Florida Accident Attorney Blog

Nine Alabama hospital patients have died and 10 others are suffering from bacterial infections -- as health authorities investigate possible connections to contaminated intravenous feeding bags. Alabama state health officials are looking into whether a bacterial infection was transmitted to patients by the IV bags, which were made by Birmingham, Ala. based company Meds IV. The IV bags have been pulled off the market.

A Fort Myers, Florida medical malpractice lawyer is familiar with state and federal guidelines for safe and sanitary medical practices -- including the use of IV materials. Patients routinely receive medicines and fluids via IV bags and tubing in Florida hospital emergency rooms, surgical operating rooms, intensive care units, recovery rooms, and in-patient hospital rooms. Patients assume the IV materials are safe.

A case that came to light in 2009 at Broward General Medical Center in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area revealed that a nurse had reused IV tubing on multiple patients -- some of whom developed serious health concerns.

The average patient doesn't worry about the safety of medications, medical supplies, and medical devices until something goes wrong -- as in the Broward County, Florida case and now the case in Alabama, which some speculate could be connected to the patient deaths.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are involved in the investigation surrounding the Alabama case. In a separate case in Minnesota, a nurse is being investigated under suspicion that she introduced bacterial infections into patients while stealing drugs from IV bags.

9 Dead After IV Infections at 6 Ala Hospitals
Patients were treated with contaminated intravenous feeding bags
AP on ABC News Health March 29, 2011

Role of IV solution in 9 Alabama patient deaths may never be known
CNN Health March 30, 2011

Officials investigate infections at Minn. hospital
FoxNews.com March 16, 2011

Related Florida Medical Negligence Lawyer Articles:

Broward General Medical Center Issues Patient Notice Update in Florida Case of Nurse Who Reused IV Equipment in Cardiac Stress Tests Feb. 7, 2010

Crackdown on Broward County "Pill Mills" : Pain Clinics Blamed for Florida Prescription Drug Overdose Deaths March 9, 2011

Rock star Bret Michaels has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court claiming the brain hemorrhage he suffered resulted from a head injury he received at the Tony Awards.

Michaels was reportedly injured during a Tony Awards show performance in 2009 when he struck his head on a stage piece lowered from above. Michaels, who has struggled with diabetes and overcome medical challenges including heart surgery, reportedly suffered a brain hemorrhage in 2010. He is suing Tony Awards Productions and CBS for unspecified damages, claiming a communications breakdown led to his onstage head injury, according to media reports.

Fort Myers, Florida traumatic brain injury lawyers work with families to obtain compensation when someone suffers head injury as a result of a car accident or work accident where another party may be at fault.

Mr. Michaels is not the only celebrity in recent years to bring the topic of head and brain injury into the national spotlight. Actress Natasha Richardson died of a brain injury called an epidural hematoma -- bleeding inside the skull -- following a seemingly minor fall during a ski outing in 2009.

An experienced Florida head injury attorney is aware of how serious a trauma to the head resulting from an auto accident, recreational accident, or work accident (such as a construction accident) can be -- even if initially nothing seems to be wrong. Head injuries may also result from a slip and fall accident that occurs at work or in a public building such as a store, restaurant, or hotel in Florida. It's important to seek immediate medical attention after any head injury.

Bret Michaels sues the Tony Awards for on-stage head injury
The Washington Post March 27, 2011

Bret Michaels Blames Tony Awards For His Brain Hemorrhage, Files Lawsuit
Yahoo! Music March 25, 2011

Quick treatment could have saved Richardson
Epidural hematoma is ‘a very treatable condition,’ neurosurgeon says
Associated Press on MSNBC.com March 19, 2009

Related Florida Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney article:

Defective Tire Causes Catastrophic Brain Injury (PDF)

Related Web Resource:

Brain Injury Resource Center

A Palm Beach Gardens, Florida teen who lost part of her leg in a boat accident has been released from the hospital, according to local news reports.

According to a West Palm Beach, Florida news source, Ms. Gabby DeSouza, a student at Palm Beach Gardens High School, lost part of her right leg in a boating accident that occurred in February off Juno Beach Pier. The teen's leg was struck by a boat propellor in this boat accident. The boat was reportedly being driven in shallow waters carrying friends of the girl who was seriously injured. Ms. DeSouza has, according to news reports, endured several surgeries and is learning to walk with a prosthetic leg. She was treated at St. Mary's Medical Center in Florida.

Palm Beach County, Florida boat accident injury lawyers may be contacted by families seeking guidance where a loved one has been injured or killed in a boating accident. Experienced Fla. boating accident injury attorneys have knowledge regarding the rules and regulations governing the safe operation of boats and personal watercraft in the State of Florida.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lists the rules and regulations for safe boating operation on its website, including language for what is considered reckless and careless operation (see link below). The boating accident in Palm Beach County, Florida that severely injured this teenage girl remains under investigation.

Palm Beach Gardens girl who lost part of leg in boat accident leaves hospital
The Palm Beach Post News March 25, 2011

Palm Beach Gardens girl struck by boat propeller has first surgery to amputate leg
The Palm Beach Post News Feb. 16, 2011

Related Florida Boat Accident Injury Attorney Articles:

Lee County, Florida Water Skiing / Boating Accident Claims Life of Naples Teen June 22, 2010

New Florida Boating Safety Law Aims to Prevent Boat Accidents Involving Young Operators
April 20, 2010

Related Web Resource:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission : Boating Regulations

Back in January, a news story out of Jacksonville, Florida reported on the tragic outcome of an erratic driving car accident -- one that possibly could have been prevented had the driver been pulled over by authorities and apprehended.

A Florida news source reported that a woman on her way to church in Jacksonville encountered an erratic driver who nearly hit her. She suspected this may be a drunk driver who could hurt himself or other motorists on Florida roadways. Being a good Samaritan, she called 911 and reported the erratic driving to the dispatcher. She even followed the vehicle onto the highway, where the driver swerved into the breakdown lane. Confusion arose as the caller was transferred from the local sheriff’s dispatcher to Florida Highway Patrol and back to local police again, as the erratic driver travelled on and off the highway in a dangerous manner.

The 911 caller stopped following him. Sadly, the erratic driver was killed in a car accident when his car drove into a retention pond in Florida. Other motorists reportedly called 911 to report the driver was swerving, hitting curbs and posing a danger on the roadways.

Families who lose a loved one or suffer injury in an erratic driving auto accident may consult with Fort Myers, Florida car accident injury attorneys to learn if liability is involved in their case.

The Florida Highway Patrol encourages motorists to report drunk drivers, erratic drivers, aggressive drivers, and others who pose a threat on the highways by dialing Star FHP (*347) from their cell phones. Florida drivers may also use that number to report motor vehicle accidents on Florida highways as well as stranded motorists.

Woman Reports Driver Before He Dies
Witness Who Followed Car That Crashed Into Pond Says Response Lacked Urgency
News4Jax.com Jan. 10, 2011

Florida Highway Patrol: Dial Star FHP in Road Emergency

Related Florida Accident Attorney Article:

Distracted Driving Car Accidents on the Rise

Plantation, Florida personal injury Attorney Debi Chalik is known for taking a strong stance in the courtroom when she's fighting for her clients' rights. Later this month, Attorney Chalik will take her energy and determination to a new stage -- as a dancer competing in a fundraiser for her local synagogue.

On March 26, 2011, Attorney Debi Chalik will be among a handful of synagogue members paired with professional dancers competing at a "Dancing With the Stars" fundraiser for Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El in Plantation, Florida.

"When somebody asks us to volunteer for something, it's very difficult to say no," says Debi's husband and law firm partner Attorney Jason Chalik. "I grew up in Plantation, Florida, and both Debi and I believe it's very important to give back to our community. We are spiritual people and our synagogue is a good place to do volunteer work that we can feel good about."

Attorney Debi Chalik has built a reputation in Broward County and the South Florida region as a strong advocate for people who are injured through no fault of their own -- including people injured in construction and other work accidents, motor vehicle accidents (including defective tire accidents), as well as infants who suffer birth injuries such as Erb's Palsy and Brachial Plexus paralysis.

For more information on the Dancing With the Stars fundraiser, please visit the Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El website.

Related Florida Accident Attorney Resources:

Videos:

Attorney Debi Chalik's Advice on What to Do If You're Injured in an Accident in Florida

Print Articles:

Chalik & Chalik Community Involvement

Keeping Clients Informed: What to Expect in an Initial Consultation with Your Florida Injury Lawyer

The Family Practice News reports on a new study that found when physicians delivering babies follow a specific shoulder dystocia protocol, the incidence of birth injury to the infants can be greatly reduced. A shoulder dystocia injury may occur when the baby's shoulder becomes lodged inside the mother's vaginal canal. If the doctor uses excessive force in attempting to free the baby's shoulder -- the baby may suffer injury to the nerves in the neck and spine.

A report was presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. It recommended a "simple standardized protocol for managing shoulder dystocia, called Code D," which a recent study found "reduced the incidence of obstetric brachial plexus injury."

A Fort Myers, Florida birth injury lawyer has knowledge regarding what constitutes medical malpractice in cases where a baby is injured during a delivery at a Fla. hospital or clinic. Erb's palsy and Erb's paralysis are conditions related to shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus birth injury, whereby the baby has difficult moving his or her hand and arm properly.

The study found that when the protocol is implemented, "The rate of obstetric brachial plexus injury in cases of shoulder dystocia fell from 40% before implementation of the Code D protocol to 14% afterward." The shoulder dystocia medical protocol recommends a "hands off" pause to assess the situation, announcing the situation to personnel present, and specific birthing maneuvers to reduce the chance of birth injury to the baby. It also recommends training for all delivery room staff, including midwives and nurses. See link below to report.

Source:

Shoulder Dystocia Protocol Reduces Brachial Plexus Injuries
Family Practice News March 11, 2011

Related Web Resource:

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Related Florida Accident Attorney Article:

Florida Erbs Palsy Birth Injury Lawyer Advice to Pregnant Women:
"Discuss Options with Your Doctor Before Entering the Delivery Room" by Attorney Debi Chalik, Dec. 9, 2010

If you're one of Florida's professionals, retirees, or other big car lovers who enjoys cruising the Sunshine State in your luxury Cadillac -- be aware that General Motors has two recent automotive recalls that might affect your vehicle.

According to Edmunds Inside Line, the 2011 Cadillac SRX as well as the Buick LaCrosse are being recalled due to problems with the heating, cooling, and ventilation system. While this might not sound like a serious auto product safety recall at first read -- NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) recommends owners of the affected Cadillac model contact the manufacturer for repair, as lack of proper environmental control can lead to defrosting issues and poor visibility. Poor visibility could in turn lead to possible Florida traffic accidents including vehicle related pedestrian accidents.

As most any West Palm Beach auto accident injury attorney will attest, driving on South Florida's busy streets, beach roads, and congested highways is challenging enough without having trouble seeing out the windshield.

A second Cadillac recall occurred last month as 2009 and 2010 Cadillac CTS cars were recalled for a problem with the rear suspension. The problem -- which reportedly stems from a loose nut that affects the rear wheel -- could result in loss of vehicle control and lead to a car accident. Late last year, GM recalled Cadillac vehicles for seat sensor and seat belt problems.

Any automotive safety or product liability recall should be taken seriously by consumers and acted upon as soon as possible. Auto manufacturers typically fix recall problems free of charge. Florida Cadillac owners should contact their dealer for more information on these auto recalls. See link to official Cadillac website, below.

Related Florida Accident Attorney article:

GM Issues Safety Recalls for Seat Sensor and Seat Belt Defects (Dec. 27, 2010)

Sources:

Edmunds Inside Line:

2011 Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX Recalled (March 9, 2011)

2009-'10 Cadillac CTS Recalled for Rear Suspension Problem (Feb. 16, 2011)

Related Web Resource:

Cadillac Help Center

A Miami, Florida news source reports that the Florida Attorney General wants to strengthen the role of the state in closing down clinics illegally distributing narcotic pain medications. Broward County, Florida has come under legal and media scrutiny for the proliferation of shady pain clinics or "pill mills" -- where powerful narcotics such as oxycontin and other opioids are sold to addicts and dealers on the black market. In February, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi introduced a series of proposals for the legislative season aimed at bolstering the state’s role in shutting down these so-called pill mills.

Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice lawyers are familiar with Florida laws restricting the sale of controlled substances such as oxycontin, oxycodone and other narcotic medications. Medication errors are sometimes to blame in patient wrongful deaths; the illegal distribution of opioid prescriptions through pain clinics is an alarming problem, as these medications are highly addictive.

The Miami Herald describes several stories told by grieving families who reportedly lost family members due to illegal drugs obtained at questionable Broward County pain clinics. One mother tells how her son was killed in a fatal pedestrian accident after walking out into traffic while under the influence of oxycodone. Families have formed an advocacy group called STOPP NOW: Stop the Organized Pill Pushers (see link below).

The Florida Attorney General supports operation of a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which Florida Gov. Rick Scott has opposed due to privacy issues. This week, a judge in Tallahassee, Fla. cleared the way for the program to begin operation. If Florida's drug monitoring program goes into effect, it will track prescriptions for controlled substances filled by Fla. pharmacists and medical practitioners using a database.

Currently, Florida is the largest state in the U.S. that does not have a drug monitoring system similar to those operating in another 34 states. The problem of unethical pain management clinics operating in Broward County, Florida has received national attention, as families who have lost loved ones to drug overdoses cry out for laws to be changed. Prescription drug addicts may engage in "doctor shopping" -- going from clinic to clinic to obtain narcotic medications. And some medical doctors engage in excessive prescription writing. Unfortunately, Broward County, Florida has become a destination for both addicts and dealers in illegal narcotics.

Ruling could clear way for prescription drug monitoring in Florida
TampaBay.com March 9, 2010

Sons and daughters, lost to a pill epidemic
MiamiHerald.com March 5, 2011

Related Florida Accident Attorney article:
State Attorney Calls West Palm Beach Summit on Florida Pain Clinics and Prescription Drug Abuse Feb. 22, 2010

Related Web Resources

STOPP NOW: Stop the Organized Pill Pushers

Florida Office of Drug Control

As Fort Myers, Florida car accident injury lawyers and long-time residents of the Sunshine State, we know too well the hazards of driving on Florida's streets, highways, and toll roads. Now a class action lawsuit filed in Tampa, Fla., claims that some motorists are being unlawfully detained as they attempt to pay their tolls.

Courthouse News Service and other media report that a federal class action lawsuit has been filed in Florida claiming that a private contractor that collects tolls for the Florida Turnpike detains and interrogates certain drivers who attempt to pay with large bills.

The lawsuit reportedly claims that some Florida drivers who try to pay their turnpike tolls with a $50 or $100 bill -- or even with a $5 bill -- may be detained, interrogated, and asked for personal information before they are released. The lawsuit cites contractor Faneuil, which was hired by the Florida Turnpike to collect the tolls. The complaint reportedly states that the Florida Turnpike authorized the contractor to detain and interrogate certain motorists while in some cases, "Bill Detection Reports" were prepared.

This Florida lawsuit reportedly states that such detention and seizure of motorists is unconstitutional and seeks damages for civil rights violations and false imprisonment. This problem that some consumers are apparently encountering at some Florida's Turnpike toll plazas gives new meaning to that old Monopoly chance card -- "Do Not Pass Go."

The Florida Turnpike is a north-south toll road running parallel to I-95, which extends through several counties in South Florida, providing access to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. (Note: Florida Highway Patrol tracks Florida Turnpike accidents and other highway motor vehicle accidents by county and region; see link below to clickable map.)

Unconstitutional Stops on Florida Highways
Courthouse News Service Feb. 11, 2011

Florida Toll Road Sued for Holding Motorists Hostage
TheNewspaper.com Feb. 22, 2011

Report: Motorists file class action suit against Florida toll road for...taking hostages?
AutoBlog.com Feb. 23, 2011

Related Web Resources

Florida's Turnpike (official website)

Florida's Turnpike (Wikipedia)

Florida Highway Patrol: Traffic Incidents by Region