Tag: free consultation

Medical Malpractice Attorneys: Negligence Leaves Woman A Quadriplegic

On April 11, Wyoming Newman filed a lawsuit against Dr. Erwin Lo, Golden Triangle Neurocare, and Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas in Jefferson County District Court, Texas. Earlier this month, the woman submitted an expert report, as required by law, which she believes will help substantiate her claim of medical negligence. Medical malpractice attorneys say that the complaint alleges that the woman was left a quadriplegic after a spinal surgery performed by Dr. Lo.

Medical Negligence, Not Car Accident, May Have Led to Severe Disability

new jersey philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys wyoming newman negligence caseFollowing a car accident, Wyoming Newman went to visit Dr. Chavis, a neurosurgeon. The woman had an initial MRI and attorneys say that she was then sent to Dr. Erwin Lo, who performed spinal surgery on Newman in early 2009. According to the plaintiff’s complaint, the doctor failed to interpret the MRI results properly and instead of following Chavis’ recommendations, he performed a corpectomy. That procedure involves the removal of a portion of the vertebral body. When Newman woke up, she had no feeling in her legs and her arms felt extremely weak. A woman who sought medical attention for a car accident years earlier was left a quadriplegic about two years later. Newman is a tragic victim whose life will be forever changed due to medical negligence. Professionals say that these sorts of devastating cases occur far too often in operating rooms around the country. Although liability will be decided in a courtroom by a jury of these parties’ peers, Newman will not be able to walk out of that courtroom.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a family member have recently been the victim of medical negligence, you should speak with one of 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.

Birth Defects Attorneys: Oral Clefts Cause Speech and Hearing Issues

Young children who are born with a cleft lip or cleft palate may experience speech and hearing problems as they grow older. Birth defects attorneys believe that speech-language pathology can often times be very beneficial to children with speech issues associated with these birth defects. Children who receive speech assistance at a young age are often times less likely to develop certain speech compensatory error patterns later in development. In dealing with a child’s hearing, a tympanostomy tube is often put into the eardrum in order to aerate the middle ear which should allow the child to improve hearing.

Problems with Speech in Children with Birth Defects

new jersey philadelphia birth defects attorneys cleft lip palateThere are different reasons that children with certain birth defects may begin to develop speech problems. Professionals say that some of these problems are a direct result of the anatomical differences that are seen in people with cleft lip or cleft palate. On the other hand, attorneys say that it is also possible for children with birth defects to develop speech problems in different ways.

In some instances, speech errors develop because children with these craniofacial birth defects try to over compensate for their inability to produce the target phoneme. Although speech problems may develop from a variety of causes, it is essential that children receive treatment early and often from medical professionals to ensure that speech problems do not linger on any longer than necessary

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Many parents who have children born with a cleft lip or cleft palate are often overwhelmed and, in some instances, confused about their legal rights. They are especially confused about whether or not the services of an attorney would be needed. In some cases, there have been improper actions that may have led to your child’s birth defect and contacting our professionals is beneficial to your family’s physical and financial health. 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.

Bed Sores – Stage III

Our professionals handles bed sore cases of varying degrees throughout the New Jersey and Philadelphia region. In the previous two blog posts within this series, we have discussed stage I and stage II bed sores. Unfortunately, most cases that we are involved in typically involve Stage III and Stage IV bed sores, the most serious and dangerous types. Again, it is unfortunate to see our clients and families ailing from such an easily preventable, yet painful, and deadly condition.

What is a Stage III Bed Sore?

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers bedsores bed sores stage IIIStage III bed sores are incredibly serious and need immediate attention, as healing bed sores that progress past Stage II is extremely difficult. A stage III bed sore will display skin loss involving damage or death to the subcutaneous tissue that may extend to the connective tissue. The wound will look like a deep crater which is black around its edges. Subcutaneous fat may be visible, but bone, tendon, or muscle is not. There may be tunneling and undermining in the skin.

If you have seen a Stage III bed sore, it is very sad and disturbing. It is disturbing for a number of reasons. First, the wound itself is almost unimaginable, especially considering the time it takes for a pressure sore to progress to this level. They are disturbing because often, they are accompanied with a foul odor. These sores are 100% preventable and their occurrence should never be of issue. Negligence is the only factor to be considered when dealing with the cause of a bed sore.

Bed Sores Lawyers of New Jersey and Philadelphia

At this point, if your loved one has a Stage III bed sore, recovery is certainly going to be more difficult. The wound has progressed into a stage where healing is less likely. Also, it is almost certain that neglect or abuse has played a part in the development of the wound. No one should have to endure this type of pain. Contact the Mininno Law office at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia for a free case evaluation and consultation today. You deserve to be compensated and the parties responsible for your injury should be held responsible.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers Inform of the Dangers of Damage Caps

There has been a push in some legal and political circles to cap damages for medical malpractice cases. Usually when this is discussed, some anecdotal story is brought up about some minor injury and a multi-million dollar award. However, these misleading anecdotes do not tell the whole story. The judgments that medical malpractice lawyers get work to serve the community in several ways that, when caps are utilized, are greatly diminished in value. Attorneys help victims regain some semblance of their life, and usually a modest sum to compensate the victims. Damage caps are destructive to our legal system.

What Damage Caps Do

new jersey philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys dangers damage capsThose anecdotes you hear are often about some “frivolous” injury and a multi-million dollar award. Usually, these anecdotes are urban legends and are far from the truth. Juries are assigned with the task of fixing damages based on a number of factors, including the projected cost of continued medical care. When caps are utilized, medical malpractice lawyers can still win a judgment, but it is more likely that the judgment is not going to be enough to cover the victim’s medical costs. When the victim cannot pay their medical bills, the government will have to step in and help, help that is subsidized by taxpayers. Why should victims of medical malpractice and citizens have to bear the burden of “fixing the system” in favor of insurance companies and doctors?

Furthermore, what damage caps do is artificially allow bad doctors to stay in business and hurt other people. If damage caps are not utilized, attorneys will win judgments that compensate their clients, which are typically paid out by the doctor’s insurance company. When you lose a medical malpractice case, your medical malpractice insurance premium will increase and some of the worst doctors will be forced out of practice. However, with the caps in place, the consequences for practicing bad medicine are greatly lowered, and many of these dangerous doctors are still practicing.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a family member have recently undergone a surgery, and have been the victim of medical malpractice or negligence, you should contact the Mininno Law Office. You and your family deserve compensation for your injuries. Please call our experienced professionals at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia for a free case evaluation and consultation.

Birth Defects Attorneys Inform about Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate are some of the most common birth defects that are seen today, occurring in about one or two children in every 1,000 births in this country. Although cleft lip and cleft palate are quite prevalent in the United States, birth defects attorneys say that these craniofacial malformations occur even more often in children of Latino and Asian descent. These happen when there is an incomplete development of the lip or roof of the mouth during fetal formation, which leaves an opening. Although these birth defects are quite common, women who take Topamax, the popular migraine and epilepsy drug, during pregnancy may be at an even higher risk.

The Many Forms of Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, or Both

new jersey philadelphia birth defects attorneysIn the early development of a fetus (the first three months of pregnancy), the lips and palate develop separately. Since the development is not simultaneous, babies may be born with only a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or in some cases both. When parts of the lip or palate do not completely come together, the orofacial problems begin to develop. There can also be many variations in the different types of clefts. A cleft can occur only on one side of the mouth, known as a unilateral cleft, or on both sides of the mouth, known as a bilateral cleft. Young girls are more likely to have a cleft palate that occurs alone. On the other hand, an oral cleft, regardless of whether it is lip or palate, is generally more common in boys.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Many parents who have children born with a cleft lip or cleft palate are often overwhelmed and, in some instances, confused about their legal rights. They are especially confused about whether or not the services of birth defects attorneys would be needed. In some cases, there have been improper actions that may have led to your child’s birth defect and contacting our professional team is beneficial to your family’s physical and financial health. 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.

Bed Sores – Stage II

The Mininno Law Office serves patients and families affected by bed sores in the New Jersey and Philadelphia region. Typically, these bed sores and pressure ulcers are caused by nursing home neglect and abuse. This is the second post in a series of four that will describe the stages of bed sores. It is important to know the bed sore stages as laid out by the Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. This post covers the second evolution of bed sores, Stage II.

What Happens if Stage I Bed Sores Are Not Treated Promptly?

Typically, once a Stage I bed sore develops, medical professionals are attentive and realize the danger that the patient is in. The medical professionals then take the appropriate steps to care for the bed sores and avoid any serious complications. However, when the medical professionals neglect their duties, a Stage I bed sore will progress into a Stage II bed sore, which is even more painful and potentially fatal.

As Stage II bed sores develop, so too do a host of other symptoms. There is a skin loss involving the epidermis, dermis, or both layers of skin. The bed sore will look superficial, much like an abrasion, blister, or small crater. It will look like a shallow open ulcer with a pink-red wound bed, without slough. It could also look like a serum-filled, open, or ruptured blister. Once bed sores progress past this stage, they are much harder to treat.

Prevention is Key

As discussed in the previous blog, prevention is the key to stopping bed sores. Essentially, the medical staff needs to be attentive to the needs of their patients, especially those who are unable to care for themselves and shift positions. Bed Sores are entirely preventable; it just takes staff attention. Unfortunately, in many nursing homes and assisted living facilities, it is difficult to come across because of budget cuts and under-staffing.

This should serve as a warning for family members of patients in these facilities. We are not suggesting that all facilities, or even most, are dangerous, but it is extremely important to monitor your loved one’s condition in these facilities to prevent things like bed sores.  The medical staff should be checking on your family member and so should you.

Bed Sores Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a loved one has suffered from bed sores in a nursing home or assisted living facility you should contact the Mininno Law Office for a free consultation and case evaluation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia. We are experienced at holding those who caused your or your loved one’s injury responsible for their actions. Let the Mininno Law Office serve you by getting you the fair and just compensation which you truly deserve.

Bed Sores – Stage 1

Bed sores and pressure ulcers, 99% of the time, are indicative of nursing home abuse. Usually, bed sores are classified as a Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, or Stage IV, but many of our clients do not know what the difference is between these. This blog post, and the following three in this series, are aimed at informing nursing home abuse victims, and their families, about their injuries and what they can do about it.

Bed Sore Stage Classifications – Stage I

Stage I bed sores represent the first stage of bed sores, and should serve as a warning sign to medical professionals and family members. Patients with Stage I bed sores typically exhibit the following symptoms:

  • a warming or cooling in skin temperature,
  • changes in tissue consistency (firm or boggy feeling),
  • pain,
  • itching, and
  • persistent red, blue, or purple hues.

Typically, bed sores lawyers are not involved with Stage I bed sores because they can be treated by medical professionals, thereby eliminating a serious health risk to the patient. But, as experienced bed sores lawyers, we can tell you, from first hand experience, that monitoring your loved one’s health is very important. Bed sores progress very rapidly, and when they are discovered, they need to be treated immediately.

Preventing Bed Sores

Bed sores typically are caused by pressure on the skin at bony areas of the body. Continuous pressure and friction are dangerous to people with the following risk factors:

  • over 65,
  • incontinence,
  • malnutrition,
  • dehydration,
  • lack of movement,
  • numbness,
  • smoking, and
  • previous pressure ulcers.

For bed ridden patients, skin should be kept clean, dry, and moisturized. Furthermore, their position should be changed regularly, and special equipment and pads should be used to protect skin over bony areas. The best medicine for bed sores is prevention, and the number one tool for prevention is attentiveness. It is important to be attentive to a patient’s needs. If a patient is ignored or neglected, deadly bed sores can quickly develop.

Bed Sores Lawyers in New Jersey

Later posts will demonstrate how a Stage I pressure ulcer can quickly develop into a more serious problem. If you or your family member has developed bed sores while in a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free consultation and case evaluation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia. You deserve compensation and the Mininno Law Office can get it for you.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys: Sponge Left in Patient After Procedure

Erin Webster, a Pennsylvania woman, was recently awarded $525,000 in a medical negligence lawsuit after a surgical sponge was left in her abdomen following a cesarean section. Medical malpractice attorneys say that the lawsuit was brought against Lower Bucks Hospital, Dr. Richard Turner, and two nurses, Megan Blatcher and Laura Tedesco. The jury found the hospital and the two nurses liable, while they determined no liability should be placed on Turner.

Rare but Serious Mistake Leads to Countless Problems

medical malpractice attorneys in nj and paAfter the laparotomy sponge was left in Webster, she suffered from a severe infection, bowel perforation and obstruction, digestive problems, and intense abdominal pains. These extreme pains and symptoms led to the discovery of the sponge a long two months later. Webster finally was forced to undergo another surgery to remove 16 inches of her bowel, but her medical problems were still not completely solved. These issues could have likely been avoided if these two nurses did not fail to properly count the medical equipment before and after surgery.

Although leaving a laparotomy sponge inside of a woman is a rare case, it is very serious and potentially deadly. In 2003, the New England Journal of Medicine reported that there were approximately 1,500 cases per year of sponges or other surgical tools being left behind inside a patient after an operation. There are a number of precautionary measures that can be taken to avoid the tragedy and pain that Webster experienced.Medical malpractice attorneys believe that sponge counting, tracking bar codes, and radio-graphic screening are just some of the options that can greatly decrease the potential of surgical instruments being left inside patients.

Most states have elected to extend the statute of limitations in these sorts of cases to allow victims to bring medical malpractice complaints longer down the road because detection can be somewhat difficult. Medical malpractice attorneys believe this extension shows that states recognize the extreme danger that patients may be in while undergoing a procedure and they want to preserve their ability to bring a lawsuit in a court of law.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a loved one have recently been victimized by medical negligence, it is possible that you would like to speak with medical malpractice attorneys. 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 and Judge Fight Caps on Damages

Circuit Judge, Ronald Wilson, joined the West Virginia Supreme Court on a temporary basis to hear a challenge to the state’s law which capped non economic medical malpractice damages. Medical malpractice attorneys say that Wilson, although his position was not a majority among the court, acted as a strong advocate for victims of medical negligence who may seek damages. Some argue that non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are frivolous and should not exceed a certain amount for victims and their families. Wilson combated this argument by saying, “spend a day in their shoes if you think mental pain and loss of enjoyment are frivolous damages.”

Why Should Healthcare Providers Who Negligently Hurt Someone be Protected

new jersey philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys ronald wilson West Virginia Supreme CourtWilson strongly argued that these medical malpractice caps are blatantly favoring a special class of society over the general public. This special class includes medical professionals, corporations, insurance companies, and special interests groups. Malpractice victims may suffer many non-economic damages that will no longer be fully compensated for in states such as West Virginia. Someone who is permanently disfigured, maimed, or handicapped will certainty be owed compensation that exceeds mere medical expenses and future costs. An avid golfer or swimmer who can no longer enjoy these activities, a young child who will never walk or talk, or a woman who can never bear a child are only some of the instances where non-economic damages that exceed a cap may be necessary. Medical malpractice attorneys also have fears that were pointed out by Judge Wilson. He stated,

“an unknown number of medical negligence victims can no longer use the court system because of the cap and the fact that lawyers are no longer willing to risk huge litigation expenses for a low net return for their clients and themselves.“

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a family member has recently been the victim of medical negligence, 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.

Bed Sore Attorneys Get Justice for Philadelphia Girl’s Death

Danieal Kelly was a 14 year old handicapped girl who died a horrific and painful death after she was neglected by both her family and social service agencies. Bed sore attorneys say that in 2006, at the time of her death, the young girl weighed only 42 pounds. Kelly had not attended school in years and she could not walk or talk. In a time that she needed help the most, she was provided none. She was forced to spend almost all of her time in the same position, in the same bed, she had limited medical care, was often times not given sufficient food or water, and she suffered from severe, maggot infested bed sores.

Defendants in Kelly Neglect Case to Serve Big Time

bed sore attorneys in nj and paDaniel Kelly Sr., Danieal’s father, was convicted of child endangerment because he abandoned the young girl with a mother who he knew to be unfit. He made little-to-no effort to see his daughter and now the father now faces up to seven years in prison. Kelly’s mother, Andrea, is already serving 20-40 years in prison after she plead guilty to the charge of third degree murder.

Additionally, the city of Philadelphia had given Mickal Kamuvaka’s firm one million dollars to supervise some of the city’s families in need. The money was to be used for social workers to make regular visits. The jury determined that the private social services contractor failed in this duty by regularly skipping visits and they found the firm guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Kamuvaka is already serving a 17 year federal sentence for fraud, but now she will face up to an additional 25 years for this manslaughter conviction. Finally, bed sore attorneys say that Dana Poindexter, the man assigned to visit Kelly’s family, was found guilty of reckless endangerment and perjury. Bed sore attorneys say that he did not live up to his duties and rarely, if ever, checked in. Poindexter will now face up to 15 years in prison. Bed sore attorneys say that sentencing will occur in September and then justice will finally be done for young Danieal Kelly.

Bed Sore Attorneys of New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one has recently suffered from a bed sore, you may have questions regarding your legal rights for bed sore attorneys. In cases where you suspect that neglect or mistreatment played a factor in the development of the bed sore, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation in New Jersey at (856) 833-0600, or in Philadelphia at (215) 567-2380.