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SeaWorld Performer Suffers Head Injury

Chrissie Cole — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:36:15 GMT

A SeaWorld performer was trasported to the hospital with a head injury after he fell and hit his head while performing in the Cirque de la Mer show.

The fall happened just after 5 p.m. while the performer was inside a large plastic sphere called a Zorb, according to a SeaWorld spokesman. The performer was transported to the hospital, his injuries did not appear to be serious.

This is the second accident to happen at the Cirque de la Mer in just a few weeks. In the previous accident, a performer suffered a head injury after falling from a 20 foot pole.

If you or a loved one has suffered a head or brain injury, you can use the form on the right to contact one of our personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.

For more information on this topic, please visit Head Injury Information.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Tractor-Trailer Crashes Into Chicago Rail Station, 2 Dead

Jenny Albano — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:09:17 GMT

On Saturday, April 26 a tractor-trailer exiting an expressway during rush hour crashed into the Chicago Transit Authority train station and a bus shelter, killing 2 women at the scene and injuring 21 others. The truck ended up stuck inside a stairwell that leads from the street-level station to the train's platform.

The Chicago Police Department are investigating the crash at the Cermak-Chinatown Red Line station. That truck driver was questioned and was taken away in handcuffs after being treated at a hospital. He tested negative for blood alcohol but refused to take a urinalysis test. His name has not been released and he has not been charged with anything yet.

Most of those injured were in the bus shelter or the train station stairwell, said fire department spokeswoman Eve Rodriguez. The truck didn't appear to slow down before the impact, witnesses said.

All twenty-one injured were taken to local hospitals. Eleven people were in critical condition, four of them are children. People who work near the station said the intersection the accident occurred at is very dangerous because the traffic lights change quickly.

According to engineers, the only damage to the station was to the stairs that led to the overhead platform. As of now trains on the Red Line will not stop at the scene until further notice.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano

Patient Claims Surgery was Botched

Christina Cole — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 23:16:32 GMT

A 66-year-old cancer survivor is now suing Catholic Healthcare West and St. Joseph's Hospital for operating on the wrong set of his vocal cords, alleging medical malpractice.

Larry Bimbo's left vocal cords were paralyzed from undergoing radiation therapy many years ago for lung cancer. However, he now claims in court papers the doctors treated his healthy, right vocal cords instead, cutting off his ability to speak, breath and swallow.
"The mistake could very well have killed him," said Tempe lawyer Christopher Piekarski, who is representing Bimbo. "His health greatly deteriorated while under their car. Standard care was indeed violated."
Bimbo's lawsuit was filed on January 4th at Superior Court in Mesa. Defendants also named are Scottsdale physician Jerry Josen and Arizona Otolaryngology Consults.

In June 2005, Bimbo lived in Phoenix when he consented to a larvngogplasty, a type of implant surgery to treat his left vocal cords.

Piekarski said the paralysis likely occurred years ago, after Bimbo underwent radiation therapy for lung cancer that is now in remission. The paralysis was painful and caused him shortness of breath and made his voice hoarse.
Another physician removed the implant in a follow up procedure and repaired the paralyzed left cord in a third surgery about six months ago, Piekarski said.
Josen never has been disciplined or reprimanded by the Arizona Medical Board since becoming licensed to practice in the state in May 2000, according to the agency's Web site.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Christina Cole

Mom Arrested for Treating Son's Fatal Head Injury With Popsicle

Chrissie Cole — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:13:07 GMT

A 24-year-old mother has been arrested for treating her 2-year-old son's head injury with a Popsicle, instead of calling 911. The boy later died from the fatal head injury.

The boy fell eight feet down a u-shaped stairwell in their apartment building on Wednesday morning, according to police. Investigators say instead of calling 911 for assistance, she placed a Popsicle on her son's head and put him to bed.

When the father arrived home later, he found the boy unresponsive. Officers found bruises and marks around the toddlers head and dried blood on his nose and mouth.

The Mother is being charged with injury to a child by omission/criminal negligence.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Rollover Accident Near Benson Sends One To Hospital

Chrissie Cole — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:26:00 GMT

One person has been taken to a hospital for treatment following a rollover accident on eastbound Interstate 10 near Benson in southern Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Safety.

The accident happened about 16 miles east of Benson. One lane is blocked and traffic is slowly moving in the area. Officials expect the scene to by clear by noon on Wednesday.

It appears the crash occurred when a tractor trailer and a ’89 Isuzu Trooper traveling in the same direction, side by side, came into contact with each other causing the truck to veer into the median and the trailer it was pulling to rollover.

Visit our Tractor-Trailer Help Center and learn how to stay safe and avoid a tractor trailer accident.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Conditions in Arizona Nursing Homes Alarming

Chrissie Cole — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 21:20:56 GMT

Conditions in Arizona nursing homes are so unsafe and alarming that state inspectors will not leave until all the problems have been fixed and are in compliance with state laws.

Inspectors discovered nursing home abuse of patients that are unable to get the right medicines and seniors living in fear of being abused by abusive employees. In the past two years the numbers of Arizona nursing homes found to be in these types of conditions has spiked.

In 2006, 13 percent of Arizona's nursing homes were found in immediate jeopardy during their annual inspection, up from two in 2006 and one or two in the years prior.

This year three facilities have received the worst possible rating a nursing home can receive.

State health officials are shocked and concerned about by the increase. Nursing home advocates and operators say the spike is being caused by lack of funding. They say the state needs more money to better monitor homes.

Nursing-home care became the center of a firestorm earlier this year after inspectors found the Arizona State Veteran Home to be in immediate jeopardy because staff allowed elderly patients to smoke unsupervised, with some burning themselves with cigarettes. Inspectors also found other cases of severe patient abuse, including residents being left in soiled clothes for hours and call lights not being answered.

Gov. Janet Napolitano and legislators vowed improvements at the home, which was fined $10,000 by the federal government. Inspectors say the home is now in compliance.

The veteran home is one of a few homes with such troubles. In April, Waverly Park in Tucson was fined $20,250 for not giving medications to 21 patients over a four day duration.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Man Arrested for Nursing Home Abuse

Christina Cole — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 00:40:08 GMT

A man has been arrested on charges that he hit a disabled resident of a nursing home where he was formerly employed. Williams was arrested today by law enforcement officers with the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for nursing home abuse.

The arrest resulted from an investigation by the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Units Patient Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation team, according to a release from Attorney General Bill McCollum's office.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Christina Cole

Denniston Spinal Cord Surgery

Christina Cole — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 16:25:21 GMT

Dave Denniston, a former NCAA Champion from Auburn University and USA National Swim Team member is still recovering and healing from a tragic snow sledding accident on February 6th, 2005, that left him paralyzed from the waist down after suffering a spinal cord injury.

"Spinal fluid flow has been restored quicker than expected. Other than that, it has been hell having to lay on my side and not sit up for 72 hours," said Dave Denniston from his hospital bed via cell phone. He is currently plagued by intense headaches that are temporary due to the loss of spinal fluid which over time will be replenished.
Scar tissue trapped the flow of spinal fluid which pooled in a cavity called the syrinx. By removing the scar tissue the flow was restored and any buildup of fluid in the syrnix will now drain naturally.

Denniston will remain in the hospital throughout the weekend. He says he can feel more sensation in his lower body and his hips which is the best case scenario to be expected after surgery.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Christina Cole

Domega International Ltd. Recalls Zebra Brand Sweetened Lotus Root Seed and Zebra Brand Sweetened Coconut

Jenny Albano — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:18:50 GMT

Domega international Ltd., in conjunction with the FDA, is recalling Zebra brand sweetened lotus root seed and Zebra brand sweetened coconut because it contains undeclared sulfites. People who are sensitive to sulfites may risk serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume these products.

The recalled Zebra brand sweetened lotus root seed is sold in 6 oz. un-coded plastic bags and is a product of China, packed by Hong Kong Ever Time Food & Grocery Co. Ltd. The product was sold nationwide. The recalled Zebra brand sweetened coconut is sold in 6 oz. un-coded plastic bags and is a product of China, packed by Hong Kong Ever Time Food & Grocery Co. Ltd. The product was sold nationwide.

The problem was found after a routine sampling completed by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors. The Food Laboratory analysis revealed that there were undeclared sulfites in the recalled products. Sulfites were not listed as an ingredient on the labeling.

For people who have asthma, consuming 10 or more milligrams of sulfites per serving can result in severe reactions. Anaphylactic shock can occur for people who are sensitive to sulfites if they consume these Zebra brand products. So far, no illnesses have been reported to Domega International.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano

Safety 1st Stair Gates Recalled For Fall Hazard

Chrissie Cole — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:31:00 GMT

Dorel Juvenile Group USA, in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced a voluntary recall of 100,000 Safety 1^st SmartLight Stair Gates.

The hinges that hold the stair gate in place can break, posing a fall hazard to children.

To date, the company has not received any reports of injury.

Safety 1^st SmartLight Stair Gate, model number 42111, is included in the recall. The gates are white metal with gray handles that have a motion sensor nightlight that illuminates upon approach.

The agency advises consumers to immediately stop using the recalled gates and to contact the company as soon as possible to receive a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: Consumers can call the toll-free number 1 (866) 690-2540 Mon. through Fri. from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m EDT; complete an online order form on the Dorel Juvenile Group Web site at to obtain their free repair kit; email the company, or send a fax to (800) 207-8182.

* Consumers should not return product to retail stores.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole