Author: Angela Leone

Nursing Home Abuse Can Occur Through Chemical Restraint

According to a report recently released by the Department of Health and Human Services, 14% of the 2.1 million elderly nursing home patients, during the first 6 months of 2007, were being prescribed at least one atypical anti-psychotic drug. It was found that over half of that 14% were prescribed the drugs for dementia alone. The anti-psychotics, including Seroquel, Zyprexa, and Risperadal, have NOT been approved for use in the treatment of dementia. In fact, the FDA has indicated that not only do these drugs offer no benefits to dementia patients, they actually can cause life threatening side effects. This undoubtedly a form of nursing home abuse.

Nursing Home Abuse via Chemical Restraint Is an Easy Form of Control

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers Chemical RestraintIt seems that the drugs are being used as chemical restraints; a way to sedate patients so that they require less attention. As an added “bonus,” the home can end up making a large profit from this practice. Due to medicaid reimbursements, the home is making money on every patient they wrongfully sedate with anti-psychotic drugs.

Nursing homes get paid a lot of money to care for your loved ones. Most of the time, they drain your loved one of all of their resources, perhaps even some of yours, and then continue to collect insurance payments. These costs should afford our elderly and sick population good, dedicated, and attentive care. The misuse of anti-psychotic drugs to restrain patients is depraved. Safeguards need to be put into place to make sure that such prescription drug abuse is not occurring.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Are Here to Help

If your loved one is being given atypical anti-psychotic drugs to “help with dementia“, you are witnessing nursing home abuse or neglect. You should discuss this issue with the staff at the nursing home and, if you aren’t completely satisfied with the responses you are receiving, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, and (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.
Our lawyers are dedicated to eradicating the disturbing trends of nursing home abuse in long term care facilities throughout the nation.

NJ and PA Lawyers: Birth Defect Surgery is a Costly Solution

With the healthcare field constantly changing it is difficult to pinpoint the exact price of surgical procedures. However, it can be assumed that most surgeries will be expensive, whether you or your insurance company is paying the bulk of the fee. Birth defects surgery is no exception. These procedures can be just as costly as others.

Topamax, the popular migraine and epilepsy medication, may increase the risks of cleft lip and cleft palate birth defects. The potential harm to a newborn child may also be accompanied by a major hit to your wallet.

Birth Defect Surgery is Increasingly Costly

new jersey philadelphia Birth Defects lawyers surgery costly solutionHealthcare Blue Book states that cleft lip surgery alone can cost an upwards of $1700. If your newborn baby suffers from a birth defect, such as cleft lip or cleft palate, that surgery costs on average more than $4000. These prices can vary depending on anesthesia fees and hospital fees that are not always included in the cost of the birth defect surgery. Other sources have the surgeries varying in price by several $1000 and the exact price of your child’s health will depend according to severity and location of the defect, as well as other external factors.

After learning of a child’s birth defect, parents will understandably be concerned about their little one’s health, providing the best outcomes, and of course, the financial aspect of their health. Some insurance providers include birth defects surgery, but your insurance coverage will determine your medical fees and payment processes. There are several organizations that financially assist families of those with cleft lips or palates. One such organization, Smile Train, helps families who are in poverty or cannot afford the healthcare expenses of a cleft lip or palate.

Your doctor can provide more resources when it comes to the financial dimension of the procedure. Your individual situation is unique and may vary depending on other factors.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was recently born with a birth defect and you believe it may be attributed to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, you probably have a long list of questions. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys Prevail in New Jersey Negligence Case

Medical Malpractice AttorneysA New Jersey man was awarded $2.8 million in damages last week, following a seven day medical malpractice civil trial. The money damages were awarded for a botched kidney stone removal procedure that led to extreme discomfort, permanent injuries, and additional surgeries. Medical malpractice attorneys say that it is not uncommon that even routine procedures, such as a kidney stone removal, have the potential to lead to serious harm in patients. It is important that patients understand that no surgery comes without risks, but some risks arise from medical negligence and those are unacceptable.

Physician Negligence Results in Long-Term Problems

The plaintiff and his medical malpractice attorneys filed the lawsuit against Steven Orland, the Trenton urologist who handled his procedure. In his lawsuit, the plaintiff pointed out that the procedure resulted in damage to his urethra which was compounded by sub par post-operative treatment.Expert witnesses during trial agreed with the plaintiff, pointing out that the post operative treatment was not acceptable according to standards of medical care.

According to the plaintiff’s attorney, Eric Chizmar, the negligence of Orland led to debilitating scarring, permanent injuries, and numerous surgeries. Said Chizmar,

“My client went in for a simple kidney stone removal surgery. As a result of the negligence of his physician, he has and will suffer mentally and physically for the rest of his life”.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you have recently undergone a surgical procedure and you believe your ongoing pain or illness may be attributed to medical malpractice, no doubt you have questions regarding your legal rights. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at 856-833-0600 in New Jersey, or 215-567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Let the medical malpractice attorneys at the Mininno Law Office fight for your right to full and fair compensation.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys Win Verdict for Louisiana Man

Medical Malpractice AttorneysMedical malpractice attorneys win a large verdict for a man and his wife after a nurse’s negligence led to his brain injury. The plaintiff, Mr. Ralph LeCroy, went in to Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe, LA for a simple and routine procedure on his rotator cuff. Following his procedure, Mr. LeCroy received 50 mg of IV Demerol in the recovery room and was later transferred to another room where he was under the care of nurse Sasha Sanders.

During the time LeCroy spent under Sanders’ care, she failed to properly monitor his condition, provide him with proper recovery measures, follow the doctor’s orders, and make a physician aware of the ineffectiveness of medication before providing additional pain relievers. Medical malpractice attorneys fear that although a surgery has been successful, the threat of negligence does not end there.

$126,000 Awarded for Immense Pain, Discomfort, and Increased Medical Bills

Ms. Sanders was ordered to monitor LeCroy’s vital signs and be on the look out for respiratory depression signs every thirty minutes. Her orders required her to administer 50 to 75 mg of Demerol “for severe pain every three hours as needed, or one or two tablets of Vicodin by mouth for moderate pain every three hours as needed”.

A little over two hours after LeCroy received his last 25 mg dose of Demerol in the recovery room, Sanders administered another 50 mg dose of pain medication. LeCroy began to snore loudly, but suddenly stopped after just 10 minutes. He had no pulse or respirations, and CPR and intubation were required. The plaintiff was placed in the intensive care unit on a ventilator and remained in the hospital for five days. Soon after returning home, LeCroy suffered temporary memory loss. Following an EEG and MRI by his primary care physician, it was revealed that LeCroy had suffered an anoxic brain injury. The negligent over-medication cause by his nurse led to extreme pain and suffering.

Medical malpractice attorneys won the plaintiff a total of $126,000; $116,000 to cover pain, suffering, mental anguish, emotional trauma, and increased medical expenses, and $10,000 to Mrs. LeCroy for her loss of consortium.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you have recently undergone a medical procedure and are currently suffering from effects that believe can be attributed tomedical malpractice, it is likely you have many questions. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at 856-833-0600 in New Jersey, or 215-567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Let the medical malpractice attorneys at the Mininno Law Office work to earn you full and fair compensation.

Feeding Your Baby With a Cleft Lip or Palate.

If you have a child with a cleft lip or cleft palate birth defect, you must be familiar with the difficulties that feeding entails. While it may be extremely upsetting and challenging to see your child suffer with a birth defect, it is important to remain calm and relaxed as it will help the child to also be relaxed during the feeding. If breastfeeding is not an option, remember that it is not your fault, and that there are other options.

Feeding Options for Babies with Cleft Lip/Palate

There are specialized bottles available that were designed with your baby’s cleft palate in mind. These bottles can be outfitted with nipples specifically designed to fit the baby’s mouth containing a cleft. There are also soft bottles that help you to deliver milk to your baby more easily.

Your baby may have trouble creating the suction required because air comes from the nasal cavity to the oral cavity to get milk from the nipple. By consulting with your caregiver, you may discover that more options may be available to you.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia.

birth defects attorneysMany parents ask if they need birth defects attorneys because their child was born with a cleft palate or lip birth defect. There are many internal and external causes of an oral cleft, including genetics, alcohol use, drug use, and infections. It has recently been announced by the FDA that pregnant women who use Topamax (Topiramate), a drug used to treat epilepsy and migraines, increase their likelihood of giving birth to a baby with a cleft palate by up to 21 times the normal rate.

If you believe Topamax may have been the cause of your baby’s cleft lip or palate, you have legal options. Let the experienced birth defects attorneys at the Mininno Law Office answer all of your questions, and work to earn you full and fair compensation.

The Mininno Law Office offers FREE consultations and case evaluations. There is no upfront cost to meet with the experienced birth defects attorneys at the Mininno Law Office. Please do not hesitate to ask our birth defects attorneys for help for your child. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey and (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys Face New Challenges with New Legislation

The state of Florida has recently passed significant restrictions on an injured patient’s ability to seek lawsuits against medical professionals within the state. With the stronger regulations, medical malpractice attorneys are now faced with a much more difficult road to seek justice and a fair outcome for their clients. Limitations on potential damages and restrictions on plaintiffs’ ability to call expert witnesses may handcuff attorneys and their injured clients in seeking a fair result.

Medical Profession vs. Injured Patients: Florida’s Cost Benefit Analysis

medical malpractice attorneys in nj and paThroughout the past decade, Florida has been seeking solutions to keep quality doctors within the state. The lack of major liability in medical malpractice lawsuits will be a major motivating factor for physicians when they ultimately select a location to practice. If doctors can decrease their financial outlay on insurance and other means to protect themselves against lawsuits, they will see a significant increase in their profit margin. The state had worried that they lagged behind much of the nation in recruiting and maintaining specialty doctors in fields such as orthopedics and neurology.

Clearly, it is a major state interest to have a strong medical system with top notch doctors. The problem arises when seriously injured patients are not able to receive the full and fair amount in damages. The debate will rage on when patient interests are examined under a microscope. If people are seriously injured due to major medical malpractice, it does not seem fair to limit their ability to pursue a jury trial, a right guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States of America. This legislation may or may not increase the quality of medical care within the state of Florida, but it will definitely limit the ability of innocent victims of malpractice to seek a fair outcome through the legal process.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you were recently the victim of medical malpractice and you believe you may be entitled to compensation, it is likely that you have some questions. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at 856-833-0600 in New Jersey, or 215-567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Let the medical malpractice attorneys at the Mininno Law Office earn and/or you’re family the compensation you need and deserve.

Nursing Home Neglect Very Dangerous to Alzheimer Patients

Nursing home neglect is very serious problems in this country and affect one of the nation’s most vulnerable populations. Within that already vulnerable population are those that are particularly vulnerable. These are the millions of people that suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

nj and pa nursing home neglect attorneysAlzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder that eventually leads to dementia. This dementia causes a significant loss of mental capabilities, which in turn causes memory loss that can interfere with social functioning. In 2000, 4.5 million people in the U.S. were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Of those diagnosed, 7% were between the ages of 65-74, 53% between the ages of 75 and 84, and 40% were 85 or older. Because of the severity of the effects of Alzheimer’s, many sufferers are forced to enter nursing homes to receive the necessary care, so it’s safe to say that a huge portion of residents in nursing homes are Alzheimer’s patients. It is expected that the rate of the disease will grow three-fold by the year 2050, with 13.2 million people being diagnosed.

Because the disease has such a profound affect on mental abilities, those suffering with Alzheimer’s need very specialized and careful care. People with this disease may not remember to eat or drink, or to move around enough to avoid becoming bed or wheelchair ridden. They may be on a number of medications, and end up over or under medicated. These are all issues that, if not properly regulated, can lead to dangerous results. Failure on the part of a nursing home to properly care for these very ill patients can be seen as nursing home neglect. Bedsores become a very real threat when bed ridden patients without the mental properties to care for themselves are not cared for by an attentive and dedicated staff. Bedsores are painful and potentially fatal, and can diminish the quality of life these patients have left.

Will the Rise in Alzheimer’s Lead to More Cases of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse?

What will the rise of Alzheimer’s Disease diagnoses and the subsequent rise in nursing home patients mean for our loved ones? It is likely that, unless we are all very vigilant, the rise of patients in nursing homes will be accompanied by a rise in nursing home abuse and neglect. Bed sores and pressure ulcers, accidents, malnutrition, and other signs of neglect may become more prevalent. Nursing home neglect attorneys advocate for the proper care of nursing home patients, as should you. Protect your loved ones by visiting often and keeping a close eye on the the care they receive.

Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you believe your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, please contact the NJ and PA nursing home neglect attorneys at the Mininno Law Offices. We are dedicated to eradicating the current trends of abuse and neglect found in the nursing homes across the country.

Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, and (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys Score Back to Back Wins in PA

In late April, two plaintiffs in Erie County, Pennsylvania received favorable verdicts in their medical malpractice cases, with awards totally over $30 million.

One case involved the estate of Carolyn Champlin, a 66 year old woman who lost her life to a missed lung cancer diagnosis. The missed diagnosis prevented Champlin from ever receiving treatment for her illness, even though she had all necessary tests and met with both her primary care physician and a thoracic surgeon regularly. Both doctors missed the cancer, as it spread through and ravaged her body. Another case involved a negligent child-birth that resulted in cerebral palsy.

These two verdicts are major wins for medical malpractice attorneys in Pennsylvania who are seeking fair outcomes for their victimized clients.

Pennsylvania County Stands Up Against Medical Malpractice

Medical Malpractice AttorneysThe Champlin verdict came down after a jury deliberated for over six hours, spanning a two day period. The thoracic surgeon, Wilfredo Tan, settled during the jury deliberations, after being found liable for 40% of the total negligence. The jury returned a verdict of over $1.8 million dollars for the plaintiff. The final number was eventually decreased by forty percent because of Tan’s portion, which was dealt with in a pre-verdict settlement. The primary care doctor, Renato Ocampo, was found liable for the remaining 60%.

This major victory came only a day after another Erie County plaintiff received $21.6 million dollar verdict. That damage award was compensation for the botched delivery of Ja’Kareon Graham. Graham was deprived a significant amount of oxygen during labor and was born with cerebral palsy. He will require special care for the rest of his life, and will likely not be able to support himself as he gets older. The verdict was awarded for past and future medical expenses as well as lost earning capacity. IT will be distributed to the Grahams in annuities until 2081. The $21.6 million award was the largest in Erie County history and, coupled with the success of the following day, makes it clear that medical malpractice attorneys are working effectively to earn compensation for the innocent victims of medical negligence.

Medical malpractice attorneys have the enormous duty of fighting for fair compensation when medical professionals fail to act in accordance with their standards of care. It is encouraging to see that two families received some closure after devastating tragedies lead to birth defects and death.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a family member have recently been the victim of medical malpractice or negligence, you may be entitled to compensation similar to the plaintiffs in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at 856-833-0600 in New Jersey, or 215-567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys Get Large Settlement for Family

Medical Malpractice AttorneysRan Zhuang and her husband Zhiru Guo settled with their former doctors, nurse practitioner, and genetic counselor for 7 million dollars. The chinese couple’s medical malpractice attorneys brought the lawsuit as a result of their three year old child’s mental and physical disabilities which were the result of a birth defect. The young girl, Annie Guo, suffers from cri-du-chat (also referred to as cat cry syndrome). Frederic N. Halstrom (the plaintiff’s attorney), and many other medical malpractice attorneys in similar cases, look to bring justice to a family who faces many challenges in the years to come.

Chromosomal Abnormality was not properly Detected

Through a diagnostic process called amniocentesis, Annie Guo’s chromosomal abnormality should have been recognized. Had the abnormality been defined, the parents of the child would have been able to reflect and make a decision for their best interests in the future. The mother was not given adequate prenatal genetic counseling during her pregnancy which should be provided to all pregnant women. Had the proper tests been completed and performed properly, the parents would have been told about the potential dangers and hardships that would face the young child throughout her entire life. Armed with this information, the parents would have been in a better position to decide whether or not to terminate the pregnancy before birth, a protected liberty available to pregnant women in this country. Since the dangers were not properly recognized, the seven million dollar settlement will go towards the treatment and care of the young girl who will likely need constant medical attention for life. Medical malpractice lawyers are faced with an important challenge in these types of cases because all expectant mothers deserve to have full knowledge of their child’s health so that they can make informed decisions in everyone’s best interest.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you have recently given birth to a child who suffers from birth defects which you believe can be attributed to medical malpractice, it is likely that you have some questions. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at 856-833-0600 in New Jersey, or 215-567-2380 in Philadelphia.

The medical malpractice attorneys at the Mininno Law Office are dedicated to earning victims of medical negligence the compensation they need and deserve.

Topamax Lawsuits, Their Costs, and Possible Remedies.

It has recently been discovered that Topamax (Topiramate) has been linked to birth defects in children, increasing the likelihood of cleft lip or cleft palate formation. Topamax is used to help prevent seizures in epileptics and to prevent severe headaches in chronic migraine sufferers. Recently, the FDA released an announcement stating that data has shown an increased risk of craniofacial birth defects (cleft lip or cleft palate) in children born to women who used Topamax during pregnancy. NJ and PA Birth Defects AttorneysIf you believe that your child’s cleft lip/cleft palate may have been affected by your use of the Topamax drug, you probably have questions about what resources and remedies are available to you and what they will cost. Children who are born with a cleft lip/palate have a number of difficulties that will confront them in their lives. However, it is surgically possible to begin remedying the issue within the first two to three months after birth. In many cases, when surgery is undertaken, there can be a full and complete recovery.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

One important remedy is legal action, which will reduce financial stress on your family and provide funding for your child’s health issues. You probably fear that the costs of birth defects attorneys would be too high and only serve to further burden your family financially. However, you couldn’t be more wrong. The Mininno Law Office works on a contingency basis. What does that mean to you? It means that there are no out of pocket costs to you while the birth defects attorneys at The Mininno Law Office pursue your case. The Mininno Law Office only recovers its costs and fees when you get paid. In other words, we don’t make any money unless and until you make money.

It has been shown that the quicker corrective measures are used to remedy the child’s condition, the more effective they are. Please do not hesitate to ask for help for your child. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey and (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Let the birth defects attorneys at the Mininno Law Office earn you and your family the compensation that will help your child live a normal, happy, and healthy life.