pressure Sores Show Link to Untimely Death and Longer Hospital Stays for the Elderly
Seniors who developed pressure ulcers (pressure sores) were more likely to die during their hospital stay, to have longer stays in the hospital, and to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of their discharge. "When individuals enter the hospital with the risk conditions that we've identified, it should send up an immediate warning signal that appropriate steps should be taken to minimize the chance of pressure ulcers occurring," said Dr. Courtney Lyder, lead investigator on the study and dean of the UCLA School of Nursing.
The majority of these bedsores, also sometime referred to in the medical records as "decubitus ulcers" were found on the tailbone or sacrum, followed by the hip, buttocks and heels.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed
The family of Valeria “Munique” Tachiquin Alvarado – shot to death by a Border Patrol agent on September 28th in Chula Vista, outside of San Diego – has filed a wrongful death claim against the Border Patrol. The family states that the shooting was “the unjustified use of legal force in circumstances that did not justify its use.”
Latest Breaking News
Friday, OCTOBER 26, 2012
Late BBC TV Star Accused of Sexually Abusing As Many As 300 Children
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Thursday, October 25
Meningitis Outbreak
Rare "Black Mold" from Contaminated Steriod Injections Causes 24 Deaths- 323 Infected in 18 States
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Latest Breaking News
Friday, OCTOBER 19, 2012
21 Deaths from Meningitis Outbreak. 271 Infected
Authorities now report 21 dead due to contaminated steriod injections from the New England Compound facility.
An autopsy of one of the victims also revealed the presence of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. It's the only case of this type of fungus found so far. All other cases apparently involved the fungus Exserohilum rostratum, as reported earlier on the Garrow Law Firm website.
Latest Breaking News
Thursday, OCTOBER 18, 2012
Death tolls from Meningitis Outbreak now at 19. 245 Infected. Those who become ill are advised to contact a doctor immediately.
The widening meningitis outbreak has killed 19 people and infected 245, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Doctors in Baltimore said early diagnosis and treatment of patients at risk of fungal meningitis is vital. Failure to diagnose and treat quickly has lead to more deaths.
Fungal infections of this type are considered rare and generally affect only those who already have compromised immune systems such as the elderly or those who have undergone bone marrow or organ transplants. Fungal spores can enter the lungs of these patients and make their way into the blood stream, and eventually into the central nervous system.
But cases are emerging of otherwise healthy people who have deteriorated quickly after delayed diagnosis and treatment. Most of the cases have been linked to Exserohilum, a fungus associated with grass and rotting wood that appears to be especially aggressive in attacking tissues in the spine and brain stem.
Anyone who received steriod shots within the past couple of months should contact a doctor immediately. Waiting for more severe symptoms will delay treatment and reduce appropriate treatment options.
Latest Breaking News
Wednesday, OCTOBER 17, 2012
Deadly meningitis outbreak sickens 233 people and now responsible for 15 death
Federal officials reported today that the deadly fungal meningitis outbreak has now sickened 233 people in 15 states. 15 individuals have lost their lives to tainted steroid injections. The FDA, in response to growing safety concerns,raided the New England Compound Center in Framingham, MA on tuesday with support from local police.
Latest Breaking News
Monday, OCTOBER 15, 2012
Deadly meningitis outbreak tied to contaminated injections is now responsible for 15 death
Federal officials reported today that the deadly fungal meningitis outbreak has now sickened 214 people in 15 states. 15 individuals have lost their lives to tainted steroid injections.
Nearly 17,700 vials of the steroids that were believed contaminated with an illness-causing fungus were shipped, custom-made by a specialty pharmacy, New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Framingham, Mass. The pharmacy sent these vials to 76 clinics in 23 states, and estimates of approximately 14,000 people received the injections. Last week, the CDC said that doctors have contacted 90% of the 14,000 people.
NECC shut down on Oct. 10.
CDC: Death Toll Now 14 from Meningitis-linked Steroid Outbreak. 14,000 people at risk
Latest Breaking News
Thursday, OCTOBER 11, 2012
CDC: Death Toll Now 14 from Meningitis-linked Steroid Outbreak. 14,000 people at risk
Latest reports from the CDC now show that 14 people have died from meningitis as a result of receiving mold-tainted steroid shots for back pain and other minor maladies. 170 individuals from eleven states have been infected.
The outbreak has developed into a major health scandal with authorities scrambling to determine how vials of a steroid used mainly to treat back pain were contaminated. Health departments from several states are tracking down the affected in an attempt to get people treated before they become more seriously ill.
Serious questions are being raised about how the pharmaceuticals industry operates and is regulated. The health scare prompted U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who sits on the Senate's health oversight committee, to ask federal authorities to probe whether a Massachusetts specialty pharmacy that produced the steroid misled regulators about its operations.
According to Reuters, in six states - Tennessee, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and now Indiana - the outbreak has claimed lives.
Latest Breaking News
Wednesday, OCTOBER 10, 2012
CDC: 12 People Have Died from Meningitis-linked Steroid Outbreak. 13,000 people in U.S. may have been affected
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 12 people have died from the meningitis-linked steroid outbreak. The CDC warns that as many as 13,000 individuals in 23 states may have received the injections, although the number affected is expected to be much less.
So far, 137 people have been diagnosed with the infection in ten states. All of the affected individuals received epidural steroid injections --- in most cases for back pain. Somehow, mold was in the vials in which the injections were contained. The type of meningitis involved is not contagious like the more common forms but nevertheless can cause severe illness and death. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the steroid came from the New England Compounding Center, based in Framingham, Mass. The "prime suspect" in the outbreak is "tainted" methylprednisolone acetate, a steroid used in the injections.
Meningitis symptoms include severe headache, dizziness, nausea, and fever. Some patients also experienced slurred speech and difficulty walking or urinating.
The CDC provides a map that names the facilities in all 23 states that received the steroid.
Late Wednesday, the FDA confirmed that the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Mass., voluntarily recalled three lots of 80-milligram injection doses of methylprednisolone acetate (PF) Sept. 26. The lots included #05212012@68 with a beyond use date of Nov. 17, 2012; #06292012@26 with a beyond use date of Dec. 26, 2012; and #08102012@51 with a beyond use date of Feb. 6, 2013. The firm's website was unavailable on Thursday.
A fungus infection of the spine is difficult to treat. Fungal meningitis is an infection that patients with damaged immune systems can get. Cancer patients receiving immune suppressing drugs and those with the HIV infection are examples of vunerable individuals. It’s often found in the lungs because the mold – found in dead leaves and elsewhere -- can be breathed in. An antifungal drug called voriconazole can treat the infection but the health officials said in this case they want to be sure before they try it. The side effects from the antifungal treatment can be severe and include kidney and liver damage.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
3 Patients Infected, One Death From Maryland Cosmetic Surgery Center
Maryland health officials have closed a cosmetic surgery center after a patient who had liposuction developed a severe infection and died. 2 other patients also became ill as a result of developing the infection.
Bloomberg Businessweek reports that the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) ordered the closure of Monarch Med Spa in Timonium in Baltimore County, MD on Wednesday 9/19/12. The procedures took place from mid-August to mid-September. The 3 patients contracted severe invasive Group A Streptococcus, or GAS, infections. Though most of the infections are considered mild, they can be fatal in cases in which bacteria infects the muscles, lungs or blood.
DHMH shut down the cosmetic facility after the death
What Is Group a Streptococcus?
According to the CDC, Group A Streptococcus is a bacterium often found in the throat and on the skin. People may carry group A streptococci in the throat or on the skin and have no symptoms of illness. Most GAS infections are relatively mild illnesses such as "strep throat," or impetigo. Occasionally these bacteria can cause severe and even life-threatening diseases. These infections are termed "invasive GAS disease."
Two of the most severe but least common forms of invasive GAS disease are necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Necrotizing fasciitis (occasionally described by the media as "the flesh-eating bacteria") is a rapidly progressive disease which destroys muscles, fat, and skin tissue. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) results in a rapid drop in blood pressure and organs (e.g., kidney, liver, lungs) to fail. STSS is not the same as the "toxic shock syndrome" due to the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus which has been associated with tampon usage.
While 10%-15% of patients with invasive group A streptococcal disease die from their infection, approximately 25% of patients with necrotizing fasciitis and more than 35% with STSS die.