Birth Defect Attorneys – Cleft Lip Leads to Dental Problems

We know that young children who suffer from cleft lip and cleft palate may face dental problems down the road. In particular, children who suffer from birth defects may be at risk for a significantly higher number of cavities due to their cleft lip or cleft palate. Children may also have extra, missing, malformed, or displaced teeth due to this. Birth defect attorneys advise that children who have teeth that require additional attention should seek dental and orthodontic consultations and treatment as soon as possible. Cleft lip and cleft palate can have dramatic ramifications on many parts of a young child’s life and it is important to address oral issues, including those dealing with teeth, as soon as possible.

Alveolar Ridge Defect may Accompany Cleft Palate

new jersey philadelphia Birth Defect Attorneys cleft lip dental problemsMany young children who suffer from a cleft palate may also have a alveolar ridge defect. The alveolus is the upper gum where the teeth are located. Defects in the alveous are not uncommon in young children who suffer from birth defects such as cleft palate. These defects in the upper gum may first displace or rotate the permanent teeth that have grown in. Secondly, in young children, these defects may prevent the adult or permanent teeth from descending and appearing. Finally, we say that this sort of defect may also prevent the alveolar ridge from properly forming. These can develop into serious problems for children and parents should seek dental consultation as soon as possible. Fortunately, we know that these problems are fairly common and can generally be fixed through some form of oral surgery. Following surgery, the young child will be able to show off a beautiful smile without any displacement or rotation of the teeth.

Birth Defect Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a birth defect, such as cleft lip or cleft palate, that you believe is attributable to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, it is possible that you have some questions for our professionals. 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.

Elder Abuse Awareness Day – June 15th: Types of Abuse

Today is the 6th anniversary of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. There are several different types of elder abuse that occur far too often in this country and around the world. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) defines elder abuse as intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or “trusted” individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder. Tens of thousands of elderly Americans are abused every year in their homes and in the facilities responsible for their care. To increase the awareness of this horrible issue, we wanted to give a brief overview of the different types of elder and nursing home abuse.

Types of Elder and Nursing Home Abuse

new jersey phialdelphia nursing home neglect lawyers Elder Abuse– Physical Abuse is the non-accidental use of physical force that may result in injury, physical pain or impairment of an elderly person. Physical abuse includes acts of violence such as hitting, beating, shaking, shoving, kicking and burning as well as inappropriate use of medications, physical restraints, depriving basic needs and force-feeding.

– Physical Neglect is the refusal or failure to provide medical services, hygiene or basic life needs such as food, water, shelter, healthcare, and protection to an elderly person that exposes them to severe risk or harm. Neglect is the most common form of elder abuse, accounting for 49% of cases. The physical signs of neglect are often easy to find, poor personal hygiene, soiled bedding, smell, untreated cuts or sores, and poor dental hygiene.

– Emotional or Psychological Abuse is the infliction of mental pain, anguish, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts towards an elderly person. This includes verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, insults, and harassment. Nonverbal abuse includes ignoring the elderly, treating them like an infant, or isolating them from their friends, family, and regular activities. Emotional abuse is harder to detect unless witnessed first hand. It is important to look for changes in behavior, fear of certain care workers, and anxiety and withdrawal.

– Sexual Abuse is non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly person. This can include, but is not limited to, unwanted touching, all sexual acts, coerced nudity, and sexually explicit photography. Any of these acts with a person who is incapable of giving consent is considered sexual abuse.

– Abandonment is when the person who has assumed responsibility to care for a vulnerable elder has deserted, neglected or failed to fulfill the caretaking obligation. This can either be intentional or unintentional based on ignorance or denial of the amount of care the elder actually needs.

– Financial Abuse is the illegal taking or misuse of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder. Some examples include cashing an elderly person’s checks without authorization, forging signatures, stealing money or possessions, identity theft, deceiving an older person into signing any document such as contracts or wills, and the improper use of conservatorship, guardianship, or power of attorney.

Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

The elderly are a vulnerable population that needs our help and understanding. They have paved the way for us and provided us with opportunities that, without them, we wouldn’t have had. It is disgraceful to essentially throw them away when they become difficult to care for. Our elderly loved ones deserve to live and die with the same dignity that we feel we are entitled to. Don’t let elder abuse continue at the same alarming and depraved rate at which it occurs now.

If your loved one is currently a resident of a nursing home or care facility and you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, 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, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Bed Sore – The Fourth and Final Stage: Free Consultation

Bed sore lawyers say that the fourth and final stage of pressure sores brings about a large scale loss of tissue. Some wounds may be so deep that tendons, bones, and muscles can actually become exposed. Within the depths of the wound, slough (dark dead tissue) and significant drainage is likely built up. We know that the fourth stage signifies deep and widespread skin damaged caused by the bed sore. Medical attention is required to preserve the health and life of patients.

The Road to Recovery

new jersey philadelphia bedsore attorneys fourth stage final recoveryPeople need to get in contact with their doctor or health care provider as soon as possible. This stage of bed sores can lead to a serious deterioration of health and even worse, it could cause death. Following a medical consultation, it is imperative that people closely monitor the status of the bed sore. We know that the first sign of recovery will be that the wound will slowly begin to diminish in width and depth. New tissue will begin to form along the edges of the sore, which will generally be a light pinkish color. People may also notice blood at the site of the wound: although most people usually see blood as a bad sign, in the case of bed sore recovery it is actually a positive sign. Bed sore attorneys believe that blood shows that there is good circulation in this region of the bed sore which will help the region begin to heal.

Bed Sore Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a loved one has recently suffered from a pressure sore which you attribute to neglect or mistreatment, it is possible that you would like to speak with our professionals. 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.

Nursing Home Abuse of Alzheimer’s Patient Leads to Arrest

We write about a lot of nursing home abuse cases where the facilities are the cause or enabler of the abuse. The administrators at Wesleyan Nursing Home in Georgetown, Texas, however, acted quickly and appropriately at the first sign of abuse with one of their certified nursing assistants.

Frustrated Nursing Assistant Pushes Patient

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers alzheimer patient arrestElla Jean Moorer is facing a charge of Injury to the elderly, disabled reckless bodily injury for an incident where she injured an 88-year-old patient who has severe Alzheimer’s. According to other staff members of the nursing home, Moorer was trying to change the patient’s clothes when he resisted… “She then became frustrated and grabbed the elderly man’s upper arm, pushed him towards the toilet, put him in a head lock and tried to force him to the toilet with her hand on his chest”. The man later complained of chest pains and had bruising on his upper arm. Moorer denied the incident to the nursing home administrators. She was put on administrative leave and later fired. According to facility administrator Timothy Stuteville:

“This was the first event of its kind with her, so we took it very seriously and we notified the agencies that we needed to notify… We take a lot of pride in the care that we provide for over 200 seniors. And so we won’t tolerate anything but the best for them.”

Caring for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia is not easy, especially because they can often be combative toward caretakers. Since it can at times be frustrating, it is very important for these workers to be knowledgeable of the diseases and very patient. It is good to see a nursing home take the appropriate action at the first sign of abuse with their employees. There are too many facilities that look the other way when it comes to elder abuse and do not report the incidents to the authorities. Moorer was arrested in Williamson County and her bond was set at $7,500.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident of a nursing home or care facility and you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, 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, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Bed Sore – Stage Three, Signs and Suggestions: Free Consultation

The third stage of the bed sore progression brings about significant changes and a more dramatic wound. Unlike stage two, where the wound only extended into the top layer of the skin, stage three has a much more extended skin break. The breakdown in the skin now extends through the second layer of the skin, known as the dermis, into the fat and subcutaneous tissue. Bed sore lawyers say that the wounds in stage three are noticeably deeper than in prior stages.

How to Care for a Stage Three Bed Sore

new jersey philadelphia Bed Sore lawyers stage three signs suggestionsMany of the general treatment suggestions from previous bed sore phases remain similar in stage three. Once again, it is essential to keep pressure off of the pressure sore. We stress the importance of frequently changing positions and alleviating the pressure between the wound and outer surfaces, such as wheelchairs and beds. Cleaning the sore and maintaining good hygiene is once again crucial to the healing of a pressure sore. Yellow shaded dead tissue, known as slough, may appear within the wound which is a main reason cleanliness carries such importance at this stage. Our professionals also advise that maintaining a healthy diet during stage three is important to strengthen the skin. Wounds that are present in stage three almost always call for additional care and treatment. Special cleaning, antibiotic medication, or specially created beds and mattresses may be suggested by a physician to help limit pressure and promote recovery.

Bed Sore Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a loved one have recently suffered from a pressure sore which you attribute to neglect or mistreatment, you probably would like to speak with a bed sore attorney. 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.

Nursing Home Neglect Leads to Resident Choking to Death

When the elderly reach the point where they need to be admitted to a nursing home or long term care facility, they are in fragile condition and need to be watched over very carefully by the caregivers of these facilities. It is very important that nursing homes are ready for the multiple life threatening emergencies that can occur with the elderly. Nursing home neglect can be prevented if the facility is prepared.

Nurse Allegedly Left Choking Resident Alone for 20 Minutes

new jersey philadelphia nursing home neglect lawyers residen chokingThe Johnson Mathers Nursing Home in Carlisle, Kentucky received a Type A citation from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Office of Inspector General on May 10 for an April 30, 2010 incident of nursing home neglect where a resident’s life or safety was endangered because of violations of state regulations. The incident involved a newly admitted resident who was on a pureed diet and had requested all necessary measures be taken to save her life.

Shortly after the resident was fed her evening meal, a licensed practical nurse heard from the hallway outside of the resident’s room a “gurgling.” The nurse went into the room and asked if she could clear the food from her throat, but the resident shook her head “no.” The LPN then left the choking patient alone without supervision and neglected to inform any other staff member of what was going on for fifteen to twenty minutes while she cleaned a dirty suction machine. She returned to the patient but the suctioning did not alleviate the choking. Fifteen minutes later the LPN went to the nurse’s station where she informed them of the situation and told them “I think she’s gone.” When the other nurses went into the patient’s room they found her with a faint pulse. A nurse who had Toronto first aid training, performed CPR and she was then taken to the emergency room where she died. According to the citation, the death certificate listed the cause of death as aspiration pneumonia.

The citation said that “The facility failed to have an effective system in place to ensure … supervision to residents who are choking and who have requested CPR.” The nursing home also neglected to have proper equipment cleaned and ready in case an emergency occurred. This facility needs to implement standard procedures for when choking or other emergencies occur with their residents. A nurse should never leave a patient alone while choking. If she had to leave the room, she should have found another staff member to help in her absence. Nursing home neglect is becoming more of a problem as budgets and staffing decrease, but this is below standard care and the death of this woman could have been easily avoided.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident of a nursing home or care facility, pay attention to the quality of equipment and nursing staff. If you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, 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, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Bed Sores – Stage 2, What to Do: Free Consultation

Bed sore lawyers urge patients to be on the look out for the deterioration of skin as a signal that a bed sore condition is worsening. Stage one of the pressure sore process begins with some slight changes to the skin that may not be easy to notice and therefore may not cause patients to seek medical attention. Stage two is more noticeable due to breaking in the top layer of skin. This should be apparent because a shallow open sore will develop.

How to Cope with the Second Stage of Bed Sores

new jersey philadelphia Bed Sore lawyers explain bedsores stage 2It is essential that people keep pressure off of the open sore in order to limit damage and irritation to the skin. Patients should also maintain good hygiene and a strong and nutritious diet. Although cleanliness is important, it is essential to delicately clean and dry the wound as opposed to a vigorous rubbing motion which could cause further damage. There are many important vitamins and nutrients which contribute to healthy skin. People should be sure to have a sufficient intake of protein, calories, zinc, iron, and vitamins A and C.

After consulting with your doctor, a number of possible treatments may be presented. It is sometimes proposed that patients clean their wound only with saline solution, as opposed to a more conventional soap and water technique. Secondly, patients may be required to check for signs of wound healing with each change of their dressing in order to monitor progress of the bed sore. We believe that most doctors will also be highly concerned with infection during stage two. If a wound seems to be infected, rather than healing, a consultation with a physician is necessary to re-evaluate treatment and possible causes of the problem.

Bed Sore Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a loved one has recently suffered from a pressure sore which you attribute to neglect or mistreatment, it is possible that you would like to speak with a bed sore attorney. 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.

Nursing Home Neglect – CEO Pockets Money at the Expense of Elderly

A majority of nursing homes and long-term care facilities are owned by for profit corporations. This means that there is an owner, who unfortunately is often in this business only for the money and not for the care of the sick and elderly. When corners are cut and staff is underpaid to add to the wealth of the corporation, nursing home neglect is bound to occur. It is a sad reality that most often the best care is given in the non-profit homes because all of the funding is put towards care and not in the pocket of a greedy corporate owner.

Avery Eisenreich Takes Advantage of Residents and Employees for Profit

Avery Eisenreich is the CEO and owner of Omni, a chain of nursing homes in New Jersey which includes Bristol Manor, Rochelle Park; Castle Hill, Union City; Harbor View, Jersey City; Palisade, Guttenberg; Cedar Hill, Cedar Grove; Chancellor, Irvington; Chateau at Rochelle Park; Hudson Manor, Secaucus; Newport, Jersey City; Pope John Paul/St. Mary’s, Orange; Riverton, Rahway; Riverview, Paterson; Silver Care, Cherry Hill; and St. Cloud, West Orange. Omni nursing homes are some of the worst in the state; 45% of short-stay residents at Rochelle Park will develop bed sores.

new jersey philadelphia nursing home neglect CEO pockets monet expense elderlyEisenreich, who bought the nursing homes in 1991, is also misusing Omni funds for his own personal gain. In 2007, Omni made over 20 million dollars in profit while 90% of their funding comes from tax dollars. He was not using the money to improve facility care or increase employee salary. He paid caregivers as little as $7.90 an hour while he paid himself more than $1,500 an hour. He had not invested in training programs in over two years. Eisenreich would intimidate and harass his employees, refused to offer them a reasonable family healthcare plan, and created a hostile work environment. In 2009, 400 Omni workers went on strike that lasted three days to send a message to Eisenreich and the rest of Omni that they wanted fair treatment and pay.

Matt Stanton, a spokesperson for the company, says that they held 32 meetings with the union and in 2008 a final offer was given. Although the union rejected the offer, the terms were enacted that gave employees a pay increase of more than 19% over 5 years and “additional paid time off for many incumbent employees.” This is a start for Omni, but more money needs to be put towards improving the care of the residents. Avery Eisenreich is taking advantage of the elderly, his caregivers and the taxpayers in order to make himself more money.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident at a nursing home and you fear that the care they are receiving may be considered negligent or abusive, you should contact a nursing home neglect lawyer for help. 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, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Bed Sores – Stage 1 and Early Prevention: Free Consultation

We believe that it is essential to notice warning signs of bed sores and pressure ulcers as soon as possible in order to limit potential health issues down the road. Although bed sores are vaguely noticeable on the skin in the early stages, these wounds can quickly intensify and significantly impact the health of individuals. Bed sore attorneys stress the importance of frequently changing positions, especially in hospital beds and wheelchairs, as well as frequent skin examinations to catch bed sores before they develop. The risks are great when dealing with pressure sores and early prevention is the only way to ensure the health of loved ones.

The Beginning Stage of Bed Sores

new jersey philadelphia bed sores lawyers stage one early preventionAs pressure sores begin to develop, the skin will remain intact. This may confuse people into believing that it is simply a skin rash rather than the development of something more severe. People with a lighter complexion will notice that their skin is becoming red. Individuals with darker skin may not notice any significant changes in the coloring of the skin. People will also notice that their skin will not blanch, or briefly lighten, when it is touched or pressure is asserted.

Finally, bed sore attorneys say that the location of the bed sore may bring about many different sensations in patients. The pressure sore could be painful as skin begins to deteriorate. The skin may also begin to feel increasingly firm or soft, which will differ among individuals. The site of the pressure sore may also feel warmer or cooler than the other surrounding skin. All of these different appearances and sensations should be a warning sign that a bed sore is beginning to develop and medical attention is immediately necessary. We firmly believe that this discomfort forces many people to realize that they are not suffering from a normal rash therefore they immediately seek help and hopefully prevent a tragic outcome.

Bed Sore Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a loved one has recently suffered from a bed sore due to improper medical care or neglect, it is possible that you would like to speak with a bed sore attorney. 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.

Nursing Home Neglect Leads to Heat Exhaustion and Death

It is very important to remember how vulnerable the elderly are when it comes to temperature. Now that summer is here and the temperature is rising, it is crucial that you check up on your elderly loved ones to make sure that they do not overheat. Properly working air conditioners and fans are vital to their heath and well being during the summer months.

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities are responsible for maintaining the health of their residents. Nursing home neglect is a serious issue, and heat exhaustion is a very easily preventable form of neglect.

Elderly Man Left in Record Heat for Three Hours

new jersey philadelphia Nursing Home Neglect lawyers report Heat Exhaustion DeathA 69-year-old nursing home resident died on Tuesday, June 7th after care workers neglected to bring him inside for over three hours. Martin Belkin, who lived at Sunrise Care Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, had a history of medical problems. He asked care workers early Tuesday afternoon to be taken outside in his wheelchair. He was left in the heat for over three hours, from 2:45 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. He was found unresponsive. Tuesday was a record high for Milwaukee, reaching 97 degrees at 3:47 p.m. A staffer at the medical examiner’s office asked for a reading of Belkin’s body temperature just before 8 p.m. That reading relayed that Belkin’s body temp was 101.4 degrees. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office will be conducting an autopsy this week to determine if Tuesday’s heat was the official cause of Belkin’s death.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident of a nursing home or care facility and you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, 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, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.