NATIONAL – The American Society of Bone and Mineral Research Femoral Fracture Task Force is recommending that US health regulators rewrite the warning labels for a popular class of osteoporosis drugs called bisphosphonates because of their possible association with atypical femur fractures. Bisphosphonates include drugs sold under the brand names Actonel, Boniva, and Fosamax. The task…
PINELLAS COUNTY – Crossing the streets in Pinellas County can be deadly. In recent years, Pinellas was the only county in West Central Florida that had an increase in pedestrian fatalities. According to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) statistics, 30 people died. This year FDOT officials are optimistic. “Our pedestrian fatalities, even all of our traffic fatalities are down…
NATIONAL – The National Transportation Safety Administration (NTSB) has issued a press release calling for 21 states, including Florida, to toughen their child restraint laws. The NTSB said child passenger safety laws in 21 states and two U.S. territories do not meet their safety recommendations. The press release said Florida has the most lenient child…
NATIONWIDE – Highway deaths fell to 33,808 in the U.S. for the year 2009, the lowest number since 1950. The decline in traffic fatalities occurred even while estimated vehicle miles traveled in 2009 increased by 0.2 percent over 2008 levels, according to the Department of Transportation. In addition, 2009 saw the lowest fatality and injury…
STATEWIDE – Many tourists and Florida residents love to parasail behind boats in the Gulf of Mexico. Sometimes many questions arise regarding the safety of parasailing. Parasailing can be safe and fun in good weather conditions, utilizing the right equipment operated by an experienced crew. Some ask, “how many accidents have there been?” The PSC…
Workers’ Comp Payments for Medical Care Exceed Cash Benefits in 2008 The rising cost of medical care and increased use of medical services led to a jump in workers’ compensation payments for medical care and cash benefits for U.S. workers in 2008. Workers’ comp payments for medical care and cash benefits for workers injured on…
STATEWIDE – According to Forbes magazine, this week released its first-ever survey of America’s most profitable hospitals, revealing that 24 hospitals with more than 200 beds make 25 cents or more for every dollar of patient revenue they take in. The report is being widely disseminated by the health insurance industry, which is pushing back against…
PINELLAS COUNTY – A whiplash injury affects well over one million people in the U.S. each year and is the most common injury resulting from car accidents. Whiplash injury symptoms are often chronic problems that sometimes may persist for many years. Headaches, neck pain, low back pain, and travel anxieties are but a few of…
A jury has just awarded a former High School student $5 million for permanent injuries he suffered in a 2006 lunchtime fight. The jury also awarded the former student interest dating back to the fight, which could increases the award by $1 million. In awarding the damages, the jury determined that a student who threw…
PINELLAS COUNTY – A whiplash injury affects well over one million people in the U.S. each year and is the most common injury resulting from car accidents. Whiplash injury symptoms are often chronic problems that sometimes may persist for many years. Headaches, neck pain, low back pain, and travel anxieties are but a few of…