The problem of medical malpractice is, unfortunately, alive and well in U.S. hospitals. Since the Institute of Medicine estimated a decade ago that up to 100,000 people a year die in U.S. hospitals from preventable errors, the problem has only gotten worse. Hospitals are undoubtedly busy places, and small mistakes here and there are natural. But to what extent should human error be excused, and what are hospitals doing to ensure that natural mistakes don't lead to serious harm and death to patients?
Lindsay Lohan sued for personal injury in pedestrian accident
Some celebrities just can't seem to stay out of trouble. Count among them actress Lindsay Lohan, who is being sued by a woman who claims she was struck by Lohan's sports car while she was crossing the street in September 2010. The pedestrian accident caused "disabling and serious personal injuries, pain, suffering and anguish," according to the lawsuit.
Mom admits to serving alcohol before 3 Pa. teens died in crash
In car accidents that cause injury or death, a victim or family often files a civil lawsuit against the person responsible. Crashes attributed to drinking and driving are fairly easy to pinpoint; the intoxicated driver is usually found at fault and named the defendant in a personal injury or wrongful death suit. But a recent case in Salem Township, Pennsylvania, blamed someone other than the driver.
Pennsylvania motorcyclist seriously injured in 4-vehicle crash
Motorcycle drivers and passengers are some of the most vulnerable travelers on the road. Aside from being directly exposed to the elements, they're at greater risk of injury in the event of a collision with another vehicle. Although responsible motorcycle riders take precautions to protect themselves, they can't control the actions of other motorists.
Pumpkin tossed at car seriously injures Pennsylvania driver
Most car accidents are referred to as such because they aren't deliberate. Even drivers who break the law -- by drinking and driving or failing to stop at a traffic signal -- generally aren't intent on harming other drivers or pedestrians. But a bizarre act of vandalism that shocked and injured an unsuspecting driver in Pennsylvania last month appears to be no accident.
Distracted driving blamed in Pennsylvania crash that injured 3
Although it's been a problem since long before the days when everyone had a mobile device at their fingertips, we're hearing more and more these days about the dangers of distracted driving. Whether it's a cellphone, a hamburger or a disruptive passenger, anything that distracts a driver long enough to take his eyes off the road can lead to a car accident.
The sting of injection: Steroid shots lead to more malpractice suits
Have you ever gotten a steroid shot to treat serious muscle pain? If you suffered negative side effects, you're not alone. An increase in steroid injections used to treat pain has resulted in a surge of severe complications, including paralysis and even death. These complications have led to medical malpractice lawsuits, as well as a review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration into the safety of the injections.
Pa. heart attack victim gets workers' comp settlement on appeal
It should come as no surprise that some workers' compensation lawsuits can be rather contentious. Employers who are unwilling to pay significant amounts of money for injuries suffered on the job may argue that it wasn't the work or the premises that caused the problem. Some cases are only settled after multiple appeals, as in the recent case of a Pennsylvania chef.
Pennsylvania driver blames school board member in car accident
A car accident can change your life in an instant, especially if it's a serious one that causes injuries. If you were the one injured, you could be laid up for weeks, months or even permanently. You might be unable to work and could possibly even lose your job, resulting in a loss of income.
