Medical Malpractice Attorneys Win Verdict for Louisiana Man

Medical Malpractice AttorneysMedical 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 Face New Challenges with New Legislation

The state of Florida has recently passed significant restrictions on an injured patient’s ability to seek lawsuits against medical professionals within the state. With the stronger regulations, medical malpractice attorneys are now faced with a much more difficult road to seek justice and a fair outcome for their clients. Limitations on potential damages and restrictions on plaintiffs’ ability to call expert witnesses may handcuff attorneys and their injured clients in seeking a fair result.

Medical Profession vs. Injured Patients: Florida’s Cost Benefit Analysis

medical malpractice attorneys in nj and paThroughout the past decade, Florida has been seeking solutions to keep quality doctors within the state. The lack of major liability in medical malpractice lawsuits will be a major motivating factor for physicians when they ultimately select a location to practice. If doctors can decrease their financial outlay on insurance and other means to protect themselves against lawsuits, they will see a significant increase in their profit margin. The state had worried that they lagged behind much of the nation in recruiting and maintaining specialty doctors in fields such as orthopedics and neurology.

Clearly, it is a major state interest to have a strong medical system with top notch doctors. The problem arises when seriously injured patients are not able to receive the full and fair amount in damages. The debate will rage on when patient interests are examined under a microscope. If people are seriously injured due to major medical malpractice, it does not seem fair to limit their ability to pursue a jury trial, a right guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States of America. This legislation may or may not increase the quality of medical care within the state of Florida, but it will definitely limit the ability of innocent victims of malpractice to seek a fair outcome through the legal process.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you were recently the victim of medical malpractice and you believe you may be entitled to compensation, 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.

Let the medical malpractice attorneys at the Mininno Law Office earn and/or you’re family the compensation you need and deserve.

Nursing Home Neglect Very Dangerous to Alzheimer Patients

Nursing home neglect is very serious problems in this country and affect one of the nation’s most vulnerable populations. Within that already vulnerable population are those that are particularly vulnerable. These are the millions of people that suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

nj and pa nursing home neglect attorneysAlzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder that eventually leads to dementia. This dementia causes a significant loss of mental capabilities, which in turn causes memory loss that can interfere with social functioning. In 2000, 4.5 million people in the U.S. were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Of those diagnosed, 7% were between the ages of 65-74, 53% between the ages of 75 and 84, and 40% were 85 or older. Because of the severity of the effects of Alzheimer’s, many sufferers are forced to enter nursing homes to receive the necessary care, so it’s safe to say that a huge portion of residents in nursing homes are Alzheimer’s patients. It is expected that the rate of the disease will grow three-fold by the year 2050, with 13.2 million people being diagnosed.

Because the disease has such a profound affect on mental abilities, those suffering with Alzheimer’s need very specialized and careful care. People with this disease may not remember to eat or drink, or to move around enough to avoid becoming bed or wheelchair ridden. They may be on a number of medications, and end up over or under medicated. These are all issues that, if not properly regulated, can lead to dangerous results. Failure on the part of a nursing home to properly care for these very ill patients can be seen as nursing home neglect. Bedsores become a very real threat when bed ridden patients without the mental properties to care for themselves are not cared for by an attentive and dedicated staff. Bedsores are painful and potentially fatal, and can diminish the quality of life these patients have left.

Will the Rise in Alzheimer’s Lead to More Cases of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse?

What will the rise of Alzheimer’s Disease diagnoses and the subsequent rise in nursing home patients mean for our loved ones? It is likely that, unless we are all very vigilant, the rise of patients in nursing homes will be accompanied by a rise in nursing home abuse and neglect. Bed sores and pressure ulcers, accidents, malnutrition, and other signs of neglect may become more prevalent. Nursing home neglect attorneys advocate for the proper care of nursing home patients, as should you. Protect your loved ones by visiting often and keeping a close eye on the the care they receive.

Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you believe your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, please contact the NJ and PA nursing home neglect attorneys at the Mininno Law Offices. We are dedicated to eradicating the current trends of abuse and neglect found in the nursing homes across the country.

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.

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

Medical Malpractice AttorneysThe 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.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys Get Large Settlement for Family

Medical Malpractice AttorneysRan Zhuang and her husband Zhiru Guo settled with their former doctors, nurse practitioner, and genetic counselor for 7 million dollars. The chinese couple’s medical malpractice attorneys brought the lawsuit as a result of their three year old child’s mental and physical disabilities which were the result of a birth defect. The young girl, Annie Guo, suffers from cri-du-chat (also referred to as cat cry syndrome). Frederic N. Halstrom (the plaintiff’s attorney), and many other medical malpractice attorneys in similar cases, look to bring justice to a family who faces many challenges in the years to come.

Chromosomal Abnormality was not properly Detected

Through a diagnostic process called amniocentesis, Annie Guo’s chromosomal abnormality should have been recognized. Had the abnormality been defined, the parents of the child would have been able to reflect and make a decision for their best interests in the future. The mother was not given adequate prenatal genetic counseling during her pregnancy which should be provided to all pregnant women. Had the proper tests been completed and performed properly, the parents would have been told about the potential dangers and hardships that would face the young child throughout her entire life. Armed with this information, the parents would have been in a better position to decide whether or not to terminate the pregnancy before birth, a protected liberty available to pregnant women in this country. Since the dangers were not properly recognized, the seven million dollar settlement will go towards the treatment and care of the young girl who will likely need constant medical attention for life. Medical malpractice lawyers are faced with an important challenge in these types of cases because all expectant mothers deserve to have full knowledge of their child’s health so that they can make informed decisions in everyone’s best interest.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you have recently given birth to a child who suffers from birth defects which you believe can be attributed to medical malpractice, 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.

The medical malpractice attorneys at the Mininno Law Office are dedicated to earning victims of medical negligence the compensation they need and deserve.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Are Not Always Visible

Brain damage and traumatic brain injuries in newborns can sometimes be detected by physical appearances, recognized through brain scans, a child’s disposition, or developmental delays. Not all brain damages exhibit physical abnormalities but those that do often have unusually shaped skull structures (quite often a tiny skull size), difficulty focusing the eyes, large forehead, deformed spine, and other facial abnormalities.

Identifying Brain Injuries through Behavioral and Developmental Characteristics

new jersey philadelphia birth defects lawyers Traumatic Brain InjuriesBehavioral differences include excessive fussiness, extended periods of crying, refusal to sleep lying down, or too much or too little sleep. Another common indicator of brain damage is developmental delays. There are typical milestones that are generally expected of young children at specific stages of their life. For instance, there is a general age when most infants begin crawling, rolling over, uttering their first word, and so forth. A child with brain damage may have difficulty reaching these milestones at the typical age. Other symptoms can include body temperature, skin color, breathing patterns, seizures, and other similar indicators.
If your newborn baby suffers from one of the mentioned symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that your baby has brain damage or has suffered a traumatic brain injury. Abnormalities can occur due to wide array of reasons. Brain damage can only be diagnosed by a well-qualified and specialized medical professional. Each individual case varies depending on many factors. Your physician will know your specific situation better than anybody else and he or she will be able to identify any issues your child may be experiencing both externally and internally.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Traumatic brain injuries that have caused brain damage can be very detrimental to the health of a young child and it is crucial to identify potential problems as early as possible. If your child has suffered from some sort of brain damage and you believe the problem has been worsened by ineffective medical treatment it is likely 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.

Cleft Palate Birth Defects – Can We Prevent Them Ourselves?

cleft lip and cleft palate birth defects lawyers in nj and pa width=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.

Birth Defects: How Do Cleft Lips and Cleft Palates Form?

Many birth defects and injuries can be attributed to medical negligence. Doctors may fail to act quickly or properly in dire situations, and a child will remain affected for the rest of his or her life. Other birth defects, however, occur in the womb, and are in no way attributed to medical malpractice or negligence. These defects normally have internal and external factors that play into their development. Cleft lips and cleft palates are one of these birth defects. They do not occur because of negligent medical providers, but because of varying internal and external players, some of which, we do have control over.

Causes of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

new jersey philadelphia birth defects lawyers cleft lip palate formationAn infant’s face and skull form within the womb during the first trimester. Normally, the tissues that make up the hard palate (roof of the mouth) and the lip fuse together. When they do not, a hole or opening forms. This hole/opening is known as a cleft.

Internally, genetics can play a big part in the development of a cleft lip or cleft palate. These genes can cause an isolated incidence of cleft, or they could be part of another syndrome whose symptoms or side effects include clefts. Often, a child inherits genes that increase the likelihood of developing a cleft, and then environmental factors trigger it’s formation.

Externally, a mother’s environment can determine whether or not a cleft will form. Fetuses exposed to alcohol, illicit drugs, cigarette smoke, and certain infections, are more likely to develop a cleft lip or cleft palate. Recently, it has also been revealed that the anti-epileptic drug Topamax, used to treat migraines as well as seizures associated with epilepsy, can increase the risk of cleft development when taken during pregnancy.

Birth Defects Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child has suffered from a birth injury or birth defect, you probably have a list of questions about your rights and the rights of your child, especially if that birth defect is a cleft lip or cleft palate that you believe is associated with your use of Topamax during pregnancy. 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 a Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate, Can be Overwhelming

new jersey philadelphia Birth Defects attorneys cleft lip palate topamax overwhelmingA 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.

Nursing Home Negligence in West Virginia Takes Life

new jersey philadelphia nursing home lawyers HCR Manorcare neglectA woman in West Virginia has filed a lawsuit against the nursing home that she believed killed her family member via nursing home neglect. The suit was filed by Angela Black of West Virgina against HCR Manorcare in Kanawha Circuit Court. The wrongful death suit claims that Rose died after receiving poor care which led to malnutrition, dehydration, untreated bedsores, and infection. While there, Rose suffered mental and physical trauma, and ultimately, death.

Manorcare is a huge network of nursing homes with over 500 facilities in 32 states. The Mininno Law Office has blogged on the poor conditions and negligent care of Manor Care facilities in New Jersey for the past year. Manor Care employs about 60,000 workers nationwide and has been cited for many deficiencies, ranging from small, facility-related violations, to larger, more dangerous, care-related violations.

Negligent Care Leads to Death

Arcel Rose and his loved ones depended on HCR Manor Care to provide adequate, supportive, and attentive care in order to carry on the remainder of his life with as much comfort as possible. Instead, nursing home negligence and abuse took Rose’s life.

Malnutrition, dehydration, and bedsores/pressure ulcers are sure signs that neglect is taking place, and are totally unacceptable in a nursing home facility.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident at a nursing home and you fear that the care they are receiving may be considered negligent or abusive, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns regarding your loved one’s future. 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.