lawyers Archives - Page 22 of 34 - New Jersey Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Birth Defects Attorneys Discuss Cleft Lip Dental Options

Unfortunately, when a child is afflicted with a birth defect like a cleft palate or cleft lip, there are other physical manifestations of the birth defect that must be dealt with. One of the major physical issues confronting children with cleft lip/palates is that they may need serious dental attention. The cleft usually occurs between the cuspid (eye tooth) and the lateral incisor. Possible dental issues include: a missing lateral incisor, two lateral incisors on both sides of the cleft, poorly formed teeth (with misshapen crowns and/or roots), and displaced teeth. We want you to be informed about the potential issues related to your child’s unfortunate birth defect and be able to take the appropriate actions.

Your Child’s Dentistry Needs

new jersey philadelphia birth defects attorneys topamax cleft lip dental options Although this may seem overwhelming, children born with a cleft lip/palate can still have healthy teeth. Proper cleaning, good nutrition, and fluoride treatment is necessary. The teeth should be cleaned with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush, as soon as the teeth are visible. Early evaluation is critical, with many dentists recommending the first visit being scheduled at one year of age, or in some cases, even sooner. What dental work your child needs will be determined by the dentist, which can be as simple as preventative care, or can be extensive including dental surgery.

It may be necessary for orthodontic care to be sought, even before the child has any teeth. This is to assess facial growth and plan for the child’s short and long term dental needs. If the teeth do not fit together correctly, braces will most likely be necessary.

Birth Defects Attorneys of New Jersey and Philadelphia

Parents who have children with a cleft lip or palate are often confused about their legal rights and whether or not birth defects attorneys are necessary. In many cases, birth defects attorneys are not necessary, because the cause is usually natural. However, the FDA has recently announced that Topamax (Topiramate) has been linked to an increase in the development of cleft lips and palates. In this situation, it would be beneficial to contact the Mininno Law Office: Our experienced and caring birth defects attorneys off a free case evaluation and consultation. You may call 856-833-0600 in New Jersey, or 215-567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys Win $3 Million for Young Girl

The difference between a civil trial and a criminal trial is easy. In a civil trial, the jury must reach a majority opinion based on a “more likely than not” standard, as opposed to the criminal law requirement of a unanimous decision which is beyond a reasonable doubt. Thankfully for young Hannah Tilton, a ten year old girl who is severely disabled, the civil jury system worked out. In a six to three decision, a jury found that midwife, Irene Meyers, had breached the standard of care when she oversaw Hannah’s birth which led to dramatic injuries. Medical malpractice attorneys say that following a nine day trial, spanning three weeks, the jury got this case right after about six hours of deliberation.

Money Damages Help but They Certainly Aren’t Enough

Young Hannah Tilton was awarded $2.3 million for medical and health care expenses that she will incur in the future, $345,000 for medical expenses that she and her family have already paid, and $500,000 for the girl’s permanent impairment and loss of enjoyment. The young girl was born with severe mental retardation which has left her confined to a wheelchair. Furthermore, she must use a feeding tube for sustenance and maybe worst of all, she is blind and can’t speak or verbally communicate. Hannah was diagnosed with Kabuki Syndrome but her medical malpractice attorneys urged that she must have suffered a serious injury during birth due to a lack of oxygen. In a tight vote, the jury decided that Meyers failed to follow the standard of care when she was charged with overseeing the delivery and her negligence caused these significant injuries. Medical malpractice attorneys believe that this is a major victory for a plaintiff who has suffered an inordinate amount in her young life.

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 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.

Elder Abuse Rate in New Jersey is one of the Highest in the U.S.

elder abuse in NJ and PA With a growing elderly population, we are seeing an increase in elder abuse. In 2010, there was a total of over 1 million reported cases of some form elder or nursing home abuse or neglect. According to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), every five seconds, an elder is abused. What is worse is the number of elder and nursing home abuse cases in this country tht go unreported. For every reported case, there are five unreported cases. The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates between 1 and 2 million people over 65 are being abused, exploited, neglected or mistreated by someone who is in charge of their care.

New Jersey has one of the highest percentages of elder abuse in relation to their senior population. With 1.6 million seniors, which makes up 17% of the total population for the state, and 176,000 reported abuse cases in 2010, New Jersey has an 11% abuse level which is one of the highest in the nation.

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Financial abuse: Change in accounts, altered wills and trusts, frequent or unusual bank withdrawals, and checks written to cash or as ‘loans’ or ‘gifts’.

Physical abuse: Unexplained bruises, slap marks, broken bones, bedsores, and burns or blisters.

Emotional Abuse: Unexplained and sudden changes in alertness or other unusual behavioral changes and frequent arguments between the elderly person and a caregiver.

Sexual abuse: Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases.

Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently under the care of an individual or they are a resident of a nursing home or care facility and you are worried that the care they are receiving is negligent, abusive, or inadequate, 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.

Birth Defects Attorneys Discuss Insurance “Gate Keeping”

As experienced birth defects attorneys, the Mininno Law Office has significant experience dealing with insurance companies. To you, it seems simple: your child has a medical issue (like a cleft palate), you have valid insurance for which you’ve paid your premium, and your child should receive medical care. As you may have unfortunately found out by now, it is not always this simple. A seemingly unwritten tool in many insurance companies’ belt is “gate keeping.” Ultimately, even if your claim has merit, the insurance company denies and delays treatment in the hopes that you become frustrated and go away. This is done in many ways, including excessive forms to fill out, waiting for confirmations, and outright denials. If you have dealt with insurance companies before, this frustration is probably no surprise.

Protecting Yourself From Gate Keeping

We’ve all heard the cliche “Knowledge is Power.” This is an absolute truth when it comes to fighting to get what you need from insurance companies.

First, you should make an effort to stay abreast with the relevant laws. This may seem difficult, as they change often, but being able to quote a law can be very helpful when talking with an insurance officer. Sometimes, representation by birth defects attorneys can be useful, but more often, a little research goes a long way.

Second, you should know your policy inside and out. Many times, the insurance representative is making an educated (and usually good natured) guess as to what the company will allow. If you know your policy, you can tell them exactly what you have paid for and what they should provide. It is inevitable to get rejected in some cases, but never accept a “No” without appealing. Carefully word your responses to indicate the medical necessity of the procedure.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia?

There are many factors that influence whether you need the services of birth defects attorneys. In many cases, the cause of the birth defect is natural, and there is little birth defects attorneys can do for you. In other cases, there are external factors involved in the development of your child’s birth defect and the experienced birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office can be of assistance. For example, the FDA just announced that the drug Topamax (Topiramate) has been linked to an increase in the development of cleft lip/palates.

If you believe that Topamax may have contributed to your child’s development of a cleft lip or palate contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation and consultation at 856-833-0600 in New Jersey, or 215-567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Birth Defects Attorneys Provide Questions for Your Surgeon

Surgery can be a scary proposition, especially if performed on your child. However, there are certain questions that can ground your expectations of surgery, and help glean information regarding the qualifications of your surgeon. The caring and experienced birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office would like to offer a list of basic questions that you can ask your surgeon in the event that you are uncertain about the procedure and have not yet made a decision to have your child undergo it. While surgery is no small matter, it is important to realize that this step is greatly beneficial for your child and his or her overall well being.

What to Ask your Surgeon Regarding Oral Cleft Repair Procedures

You may want to ask some of the following questions to get a better feel for the procedure your child will undergo, as well as the knowledge and capabilities of your surgeon.

How many cleft lip/palate corrective procedures has your surgeon performed?
What are the risks and complications associated with the procedure?
How are these complications handled?
What options are available if the surgery is unsuccessful?
What kind of results can you expect? Are there before and after photos that you can look at?

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Many people who have a child born with a cleft lip or palate are confused about the cause of the birth defect and their legal rights. Most cleft lip/palate defects are believed to be caused through genetics and environmental factors. However, the FDA has recently announced that Topamax (Topiramate) has been linked to an increase in the development of cleft lips and palates.

If you believe that your child’s cleft lip/palate may have been influenced by your use of Topamax, it is important to act now and contact the experienced birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office. Contact the Mininno Law Office in New Jersey at (856) 833-0600 or in Philadelphia at (215) 567-2380 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Birth Defects Attorneys Discuss Cleft Palate Surgery Steps

If 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;

Anesthesia,
Incision, and
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.

Medical Malpractice Reform Strikes in North Carolina

The North Carolina Senate has recently passed a bill that is expected to reform medical malpractice laws. Specifically, the bill will limit the amount of money plaintiffs can be awarded following a civil trial within the state. The legislature’s hope is that with the liability of medical malpractice limited, higher quality doctors and medical personnel will stay within the state. The goals of the Senate also include a hope to lower health care costs because as liability decreases, the cost of medical malpractice insurance will also become lower. Although it is a great advantage for the state to have lower health care costs and more respected medical personnel, this action may also limit the availability of just remedies to those who are hurt by medical malpractice and negligence.

Patient’s Remedies Become Limited

Patients in North Carolina will still be able to recover medical costs and lost income that result from medical malpractice or negligence. However, there will now be a $500,000 cap on the amount juries are able to award for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. A safeguard is included for plaintiffs which says that this cap is not relevant when a doctor or health care providers conduct is seen as grossly negligent, fraudulent, intentional, malicious, or reckless disregard for others that results in death, permanent injury, disfigurement, or loss of a part of the body. This exception does not cover incidents when patients are seriously injured by medical malpractice that does not fall into one of these narrow exception categories. North Carolina Senate President Phil Berger stated:

“Our citizens suffer in a lottery-like system that lets trial lawyers win big while doctors flee to states where they can practice without fear of unfair lawsuits. I commend our members for reaching a reasonable compromise.”

What Berger fails to recognize is that the legal system and judges are in place to decide when a lawsuit is unfair. If a judge allows a case to go to trial, why shouldn’t injured patients be allowed to collect damages that a jury of their peers found fitting? Medical malpractice and negligence is the problem, plaintiffs who collect money following extreme pain and suffering is justice. Limiting the amount of money that severely injured people can collect is extremely unfair, especially when much of that suffering comes at the hands of doctors that are paid to be attentive, not negligent.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a loved one has recently undergone a medical procedure but are still in pain which you believe can be attributed to medical malpractice, it is possible that you have some questions. Please contact the Mininno Law Office at 856-833-0600 in New Jersey, or 215-567-2380 in Philadelphia.

The Mininno Law Office Supports Three Important Causes

As medical malpractice and nursing home abuse lawyers, the Mininno Law Office sees a lot of sick and vulnerable people in need of our help. We do our best to provide the justice that they deserve, but we cannot help them all through the legal system. That is why we want to encourage the support of various charities that are doing their best to help those in need.

Retirement Housing Foundation

Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF) was founded in 1961 and is one of the nation’s largest non-profit providers of housing and services for more than 17,000 older adults, persons with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged families. RHF was founded by two United Church of Christ clergy and a layman who wanted to provide quality housing and services for seniors. The foundation is currently present in 160 communities in 24 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The main service that RHF provides is apartment units for those who cannot afford today’s high costs of living. Most of the units are for the elderly and the retired whose only source of income in social security or a small pension, but they also provide units to the disabled and low-income families. “We believe that everyone deserves a safe, secure, affordable place to live and we invite you to help us make that possibility a reality,” said President of RHF Rev. Laverne R. Joseph, D.D. To donate to the Retirement Housing Foundation you can call 562-257-5141 or click on the “Donate Now” button on their website page.

Operation Smile

Operation Smile is an international charity that has been providing free surgeries to children around the world for almost thirty years to help fix their cleft conditions that would otherwise go untreated. Dr. William Magee Jr., a plastic surgeon, and his wife, Kathleen, a nurse and clinical social worker, founded Operation Smile in 1982 when they traveled to the Philippines to repair children’s cleft lips and cleft palates. Since then, they have a presence in over 60 countries and have helped over 160,000 children go on to lead a life without facial deformities. This medical humanitarian organization is “dedicated to raising awareness of this life-threatening issue and providing lasting solutions that will allow children to be healed, regardless of financial standing, well into the future.” They believe that children deserve to live a life with dignity and a cleft lip or cleft palate, which can cause a child to be unable to eat, speak, socialize or smile, is something that no child should have to live with. To volunteer or donate to Operation Smile, you can visit their website www.operationsmile.org.

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s mission is “to provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families—through member organizations dedicated to improving quality of life.” AFA is made up of more than 1,600 member organizations across the country that are all dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. They believe that by raising awareness and educating both medical professionals and the public of this horrible disease, they will help remove the stigma associated with Alzheimer’s, improve on the early detection rate and proper treatment, prompt greater use of already in place community resources, and improve the quality of life of those with the disease. One of the services that AFA provides is a toll free hotline where licensed social workers and other professionals knowledgeable about Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses will answer your call and help you with any problem you may have. This is a great resource that can help you feel like you are not alone with this disease. To call the hotline or to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America call 1-866-AFA-8484 or to donate online go to www.alzfdn.org.

Mininno Law Office: Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

These three charities have a similar goal to the Mininno Law Office, to help the vulnerable populations of the elderly, disabled and children born with facial deformities. We hope that you will also support these charities so that they can continue the great work they have done for so many years. If you believe that your loved one in a nursing home or long term care facility is being abuse or neglected, if you are a victim of medical malpractice or if you have a child with a cleft lip or cleft palate birth defect as a result of taking the drug Topamax, please 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.

Nursing Home Neglect Case Calls for Trial

A case of nursing home neglect will not be settled through a plea bargain and will require the parties to go through a trial. Amanda Tibble, a former nursing assistant at John. M. Reed Nursing Home, is charged with five counts of willful abuse, neglect, and exploitation of an adult. It is argued that the Tennessee woman both verbally and physically assaulted patients at her former place of employment. Despite agreeing to plead guilty to four of the counts, the trial will still go on in late August.

Nursing Assistant Refuses to Accept Full Responsibility

In return for reduced jail time, Tibble originally accepted a plea bargain. Following the entry of the plea, the woman would not confess to the exact details of what she was guilty of before Judge Robert Cupp. Since the nursing assistant refused to take responsibility, the judge denied the plea bargain and the case will need to be settled in court.

The victim’s family members were clearly outraged by these developments and disappointed that the legal process would not be coming to an end. The ninety year old victim, Anza Hall, was allegedly screamed at by the accused, who used inappropriate language. Tibble was arrested by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in 2010 due to various actions such as cursing at patients and twisting a seventy-five year old patient’s arm behind his back. Hall’s granddaughter, Carla Anderson was quoted as saying:

“If I was her I’d be embarrassed too to have to get up there and say what I did, but she knew that she was supposed to come in here and say what she did and she didn’t.”

Nursing Home Neglect in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you believe that a loved one, residing in a nursing home or long term care facility, is receiving negligent, abusive, or inadequate care, it is possible that you have some questions regarding nursing home neglect. Please 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.

Birth Defects Attorneys Discuss Cleft Palate Surgery Risks

The 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.