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Medical Malpractice Attorneys Prevail in New Jersey Negligence Case

A 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 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.

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

The 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.

Cleft Palate Birth Defects – Can We Prevent Them Ourselves?

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.

Police Make Arrest for Nursing Home Abuse in New Jersey

A North Bergen nursing home worker was arrested recently for nursing home abuse that may or may not have lead to the death of an 87 year-old resident. Fifty-nine year old Julia C. Galvan, also of North Bergen, was arrested and charged with assault, abandonment, and neglect. Since her arrest, she’s posted $5,000 bail and has been fired from Harborage, the facility in North Bergen, New Jersey where she worked.

Nursing Home Abuse of Defenseless Resident

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers harborage facility north bergen — Julia C. Galvan

The victim of Galvan’s abuse was 87 year-old Modesta Alvarado. On January 15th, 2011, Galvan decided to wake Alvarado by slapping her in the head. Once Alvarado opened her eyes, Galvan followed up with two additional blows to the elderly women’s face. Alvarado was paralyzed and terminally-ill and had no defenses against Galvan’s depraved abuse. The only defense Alvarado did have was a “Nanny Cam” placed in a clock radio that caught the whole event on tape. North Bergen Police Liuetenant Frank Canella commented on the what he saw on the tape, saying that it was very disturbing. He commented further:

“This woman lies in a bed, defenseless. She was unable to defend herself. There are reactions she makes with her face and her mouth and her eyes in response to the blows. It was difficult for me to watch. The video was shocking.”

Police made the arrest after being presented with the week long footage that Alvarado’s daughter had gathered on the hidden camera. The footage also showed Galvan violently tearing off the elder woman’s oxygen mask, a task she was neither qualified nor permitted to perform.

Police say that the attack does not appear to directly cause the woman’s death, but that the investigation is being handed over to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office to determine if other charges need to be filed.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadlephia

The treatment that Modesta Alvarado received from Julia Galvan was deplorable. Unfortunately, this case is not the onle one of it’s kind. This abuse happens in nursing homes and long term care facilities nation wide, and measures need to be taken to stop it. If your loved one is a resident in a nursing home and you believe the care they are receiving may be abusive or negligent, 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 nursing home abuse lawyers at the Mininno Law Office are here to answer your questions and to help you earn due compensation.

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

A 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

Topamax 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.

Birth Defects: Consulting with a Doctor Regarding Potential Surgery

Topamax, a pharmaceutical drug used to treat migraines and epilepsy, has been shown to cause birth defects, like cleft lip or cleft palate, in children, which may call for surgery, when taken by mothers during pregnancy.

Surgery is often a last resort for many health professionals who would rather see a patient heal naturally. However, when necessary, surgery can be advantageous, as long as it is handled with great caution. The surgery for a cleft lip or palate is no exception when it comes to taking precautionary measures. After your consultation with your doctor, he/she may recommend surgery to repair your child’s birth defect.

Potential Side Effects of Cleft Lip Surgery

Your doctor will take your personal circumstance into deep consideration and will advise you of the great benefits that are possible from surgery, along with the potential risks and side effects. The advantages of surgery are obvious in helping the child’s dentition, oral health, and your child’s ability to lead a “normal” life. However, when making this important decision, you, as the parent, need to be aware of the potentially harmful effects.

Prior to surgery, some common side risks are bleeding, infection, poor healing of incisions, risks of anesthesia (a heavy drug that is used to reduce sensation and pain during the procedure), allergies, and damage to other, possibly more internal, structures. When a young child goes under anesthesia, he or she is susceptible to unwanted reactions. Furthermore, there are additional effects that can lead to a need for more surgeries. In some cases, after surgery, bones in the face do not continue to grow, meaning that the structure and growth of the face has been disrupted by the repair of the cleft lip, causing more facial damage. Also, the space between the lips and nose is a difficult one to duplicate for many surgeons. It is possible that the cleft lip repair may cause the face to look abnormal by having an unusual amount of space between the lip and nose. These negative effects do not necessarily always occur, but it is important to be aware of them before making this important decision. Your physician will know what is best for your child’s health.

Birth Defects Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a birth defect that you believe can be attributed to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, you probably 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 Shouldn’t Dampen the Joy of Birth

Childbirth should be a beautiful and life-changing experience for parents. Unfortunately, birth defects can change this experience. Children born with birth defects will require additional care. In the case of a cleft lip or cleft palate, surgery is necessary within only a few weeks after the child is born. But this surgery is routine and simple, and parents should not let this small wrench ruin the joy of a new baby. As difficult as it may seem, it is important to transfer the emotion of fear into motivation to seek immediate help.

Birth Defects Happen and Help is Waiting

New parents may be overwhelmed with the birth of a child who is already in need of special treatment and surgery, but there are plenty of resources available to help both parent and child get through the difficult time with ease.

Cleft lip occurs in about one out of seven hundred births, meaning there are people who are ready to help your child live a normal life. This team consists of professionals like a plastic/craniofacial surgeon, pediatrician, orthodontist, pediatric dentist, speech language pathologist, ear nose and throat specialist, an audiologist, genetic counselor, nurse team coordinator, and a social worker. Each of these individuals will provide a form of support and strength to your baby and family. These professionals are trained to treat your baby’s needs and answer any questions you may have. Beyond providing healthcare for your baby, counselors and social workers are designated to help your child cope with the psychological aspects that may accompany a cleft lip/palate. A child with a cleft lip will face many health problems, but the deeper, emotional problems can be just as significant. These counselors will introduce you to organizations for certain birth defects, as well as support groups of other families just like yours. Despite the fear of the unknown, it is crucial to be an advocate for your child and to utilize all possible resources.

Birth Defects Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a birth defect that you believe can 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.

Abuse in Burlington County Facility Revealed by Inspections

As nursing home abuse lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia, it is necessary for us to expose nursing homes that show signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. Sometimes we find nursing homes and long term care facilities with a history of dangerous bed sores and pressure ulcers. These nursing homes are clearly showing signs of abuse and neglect. Other nursing homes have a large number of citations and are also considered to be negligent.

Palace Rehabilitation and Care in Maple Shade, NJ

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers Palace Rehabilitation Care Center The Palace Rehabilitation and Care Center in Maple Shade, NJ is one such long term care facility. The Palace Rehabilitation and Care Center is a for-profit, corporately owned nursing home with 165 long term patient beds. From February 2009 to January 2011, this Burlington County care facility was inspected on 6 occasions. It was additionally inspected 12 more times based on complaints. During these inspections, it was cited for 55 separate deficiencies. Some of these citations were for failing to maintain a drug regimen free from unnecessary drugs, failing to keep medication errors below 5%, and failing to prevent the spread of infection. This nursing home was also cited for failing to keep the facility free from abuse and involuntary seclusion. These are sure signs of abuse and neglect, and the type of deficiencies that can lead to harmful and painful bed sores and pressure ulcers as well. Before you place your loved one in a long term patient facility, it is very important to research and be aware of these signs of neglect.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one has been abused or neglected at this Burlington County nursing home, or another long term care facility, you should contact a nursing home abuse attorney for help. Our attorneys want to help you protect your loved ones rights. 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.