Medical Malpractice Attorneys – Unethical Juror Delays Justice

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice stated that “juror misconduct undermines the constitutional rights of plaintiffs and defendants and threatens the sanctity of our justice system,” and medical malpractice attorneys could not agree more.

This week, a New York juror in a medical malpractice lawsuit was arrested for allegedly soliciting a bribe from the plaintiff. The juror, Deonarine Persaud, was charged with bribe receiving by a juror, a Class D felony, as well as first degree misdemeanor misconduct by a juror. Although it is important to put an end to this type of juror misconduct, the behavior of this one man has delayed the justice sought by the plaintiff.

Corrupt Juror could Face Seven Years in Prison

new jersey philadelphia Medical Malpractice Attorneys unethical juror delays justicePersaud, a sworn juror in a medical malpractice civil trial, contacted the plaintiff and said that he had some important information about the defendant that was crucial to the lawsuit. Through a telephone conversation, Persaud spoke to the mother of the plaintiff and arranged to meet the plaintiff’s father at a local hardware store to discuss the information. The father immediately recognized the juror, who made assurances that he could sway the jury in the plaintiff’s favor in return for a five percent cut of the damages awarded. The family contacted the plaintiff’s medical malpractice attorney soon after the phone call and the news was promptly brought to the judge on Monday. The judge, in turn, contacted the DA’s Office and after a short investigation, the juror was arrested when he returned to court on Tuesday. If Persaud is convicted of all the charges that have been brought against him, he could face up to seven years in prison. Due to this gross misconduct on the behalf of the juror, medical malpractice attorneys fear that the plaintiff’s pursuit of a fair and impartial trial will be substantially delayed.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you have recently been the victim of any sort of medical negligence, you most likely would like to speak to medical malpractice attorneys regarding your situation and 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) 5672380 in Philadelphia.

Adding Your Child’s Teacher to the Cleft Palate Care Team

The birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office would like to share with you some advice about preparing your child with a cleft lip/palate for school. There are many things you may want to communicate with your child’s teacher. First and foremost, in as tactful a way as possible, let the teacher know that your child is an individual, not a diagnosis. Other children will naturally be curious, because your child’s appearance may be different, but the teacher can make this a positive experience by respectively educating the other children about the birth defect, as well as making your child feel more welcome.

new jersey philadelphia Birth Defects Attorneys school tips children oral cleftsIt is also important to let the teacher know that your child may have hearing issues tied to the cleft palate, which should be considered if the teacher believes the child isn’t listening. Lastly, try to encourage the teacher to maintain an open line of communication, as the first years of school are most likely going to shape your child’s self-image strongly, and it should be as positive as possible. Teachers are generally compassionate people, so adding your child’s teacher to your care-team along side your doctors, birth defects attorneys, and other professionals is a great idea.

Birth Defects Attorneys In New Jersey and Philadelphia

Now that your child is getting ready for school, you may be asking yourself if you need birth defects attorneys. The simple truth is that in a great portion of cases there is no one to blame for the development of the birth defect as it was caused by natural forces. However, in some instances, there are external forces at work which may have affected your child’s development. For instance, the FDA has recently announced that Topamax (Topiramate) has been linked to an increase in the development of a cleft lip/palate by 21 times the normal rate.
If you believe that Topamax may have been a factor in the development of your child’s cleft lip/palate please do not hesitate to contact us. Our lawyers are experienced and in many cases can help achieve financial judgments that can help your family.

Contact the Mininno Law Office in New Jersey at (856) 833-0600 and in Philadelphia at (215) 567-2380 for a FREE case evaluation and consultation.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys & a Kidney Procedure Gone Bad

new jersey philadelphia Medical Malpractice Attorneys negligence naval hospital jacksonvilleSeventy-two year old Christine Williams went in to Naval Hospital Jacksonville to have a mass removed from one of her kidneys. The procedure was expected to keep Ms. Williams in the hospital for three days and then allow her to resume normal activities. Those three days turned into four months. Ms. Williams then contacted medical malpractice attorneys to file a lawsuit against the hospital for a surgical error that lead to the need for additional surgery, diminished feeling in extremities, and loss of the ability to walk.

Aorta Inadvertently Stapled During Kidney Surgery

Two days after the initial kidney procedure, a CT scan was ordered by physicians which revealed a problem with her aorta. The radiologist conducting the CT scan notified the surgeon that Ms. Williams appeared to have a dissection of the aorta, a condition that called for a follow-up CT of the aorta itself. The woman’s medical malpractice attorneys said that a second CT scan did not occur for several days because it was Memorial Day weekend. When the second CT was finally done, it did show that a vascular surgeon was needed and Williams was transferred to the Mayo Clinic for emergency surgery. This additional procedure revealed that Williams’ aorta was accidentally stapled during the initial surgery.

Sean Cronin, Ms Williams’ medical malpractice attorney, stated:

“we have a surgical error that took place that was not recognized. Once it was recognized by the attending radiologist, it was not acted upon. Ms. Williams is experiencing a medical emergency. She’s unable to walk. She didn’t have pulses in her legs and people are going home and going on vacation.”

Williams has become dependent on her family and she now has to do physical therapy to try and regain some of the strength she had before surgery. Williams is taking very small steps towards recovery but she is thankful to be alive. Medical malpractice attorneys believe these types of negligence cases happen more often than most people would expect and they can cause great damage to a patient and their family.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you believe that you are suffering the effects of medical malpractice or negligence, you do have 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.

Birth Defects Attorneys Give Insurance Advice for Cleft Lip/Palate

new jersey philadelphia Birth Defects Attorneys insurance advice cleft lip palateIf your child is suffering from a cleft palate or lip the stress involved can seem, at times, overwhelming. Dealing with your insurance carrier to get the necessary care should not, but often does, add to the stressful burden. In many instances, insurance companies will deny the claim outright initially. This can be frustrating, especially when the person making the initial denial does not have a medical background, and therefore is not intimately familiar with the issues associated with a cleft lip/palate. The attorneys at the Mininno Law Office have some practical advice to help cope with this problem.

It is important to prepare yourself for the possibility of spending considerable amounts of time on the phone speaking with various representatives from the insurance company. It is important to document every phone call, with the date, time, name of who you spoke with, and the content of the call. This serves to protect you. Essentially, you are looking for that one sympathetic person at the company that will make your life easier and help get your child the treatment that he/she deserves. In the case that your claim is denied, as a paying customer, you should consider the appeals process to have the claim looked at again.

Birth Defects Attorneys In New Jersey and Philadelphia

Many times people who have a child with a cleft palate/lip birth defect ask if they need to contact birth defects attorneys. The answer is complicated. In many instances, the birth defect was caused by natural forces and there is no one to blame. In these instances you may find yourself fighting the insurance battle described above. However, in other cases, external forces may have been in play, like Topamax (Topiramate), a drug that the FDA has recently announced increases the likelihood of cleft palate/lip by 21 times.

If you believe Topamax may have been a factor in your child’s birth defect, the birth defects attorneys at the Mininno Law Office can provide financial remedies that will alleviate the stresses associated with your child’s birth defect. Contact the Mininno Law Office in New Jersey at (856) 833-0600 and in Philadelphia at (215) 567-2380 for a FREE case evaluation and consultation.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys – Lawsuits in Pennsylvania Are Down

New rules were enacted in 2002 by the Pennsylvania high court in an attempt to limit “frivolous” medical malpractice lawsuits. In 2010, medical malpractice litigation against hospitals and doctors in Pennsylvania dropped to the lowest point since the adoption of the new guidelines. The new standards within the state are supposed to ensure that all the medical negligence cases that reach trial are legitimate, as opposed to dubious, claims. Medical malpractice attorneys believe plaintiffs will still be able to acquire just compensation for medical malpractice because more of the judicial resources will be available to the deal with stronger lawsuits.

Statewide Medical Malpractice Suits Down 45% Since Adoption of New Rules

new jersey philadelphia Medical Malpractice Attorneys lawsuit pennsylvaniaThe worry among medical malpractice attorneys has been that the new rules limiting the ability of plaintiffs to bring lawsuits may place a significant obstacle in the way of patients finding justice. Medical malpractice has been a hot button issue in nearly every jurisdiction within the country, with many politicians concerned with stabilizing the costs of malpractice insurance. Medical malpractice attorneys’ chief concern is that rules that are over-expansive may keep meritorious cases from reaching a courtroom. On the other hand, many medical malpractice attorneys believe that these new rules in Pennsylvania may help those patients bringing strong negligence cases to court. Although the new standards on negligence have been put into place to limit frivolous lawsuits, those patients with strong cases will have more of the judicial resources at their disposal.

The Pennsylvania rules now require medical malpractice attorneys to file a statement by an expert in the medical field stating that the claims being brought are not frivolous. Clearly, those patients who are able to pass this standard have a legitimate case and should have a fair shot at prevailing in a court of law. The rules also require medical malpractice attorneys to file the lawsuit in the county where the health care provider’s mistake took place, in an effort to limit plaintiffs from running to a more sympathetic forum to have their case tried.

Hospitals and doctors are clearly involved in big business and have a big say in the political processes across the country. Hopefully, patients who have been harmed by medical negligence can still pursue a fair remedy in Pennsylvania.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you believe that you or a loved one have been recently treated by a negligent medical provider which is causing excess and/or unnecessary pain and discomfort, 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 Lawyers seek Damages in Breast Cancer Lawsuit

In late April, Carol Renna was awarded $400,000 by a jury in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. The lawsuit derived from multiple visits made by the plaintiff to different doctors. Ms. Renna wanted to have two large masses in her breasts examined. Medical malpractice lawyers believe that this is an extreme case of negligence because if the problem is not properly detected, breast cancer is often deadly.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers Argue the Necessity of a Follow-Up

Medical Malpractice LawyersMs. Renna originally found two masses in her breast in April of 2004. She visited her primary care physician but was soon referred to Dr. Mark Schadt. In the month following Renna’s discovery, Schadt conducted a fine-needle aspiration biopsy in an effort to determine whether cysts in the breast were cancerous. The initial results came back negative. The fine-needle aspiration biopsy is acceptable for some women in particular cases, but more extensive examinations such as a core-needle biopsy or an open biopsy are often necessary.

The following March, Renna returned and was once again given a fine-needle aspiration. Unlike her previous test however, these results came back positive for cancer. In April of 2005, the plaintiff underwent an excisional biopsy, which entails removing cysts and other surrounding area. Following the more invasive biopsy, Renna learned that she had invasive carcinoma stage III. Following this traumatic and shocking discovery, Renna was forced to undergo a simple mastectomy on her left breast and a radical mastectomy performed on her right breast. Medical malpractice laywers point out that a competent doctor should have followed up the initial fine-needle aspiration biopsy with a more complete biopsy to test a large sample of tissue.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you have recently undergone a procedure and you are still in pain that you believe may be attributed to negligence, it is possible that you have questions that only medical malpractice lawyers can answer. 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 Attorneys Discuss Cleft Palate Hearing Issues & Remedies

new jersey philadelphia Birth Defects Attorneys cleft palate issues remedies topamaxBabies that are born with a cleft palate are more likely than other children to frequently suffer from ear infections. The cleft palate contributes to a buildup of fluid in the middle ear, and if this becomes infected, the baby can develop a fever and an earache. Unfortunately this buildup can also cause moderate hearing loss. This hearing loss, if treated properly, need not be permanent. It is recommended that the child have their ears checked yearly so that if fluid is detected, it can be treated with the appropriate medicine or minor surgical procedures. This may seem daunting on top of all of the other responsibilities a parent of a child with a cleft palate birth defect may face, but it is possible that experienced birth defects attorneys may be able to alleviate the financial burden on your family.

Possible Remedies Available to Prevent Hearing Loss

Often, when a baby suffers from a cleft palate and frequent ear infections, a doctor may insert tubes into the baby’s ear. The desired effect of the tubes is to alleviate fluid build-up in the ears and restore hearing for the baby. If left for too long, it is possible that hearing damage will become permanent. You should have your baby see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor) as well as an audiologist for more information. It may also be important to consult with a speech language pathologist to remedy any speech issues that may be caused by the temporary hearing loss.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

The mental, emotional, and economic stresses of caring for a child with a cleft palate can be overwhelming. In a large portion of the cases, no one is to blame for the development of the cleft palate. However, the FDA has recently announced that the epilepsy and migraine treatment Topamax (Topiramate) has been linked to an increase in the development of cleft lips and palates when taken by women during pregnancy. If you believe that Topamax may have been a cause to your baby’s cleft lip or palate, you have legal options with the Mininno Law Office’s birth defects attorneys.

We offer FREE consulations and case evaluations. There is NO upfront cost to meet with the Mininno Law Office’s experienced birth defects attorneys. Please do not hesitate to ask for help from our birth defects attorneys 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 Support Disclosure of Dr. Insurance Info

new jersey philadelphia Medical Malpractice Attorneys support disclosure insurance informationThe Georgia House recently passed an interesting bill which would make it mandatory for physicians to reveal their malpractice insurancestatus; whether or not they are insured. House Bill 147 still needs to be approved by both the State Senate and Governor Nathan Deal.
The House passed the bill by a vote of 150 to 20 without anyone speaking in opposition. Medical malpractice attorneys believe the passage of this bill would be a strong step forward for patients who would now be able to find out if their treaters would be covered in the event of medical negligence.

The Assumption that All Doctors Have Malpractice Insurance is Misguided

new jersey philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys support disclosure insurance informationThis piece of legislation would allow patients to find out if their physician is insured in the tragic event of medical malpractice. Rep. Ben Watson stated, “this is part of how a patient can judge a physician.” In the event the bill is passed, anyone could go through a website run by the Georgia Composite Medical Board and request information. Patients take on an enormous risk when deciding to undergo a medical procedure. Medical malpractice attorneys believe that it is a fair result to allow patients to research a doctor and their insurance coverage before electing to trust them to perform the procedure correctly.

Sharon Cooper, the Georgia House Health & Human Services Chairwoman, estimated that the number of uninsured physicians was approximately five percent, which may not seem like a startling figure, but it still presents significant risks for patients who engage in procedures with those doctors. A majority of medical malpractice attorneys believe that requiring physicians to disclose this information through surveys will help safeguard patients. Doctor’s who choose to save money by forgoing the purchase of insurance, or those who cannot obtain insurance due to a history of medical malpractice may be less than trustworthy with certain procedures and treatment. Patients should be able to steer clear of doctors who would not be able to pay for their own negligence, who would be liable for personal assets, and who are sheltering assets from the court.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you have recently undergone a medical procedure and are still in an amount of pain that you believe can only be attributed to medical malpractice or negligence, you have 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.

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.