insurance Archives - New Jersey Medical Malpractice Lawyers

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

The 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 Attorneys Support Disclosure of Dr. Insurance Info

The 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 information This 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

Healthcare 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.

DePuy Hip Recall Lawyers Lists 4 Things Patients Should Know

new jersey philadelphia depuy hip recall attorneys things you should know If you are a victim of the DePuy hip recall, there are few things you should know:

1. Not all DePuy hip implants are being recalled.

As a New Jersey and Philadelphia DePuy hip recall lawyer, I get many telephone calls and emails from patients who have had hip replacements. As we posted on December 2, 2010, only certain DePuy hip implants are subject to the recall. Please click on the next link to read whether or not your hip implant is part of the DePuy hip recall.

2. Your implant will need to be replaced whether or not you are having symptoms.

We are often asked, “Do I need to have my DePuy hip implant replaced if I’m not experiencing symptoms?” Yes. Because of the unusually high wear and tear, and because of the metallic shed rate in DePuy implants, medical research has predicted that nearly all of the DePuy hip implants will fail within ten years of use whether or not you are experiencing symptoms. See our November 18th post for more information about the ASR replacements.

3. Do not feel obligated to speak with DePuy Orthopaedics or Johnson & Johnson representatives or claims adjusters.

We are strongly encouraging any patient to contact a lawyer to represent them. As we posted previously, DePuy is not offering fair compensation and is passing on the cost of its defect on to patients and their insurance carriers. These claims adjusters on behalf of DePuy are not looking out for your best interests and you may lose your rights by dealing with them: click to read about Johnson & Johnson tactics.

4. Patients should insist on blood tests to determine if their hip implant is releasing metals into their blood system.

We are often told that “DePuy hip replacement patients’ x-rays look fine,” and therefore will likely not need surgery. Medical research shows that x-rays are the least effective way to determine if your hip implant is failing. You should insist on blood tests that specifically identify the release of cobalt and chromium into your body. You should consult with an infectious disease doctor to see whether or not you are experiencing any signs or symptoms related to a depuy hip implant failure.

DePuy Hip Recall Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you are the recipient of a DePuy hip implant, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

DePuy Hip Recall Lawyers Warn Against Johnson & Johnson’s Tactics

If you are one of the 93,000 patients affected by the defective DePuy hip recall, you should expect to receive an unwanted telephone call from a DePuy hip recall insurance adjuster paid for by DePuy Orthopaedics and their parent company, Johnson & Johnson.

DePuy Insurance Adjusters Trained to Cheat You

This insurance adjuster is a trained professional working on behalf of DePuy Orthopaedics and Johnson & Johnson to reduce your potential exposure to damages. While they may seem to be concerned for your well being and deeply apologetic for issues arising from the hip recall, these skilled claims adjusters are following a careful script. new jersey philadelphia depuy hip recall lawyers warn against johnson tactics

First, these DePuy hip recall adjusters will try to gain trust and become something of a confidant. They will promise to help by paying for medical bills and offering other compensation. But some patients have reported being probed by DePuy insurance adjusters regarding post-operative symptoms, even though these adjusters have no medical training to determine whether symptoms are related to a defective DePuy hip implant or some other condition.

DePuy hip recall insurance adjusters are not your friend, do not represent you, and are not looking out for your best interest. Instead, they are documenting everything that you are and are not saying. They will likely utilize the information during later litigation to deny or minimize your right to recoveries.
What’s worse; although all DePuy hip implant patients have legitimate medical questions that they would like to ask, the DePuy claims adjusters are trained not to provide any meaningful answers, but to simply gather information and discourage recall victims from seeking proper legal representation.

DePuy Hip Recall Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

As a New Jersey and Philadelphia DePuy hip recall lawfirm, we believe that patients are entitled to far more than what is being offered by Johnson & Johnson and DePuy Orthopaedics. All DePuy hip implant patients are entitled to full and fair compensation, which includes full payment of medical bills, wage losses, pain and suffering compensation, and any and all damages which are lawfully permitted under our civil justice system.
If you are a victim of the DePuy hip implant recall, 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.

Don’t let a DePuy insurance claims adjuster rob you of your right to full and fair compensation. Let a DePuy hip recall lawyer earn you the recoveries you are entitled to.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Fight Scheme

Did you know that nursing home abuse can be lucrative? Insurance companies do! The economy is struggling. You and I, our families and friends, even big companies are struggling to stay alive in a toxic economic climate. The difference is, these insurance companies have corporate shareholders to keep at bay. Their answer? Cash in on nursing home residents’ insurance policies of course!

Nursing home abuse against scheme to make death profit

nursing home abuse attorneys new jersey philadelphia Fight Scheme — Greedy Scrooge McDuck in the 1983 Disney animated feature

Remember when Ebenezer Scrooge died and his house cleaner sold his stuff to cash in? Well, insurance companies and nursing homes are now scheming to do the same to residents. It involves encouraging patients in long term care and assisted institutions to sell their policies for a discounted cash amount. The patients get a pittance of a return – which they can spend at the home for “care.” In exchange, the nursing homes and the insurance carriers get the insurance policies from the patients. These policies are then packaged and sold to Wall Street as future bonds. When the patient dies, Wall Street or the care facilities gets the payout. Talk about a conflict of interest! The longer the patient lives, the greater the cost to the nursing home and the smaller the profit on the policy. Conversly, if the patient dies just after the purchase, the care center reaps the profits.

Nursing home abuse and the “profits over people”

We believe that these institutions should be in the business of caring for our elderly loved ones, not stealing from them. They should not be in the business of leveraging a patient’s health and life as a commodity to be traded on the market. Such practices are depraved. But, this nursing home business IS big business, and as is often the case, “profits over people” is business as usual. Every day, we read about how nursing home abuse and negligence take the place of adequate and compassionate care, only to make an easier and quicker profit. People and their medical care should come first. We understand this and are ready to help you.

Nursing home abuse lawyers in NJ and PA

If you feel that your rights are being violated or that a loved one has not received proper care or may be a victim of nursing home abuse, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. The nursing home abuse lawyers at the Mininno Law Office will make sure that your loved ones’ voices are heard and their rights protected. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Make sure that care is put before profits and advocate for these rights. Let the Mininno Law Office team earn you the compensation you deserve.

Full NY Times article, Wall Street Pursues Profit in Bundles of Life Insurance

AIG – Arrogant, Ignorant, and Grossly Immoral

We have all read the headlines over the past months worthy of making an individual sick. Constantly we are told of how drastically irresponsible some insurance and financial institutions have been with the bailout money they have received from the Federal Government. At the top of that list sits AIG.

You may remember this, from an article in the Washington Post, dated October 8th, 2008:

Only one day after it was revealed that AIG had sprung for a $440,000 spa vacation shortly after getting an $84 billion government-loan bailout comes this report: The government is loaning AIG another $38 billion.

If that wasn’t enough to make you gag, wait until you hear this. While spending exorbitant amounts of taxpayer dollars on pedicures and vacations, AIG has been simultaneously dragging a suffering family through the mud for over a decade. After a fatal fire killed two Brooklyn firefighters in a, “fireproof,” building insured by AIG, the families of Lt. Joseph Cavalieri and Christopher Bopp were awarded several million dollars in damages by a unanimous jury decision.

AIG however, has continued to refuse to pay. By exploiting the appeals system of the courts, AIG has dodged payment for over 10 years.

“How do you possibly appeal something like this?” Mother of Christopher Bopp, Deloris Bopp recalled saying when she first heard of the appeal. Indeed, it seems hard to find grounds on which to appeal when the jury only needed an hour to award the families with $10 million dollars.

As the appeal was moving forward, the wheels began to fall off the oversized AIG corporate machine. When Ms. Bopp found out that AIG would be receiving $85 billion in bailout money, she became furious, and rightfully so.

How can a company pay millions of dollars in bonuses and all expenses paid vacations for its employees, while denying payment of the $10 million dollars that is rightfully owed to the victims under their policy? Easy: by taking massive amounts of taxpayer’s dollars and ignoring all moral responsibility to the public.