Birth Defects Attorneys Discuss Cleft Palate Surgery Steps

nj and pa birth defects attorneysIf your child was born with a cleft lip or palate, you most likely have considered the option of surgery to correct the birth defect. However, many people talk about surgery but do not know what it actually entails. The caring and experienced birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office believe that knowledge of a procedure is essential to an informed decision. There are three essential steps to a cleft palate surgery;

  1. Anesthesia,
  2. Incision, and
  3. Closing Incision.

Elaborating on the Three Essential Steps of Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery

First, your child is given anesthesia for his or her comfort during the surgery. There are choices between intravenous sedation and general anesthesia, and your doctor will recommend the best choice for your child.

Second, for a cleft lip surgery, the doctor attempts to close the lip, to provide a more normal function and structure. Incisions are made on the lip and the tissue is drawn together and stitched to close the cleft. The repair of a cleft palate requires repositioning of tissues and muscles to close the cleft and rebuild the roof of the mouth, which is then stitched at the midline of the roof and allows for normal feeding and speech development.

The third step, closing the incisions, is done in such a way that the scar lines up with the normal ridge of the lip. This helps prevent the scar from standing out and helps it appear completely normal.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Parents of children born with a cleft palate birth defect are sure to have questions about their legal rights. In many situations, there is little that can be done because the birth defect is genetic or caused by environmental factors. However, the FDA has recently announced that Topamax (Topiramate) has increased the likelihood of the development of a cleft lip/palate.

If you believe that your use of Topamax may have contributed to your child’s cleft palate, act now and contact the Mininno Law Office. The experienced birth defect attorneys of the Mininno Law Office can be reached at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia for a free consultation or case evaluation.

Birth Defects Attorneys Discuss Cleft Palate Surgery Risks

birth defects attorneysThe decision to allow your child to undergo a cleft palate surgery is extremely personal and should be made with the consultation of your child’s doctors. The experienced birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office would like to inform you of some possible risks associated with cleft lip/palate surgeries in order to make you more informed about your choices. It is important to remember that cleft lip/palates can be corrected through surgery and it may be the best choice for your child’s health and well being.

There are some risks associated with cleft lip/palate surgery that the birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office think you should know about before surgery. A good surgeon will discuss these risks with you before surgery, but educating yourself is essential. It is possible for there to be bleeding and infection. In some cases, poor or irregular healing of incisions may take place, which may create a puckering effect. There are anesthesia risks that you should discuss also. More seriously, there is the possibility of damaging deeper structures, such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs, which can be temporary or permanent.

Ultimately, it is essentially to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with your child’s care team. Usually, a cleft lip/palate can be corrected and your child can live a happy life, free of oral malformations. However, the possibility of risks is a reality.

Birth Defects Attorneys of New Jersey and Philadelphia

Many people that have children with a cleft lip or cleft palate birth defect have questions about their legal rights. In many situations, there is little that can be done because the birth defect is genetic or caused by environmental factors. However, the FDA has recently announced that Topamax (Topiramate) has increased the likelihood of the development of a cleft lip/palate. If you believe that Topamax may have contributed to your child’s cleft palate act now and contact the Mininno Law Office birth defects attorneys 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.

Bed Sore Lawyers Offer Practical Advice on Nursing Home Neglect

The nursing home neglect and bedsore lawyers at the Mininno Law Office would like you to know that most bed sores and pressure ulcers are preventable and, with proper care, can usually be avoided.

Risk Factors of Bed Sores and Steps for Prevention

NJ and PA Nursing Home Abuse and Bed Sore Lawyers
There is an increased chance of bed sores when certain risk factors are evident, including,

  • confinement,
  • immobility,
  • loss of bladder/bowel control,
  • poor nutrition, and
  • decreased mental awareness.

 

However, patients deserve the respect of proper care, which should include regular bathing, repositioning (in accordance with the needs of the patient), nutrition, and medical attentiveness. Bed sores occur when nursing home staff and personnel are inattentive and unsympathetic o the needs of their patients. Whether through malice or just under staffing, this disregard for proper care allows patients to lay for too long in their beds and opens a door for the bed sore formation. Bedridden patients who cannot care for themselves are must be re-positioned at least once every two hours, to prevent these painful and often fatal afflictions from forming.

Anyone with a loved one who is a bedridden nursing home resident, should do all in their power to make sure their loved one is receiving the proper bed sore prevention care. While the vast majority of medical personnel are kind and careful, those who are overworked or careless, can cause significant pain to those they should be protecting.

Be vigilant and protect the ones you love by being involved in your family member’s care.

Bed Sore Attorneys of New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one has recently suffered from a bed sore, then you may questions concerning your legal rights. 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.

Birth Defects Attorneys Give Pre-Operative Cleft Palate Tips

new jersey philadelphia birth defects attorneys pre-operative tips cleft palateOur birth defects attorneys would like to present some information about treatment of your child’s cleft palate before the performance of surgery to correct the issue. Often times, children with oral clefts and malformations will have breathing difficulties because a cleft palate can obstruct the airway. This is frightening, and in some very rare emergency cases, a tracheotomy is necessary. However, in most cases, when correct and adequate breathing is compromised, oxygen can be provided through tubes to the child. Additionally, because of the difficulty involved with sucking and swallowing, special feeding techniques will be necessary. Because this makes the acquisition of nutrients harder than usual, it his important to monitor the nutrition and hydration levels of children suffering from these facial birth defects.

In preparation for the surgery that will attempt to (and most often does) correct the cleft palate, a child may have to wear dental supports immediately after birth or within the first two to three weeks. The function of these supports, which are made from plastic or metal molds, is to reshape an infant’s tissues. Ultimately, the end goal is a surgical correction and these tips help make that possible.

Birth Defects Attorneys of New Jersey and Philadelphia

Many people who have a child with a cleft lip/palate ask themselves what caused it. More often than not, the answer to this question doesn’t have an exact answer. However, the FDA recently announced that the drug Topamax (topiramate) has been linked to an increase in the development of a cleft palate/lip. It is important to contact our experienced professionals now in order to protect your legal rights. Do not hesitate to contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation in New Jersey at (856) 833-0600, and in Philadelphia at (215) 567-2380.

Birth Defects Attorneys Remind You About Success Stories

Our caring and experienced birth defects attorneys would like to remind parents of children with a cleft palate/lip birth defect that there is hope available. When you first learn of your baby’s diagnosis, several emotions hit all at once, including shock, disappointment, sadness, and anxiety. Of course, these are all reasonable emotions to experience, but it is important to remember that there are correct procedures for your baby, and he will live a happy and fulfilling life. The option of surgery is effective, and a search through internet resources will reveal many different success stories of corrected cleft palates. These children had their clefts corrected and now are living a normal life. Keep these success stories in mind while you provide for your child and his needs.

new jersey philadelphia birth defects attorneys read some success storiesSometimes parents ask what caused their baby to develop a cleft palate. In many cases the answer is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to say. There are many different environmental factors that can lead to the development of a cleft palate. However, in some cases, there may a clear indication of what caused the cleft palate. For example, the FDA recently announced that the drug Topamax (topiramate) has been linked to an increase in the development of cleft lip/palates. If you believe that this drug was a contributing factor in the development of your child’s cleft lip/palate you may have questions regarding your legal rights, especially if you are grappling with the expensive costs of treatment.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Surgery is most effective the earlier it is preformed, thus contacting experienced birth defects attorneys quickly is beneficial to you. You have every reason to contact the Mininno Law Office to receive a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation in New Jersey (856) 833-0600 and in Philadelphia (215) 567-2380. There is no upfront cost to meet with our experienced birth defects attorneys, so please do not hesitate.

Birth Defects Attorneys Advise Mothers on Topamax Use

new jersey philadelphia birth defects attorneys advise mother tomapax useAfter the recent announcement by the FDA, Topamax (topiramate) labels are being updated to include the increased risk (twenty-one times the normal rate) of your newborn baby being born with a cleft palate or lip. If you are currently pregnant and taking Topamax, this news should cause alarm, of course. However, it is important to consult with your medical professional before making any decisions regarding your prescription drug regimen. There are negative consequences associated with discontinuing the use of Topamax abruptly, which is why a medical practitioner should be consulted first. We want you to be as safe as possible, and be informed about you and your child’s health.

With this in mind, it usually behooves women to discontinue use of Topamax, under medical care, if they are of child bearing age, or are pregnant. There are still legitimate uses for Topamax, including prevention of seizures and migraine headaches, but the potential side effects need to be seriously considered. If your child was born with a cleft palate or lip, it may negatively affect her health and wellbeing, so do not hesitate to contact the experienced birth defects attorneys at the Mininno Law Offices.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a cleft lip or palate birth defect, that you believe can be attributed to your use of Topamax before or during pregnancy, you will want to 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.
It is important to have experienced birth defects attorneys on your side because they can provide financial assistance that could help your child immensely.

Birth Defects Attorneys Supporting Children With Cleft Palates

new jersey philadelphia birth defects attorneys tomapax cleft lip palateIt is now possible for medical practitioners to discover, before your child is born, if a cleft palate or lip will develop. Knowing that your baby will be born with a cleft palate/lip may come as a total shock and surprise. You may fear for his/her development and future. It is important to keep things in perspective, and realize that while this is definitely serious, this birth defect is treatable. Take a deep breath and realize that there is support out there for you, and that support includes our experienced birth defects attorneys.

Many parents ask, “What did I do wrong that allowed my child to develop this deformity and birth defect?” This type of thinking is counter-productive, as there are a whole host of different variables that affect the development of your baby. Certain medicines can cause cleft lips/palates. For example, the FDA has recently announced that Topamax (topirmate) has been linked to an increase of cleft palate/lip development by twenty-one times the normal rate. If you took Topamax while pregnant, or before pregnancy, you should seriously consider contacting the experienced our birth defects professionals.

Birth Defects Attorneys of New Jersey and Philadelphia.

If your child was born with a cleft palate or lip, that you believe can be attributed to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, you should not hestitate to contact our 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.
We work on a contingency basis, meaning that we do not get paid until you get paid. Let us work to get the relief your family deserves.

Birth Defects Attorneys Urge You to Know the Side Effects of Your Drugs

Our birth defects attorneys have been contacted by many parents with children born with cleft lips and palates. Many of these mothers have taken Topamax (topiramate) for various reasons. One reason that Topamax is taken is for migraine headaches. If you have ever experienced a migraine headache you can attest to the fact that the pain and discomfort can be almost unbearable. However, it is extremely important to know what the side effects of the drugs you take are, especially if you are of child bearing age, or are pregnant.

new jersey philadelphia birth defects attorneys side effects drugsMost of the time, drug side effects are published when the drug is released so that doctors and patients can consider them. However, some drugs, like Topamax, have had significant side effects discovered after they had been on the market for a considerable amount of time. It has recently been announced by the FDA that Topamax increases the likelihood that your child will develop a cleft palate birth defect in utero by over twenty-one times the normal rate. The birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office suggest thorough research on any drug you may take, especially during pregnancy, and consultation with medical personnel to determine the right medications for you.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a cleft lip or palate you may be asking yourself if legal representation is necessary. The answer certainly depends on your individual circumstances. If you believe that Topamax may have been linked to the development of your child’s birth defect, do not hesitate to 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.
Our birth defects attorneys have your interest at heart, and can provide financial remedies that will make dealing with your child’s cleft lip/palate easier.

Birth Defects Attorneys with Post-Op Concerns for Cleft Palate/Lip Surgery

new jersey philadelphia birth defects attorneys post-op concerns cleft lip surgeryThe birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office would like to share some important post-operative tips for caring for your child after his or her surgery. After the surgery, your child’s mouth will need to fully heal. For a young child, this time can be difficult for both himself and his parents, as children tend to want to put whatever they want into their mouths. Many parents choose to use use arm restraints, or “no-no’s,” to prevent their child from putting fingers or toys into their mouths, thereby damaging the repair. This may seem cruel, but this may be necessary to allow the surgery to fully correct the issue.

Additionally, your child’s diet should be limited to liquids and soft foods that don’t require chewing. The use of bottles and sippy-cups should be limited too, because the nipples can hit the palate and cause damage to the work done during the surgery. Spoons and other utensils should be avoided for the same reason. A normal diet can most likely be resumed in two weeks time, depending, of course, on the extent of the surgery. Oral hygiene is also a concern, and parents should rinse the mouth with clean water. Tooth brushing, carefully, may resume in about a weeks time, and hydrogen peroxide should be avoided because it may inhibit healing.

Birth Defects Attorneys In New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you’ve made it to this page, you’re most likely researching your child’s cleft lip/palate birth defect. You probably have questions about your legal rights as well. The FDA has recently announced that Topamax (Topiramate) has been linked to an increase in cleft lips/palates by 21 times the normal rate.
If you believe that your child’s cleft lip/palate has been affected by Topamax, do not hesitate to contact the Mininno Law Office to get help for your child. There is a general consensus that the sooner surgery is completed, the better it is for your child, so contact our fast-acting birth defects attorneys in New Jersey at (856) 833-0600 and in Philadelphia at (215) 567-2380 for a FREE case evaluation and consultation.

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.