Tag: birth defects

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.

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 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.

Cleft Palate Birth Defects – Can We Prevent Them Ourselves?

cleft lip and cleft palate birth defects lawyers in nj and pa width=If your baby is born with a birth defect, it is natural to be confused and scared. Some birth defects we have control over, and others happen naturally. Cleft palate birth defects are those that can be caused internally or externally. It has been recently discovered that the drug Topamax, an anti-convulsant used to treat seizures and migraines, can cause cleft palate birth defects in fetuses when taken by pregnant women in their first trimester. If you are a pregnant woman who has been prescribed the drug because no other treatment options are available, you might want to begin taking additional supplements that may be able to counter act the negative effects of Topamax.

Multivitamins Have Been Shown to Reduce Risks of Birth Defects

First and foremost, many research studies have shown that taking multivitamins when pregnant can prevent birth defects and help strengthen your fetus’s health. Folic Acidis a vitamin B that aids the body in making healthy cells. Folic acid can be prescribed by a primary physician or by an OB/GYN. With technology rapidly enhancing, genetic counseling is now available that can test family history or test for chromosomal syndromes that can increase your baby’s chance of birth defects. Other prenatal vitamins (which may include folic acid) are recommended for pregnant women to ensure the health of a baby’s immune system.

Expectant mothers need to be especially careful after discovering that they are pregnant. During pregnancy, a mother’s behavior and choices may drastically affect her baby’s future health. For instance, one should avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful products, and avoid stressful situations that can harm the baby. Alcohol and tobacco have been shown to hinder a fetus’s growth and development – and this is no different for increasing the risk of birth defects.

Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that may or may not be avoided by these supplements. Some fetuses are genetically predisposed to the defect and a pregnant mother who takes exceptional care of her body during pregnancy may be able to avoid the hardships. However, taking Topamax during pregnancy will only increase the risks of having a child with cleft lip and cleft palate birth defects. Make sure you discuss other options with your doctor before you begin the treatment.

For more information on prenatal vitamins and supplements, visit the American Pregnancy Association website.

Cleft Palate Birth Defects Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a birth defect and you believe it may be attributed to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, 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.

Support Does Exist for Children with Facial Clefts

new jersey philadelphia birth defects lawyers support exist children facial cleptsChildren born with cleft lips or cleft palates often face many challenges while growing up. Development is changed drastically, and learning to eat and speak becomes harder than ever. While surgeries are indeed available to correct craniofacial birth defects, these surgeries can be overwhelmingly expensive for some families, leaving parents and child forced to cope with these oral malformations.

Luckily, however, foundations exist to help children and parents move forward with treatment and therapy after a child is born with a cleft lip and/or palate. These foundations provide support and education, and some even provide treatment at discounted rates so that families without insurance can afford the costly procedures.

The Cleft Palate Foundation

The mission of The Cleft Palate Foundation is to:

“enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial birth defects.”

nj adn pa birth defects lawyersThe foundation operates the CLEFTLINE, a toll free 800 number that provides information to callers about facial clefts and other oral malformations. Callers will also be provided with information regarding cleft palate support groups in their regions.

In addition to CLEFTLINE (1-800-24-CLEFT), the foundation provides free publications to website visitors regarding craniofacial research, meetings and events, available scholarships, and teams of specialists available in their area to provide treatment.

SmileTrain

nj and pa birth defects attorneysSmileTrain is a charity that provides oral cleft repair surgery for only $250 to poor families. They do this through funding from benefactors, and through donations from civilians like you and I. In addition to providing parents with the opportunity to afford the procedure, SmileTrain also trains doctors in over 75 countries to perform craniofacial surgeries on children.

SmileTrain makes it possible for children to live normal lives who otherwise would be forced to face a life of handicaps and physical deformities. The charity is a wonderful cause, and we urge anyone with the extra funds to make a donation.

Birth Defects Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Craniofacial birth defects, like oral clefts, can have internal and external causes. It has recently been determined that one of those external causes is the use of the anti-convulsant drug Topamax, used to treat epilepsy and chronic migraines. When used during pregnancy, or extensively by women of childbearing age, the risk of a fetus developing an oral cleft becomes much greater. Doctors have been alerted that prescribing this drug to pregnant women could end up doing more harm than good, and that only when no other viable treatment options exist should it be prescribed to pregnant women.

If your child was born with a craniofacial birth defect and you believe that it could be attributed to your use of Topamax, you probably have a lot of questions regarding your legal rights. 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.
If your child suffers from a cleft lip or cleft palate, there is help. Don’t wait to ask for it.

Alert of Link between Topamax and Oral Clefts

Topamax is an anti-convulsant used to treat seizures in adults and children over the age of 10. It is also used to treat migraines. The drug is not used to stop a migraine headache or seizure that is already in progress, but to prevent either one from happening. The drug has been approved by the FDA only for these two purposes, but has been used by doctors to treat other conditions. Legal action was taken, and the pharmaceutical company responsible for this was fined over six milliion dollars.

What Are Side Effects or Risks Associated with Topamax?

new jersey philadelphia birth defects attorneys cleft lip palate linked topamaxTopamax is associated with a few side effects and risks, some more dangerous than others. The most common side effect associated with the drug is numbness and tingling (parasthesia) in arms and legs. Other side effects include fatigue, change in tastes, weight loss, difficulty focusing, short term/non-severe loss of memory, nausea, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. No side effects seem to be long-term or life threatening.

Recently, the FDA announced a change in the drugs pregnancy classification from Class C to Class D. Data has shown that women who take the drug during at least the first trimester of pregnancy expose their fetuses to the risk of developing a cleft lip or cleft palate. Other birth defects have been reported as a result of Topamax use, but not at the same frequency as the oral clefts and malformations.

The FDA has suggested that doctors not prescribe the drug to pregnant women, or women of childbearing age, if there is another, viable option for treatment. Only when there is no other choice for treatment should a pregnant woman be prescribed Topamax (topimirate).

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a cleft lip or cleft palate birth defect and you believe the defect was brought on by your use of Topamax during the pregnancy, you may be entitled to compensation from Johnson & Johnson and/or Ortho-McNeil, the companies responsible for manufacturing and marketing the drug. 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 our attorneys help your family earn your due compensation.

Birth Defects: How Do Cleft Lips and Cleft Palates Form?

Many birth defects and injuries can be attributed to medical negligence. Doctors may fail to act quickly or properly in dire situations, and a child will remain affected for the rest of his or her life. Other birth defects, however, occur in the womb, and are in no way attributed to medical malpractice or negligence. These defects normally have internal and external factors that play into their development. Cleft lips and cleft palates are one of these birth defects. They do not occur because of negligent medical providers, but because of varying internal and external players, some of which, we do have control over.

Causes of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

new jersey philadelphia birth defects lawyers cleft lip palate formationAn infant’s face and skull form within the womb during the first trimester. Normally, the tissues that make up the hard palate (roof of the mouth) and the lip fuse together. When they do not, a hole or opening forms. This hole/opening is known as a cleft.

Internally, genetics can play a big part in the development of a cleft lip or cleft palate. These genes can cause an isolated incidence of cleft, or they could be part of another syndrome whose symptoms or side effects include clefts. Often, a child inherits genes that increase the likelihood of developing a cleft, and then environmental factors trigger it’s formation.

Externally, a mother’s environment can determine whether or not a cleft will form. Fetuses exposed to alcohol, illicit drugs, cigarette smoke, and certain infections, are more likely to develop a cleft lip or cleft palate. Recently, it has also been revealed that the anti-epileptic drug Topamax, used to treat migraines as well as seizures associated with epilepsy, can increase the risk of cleft development when taken during pregnancy.

Birth Defects Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child has suffered from a birth injury or birth defect, you probably have a list of questions about your rights and the rights of your child, especially if that birth defect is a cleft lip or cleft palate that you believe is associated with your use of Topamax during pregnancy. 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.

Birth Defects, Like a Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate, Can be Overwhelming

new jersey philadelphia Birth Defects attorneys cleft lip palate topamax overwhelmingA cleft lip can lead to extreme alterations of one’s life and can be difficult to cope with. If your newborn baby has a cleft lip or cleft palate, you will be bombarded with information from medical professionals across varying fields. These professionals will provide you with an abundance of helpful information, however, it is natural to feel overwhelmed. You need not panic as there are many other parents –like yourself—who are going through the same situation. Birth defects, such as cleft lip/palate are not uncommon, and with proper medical attention they can be repaired with no further harm.

A Key to Overcoming Birth Defects is Finding Support

There are countless support groups for parents, family members, loved ones, and perhaps most importantly, the patient. As helpful as the doctors can be, there may be a time when you would like to speak to someone who has gone through the same situation and gain their insight. An outside but similar perspective will provide enormous support and help you rationalize your thoughts. One of the larger support groups can be found online at DailyStrength.org This website has hundreds of members, all suffering from birth defects, such as a cleft lip or palate. Members even include family of those with birth defects. Furthermore, this website allows anonymous posts and questions, allowing candid, honest questions to be asked. If you would prefer face to face interaction, you can find support groups in your home town. These support groups will provide you with a personal feeling of security.

As your newborn grows older, he or she will have questions about their birth defect and the answers will be difficult to provide. These support groups will provide an opportunity for your child to seek companions who have endured the struggles of school, bullying, communication, and social settings. You may not always have the answers or be able to rationalize your child’s struggles, but a support group will ensure that you are not alone.

Topamax and Cleft Lip/Palate Are Linked

Topamax is an anti-epileptic drug used to treat epilepsy and migraines. Recently, the FDA issued a warning regarding the use of Topamax during pregnancy. It seems that the drug has the potential to cause the formation of lip or palate clefts when taking during gestation. The FDA advises that doctors should not prescribe the drug to pregnant patients unless there is no other viable treatment option available.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was recently born with a birth defect that you believe can be attributed to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, it is possible 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.

Birth Defects Like Cleft Lip/Palate Connected to Topamax Use

Topiramate, known by its prescription name of Topamax, hit the market as a prescription medication to treat epilepsy and certain types of seizures in September 2006. The drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006 and has been a successful medication ranking near the top of the industry. Medical professionals were hopeful that Topamax would be extraordinarily beneficial to many people who suffered from seizures, but it is now apparent that it may lead to birth defects in babies when taken during pregnancy.

From Medical Advancement to Extreme Potential Harm

new jersey philadelphia Birth Defects attorneys tomapax connection cleft lip palateTopamax was prescribed to millions of people who were excited about this “medical break through”. Unbeknownst to those taking the medication, Topamax has been found to increase the occurrence of birth defects in expectant mothers who take it. Five years after its release, in March 2011, the FDA forced Topamax to issue a warning about the correlation between their drug and birth defects. Five years of availability on the market means that countless expectant mothers have taken this pill, hoping to no longer suffer from epilepsy and seizures. The FDA’s website has confirmed that taking Topamax will increase fetal risk of birth defects, such as cleft lip or palate. The severity of this side effect must be taken into consideration when prescribing medication to expecting mothers. If you take Topamax and suspect that you could be pregnant, you should seek a medical professional to receive an expert opinion on the matter. There are alternative medications available that have not shown side effects of birth defects which are far safer to take during pregnancy.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a birth defect and you believe it may be attributed to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, 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.