What is it about doctors that makes their handwriting so illegible? We've all heard jokes about how hard it can be to read the chicken scratch on prescription orders, but what isn't funny are the deadly mistakes that can happen when patients get the wrong pills because a written prescription was misunderstood.
Misunderstood prescriptions can result in deadly mistakes
Companies accept responsibility in train crash
Several companies took rightful responsibility for their roles in a deadly 2009 train crash that claimed the lives of nine people. The admission of guilt brought to rest seven of nine wrongful death lawsuits stemming from the accident, which left many others injured.
Mother talks about underage drinking after Maryland teen's death
A woman whose son died after drinking an alcoholic energy drink says that parents need to be more aware of how their kids are spending their time. The car accident that caused his death happened just after he'd spent the day with friends, drinking a beverage that another adult had purchased for them.
Before you pucker up, look for lead in your lipstick
A warning for women who wear lipstick: A study by the Food and Drug Administration found 400 lipsticks on the market that tested positive for lead. Although the FDA says the amounts of lead are at a low enough level to not cause a serious health risk, they might cause some to think twice about what they're putting on their lips.
Are doctors' white lies for our own good?
Is anyone immune from telling a lie every now and then? According to a recently published study, even doctors lie to patients; 11 percent said they've told a patient or a child's guardian something that wasn't true in the past year, and about 20 percent said they haven't fully disclosed a mistake because they were afraid of being sued for medical malpractice.
Executor wins jury award in medical malpractice suit
Have you ever wondered if you had psychic abilities? A New Jersey man must have felt impending doom to have a will drawn up the day before his untimely death. Because of his forethought, his estate was awarded $1 million for a medical malpractice suit.
Maryland state trooper who fatally struck pedestrian back on duty
A Maryland State Police trooper who fatally struck an elderly pedestrian last year is back on duty after an investigation into the crash. A state police spokesman said couldn't say whether the trooper has been found guilty of any policy violations, but confirmed that the state's attorney will not press any charges against him.
Both drivers were drunk in fatal accident, report shows
Maryland State Police have stated that preliminary toxicology reports indicate that both drivers in a recent head-on accident were driving drunk. The drunk driving accident occurred on Route 50 during the early hours of Jan. 28.
Accident victim's family wants tougher tests for Maryland drivers
Last week we talked about accidents involving bicycle riders and the importance of sharing the road to avoid accidents. Now the family of a 20-year-old Baltimore man who was killed in a biking accident is pushing for tougher testing of drivers to avoid similar crashes.
Need a lift? Be sure to check your plastic surgeon's credentials
The plastic surgery industry is alive and well in Maryland and across the United States. The demand for firmer skin, a tighter tummy and fuller, more pouty lips is higher than ever, and it's not hard to find a surgeon willing to take years off your appearance for the right price. But what is the true price, and whom are you paying?
