negligence Archives - Page 22 of 34 - 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.

Nursing Home Neglect Causes Dehydration and Malnutrition

Dehydration and malnutrition are the most common forms of nursing home neglect and abuse. Nursing homes have a legal obligation to make sure that the health of their residents is being taken care of; this includes sustaining proper nutrition and hydration. They are responsible for making sure each resident receives a sufficient amount of nutrients, fluids, calories, protein, vitamins and minerals. If an elderly person becomes dehydrated or malnourished, it can lead to many health problems, including weakened immune system, disorientation, weak muscles, bedsores, and even death.

The elderly are the most vulnerable to dehydration because they may not be able to tell when they are thirsty. In addition, their bodies are no longer able to conserve as much water. Their other health problems also increase the likelihood of becoming dehydrated or malnourished. People with dementia can forget to eat or drink water. Those residents that are physically unable to take care of their own basic needs must rely on the caretakers of nursing homes to do so for them.

Warning Signs and Causes

Dehydration is an excess loss of body fluids. Signs to look out for are new jersey philadelphia nursing home neglect lawyers abuse dehydration malnutrition

thirst
loss of appetite
dark colored urine
dry mouth
dizziness
dry skin
vomiting
difficulty breathing
seizures.

Malnutrition is caused from an unbalanced diet; a lack of the right nutrients or not having enough food in general. Some of the signs that your loved one is malnourished are new jersey philadelphia nursing home neglect lawyers abuse dehydration malnutrition

weight or muscle loss
fatigue
bloated abdomen
mental decline
decreased organ function
cramps
heat strokes
brain swelling
kidney failure
drop in blood pressure
coma or death.

With all of the physical complications present in the elderly, dehydration and malnutrition are often overlooked or attributed to other causes. In order to avoid this form of nursing home neglect caretakers need to know the signs and constantly be looking out for them in each patient. They need to know each patient’s individual needs, their physical limitations, health issues and medications so they can make the required adjustments to avoid dehydration and malnutrition.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident at a nursing home and you believe they may not be getting the proper hydration or nutrition, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call with any questions for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys: Doctor Performs Wrong Site Operation

An Oregon doctor performed a routine operation on the incorrect eye of four year Jesse Matlock. The young child went in for the surgery on his right eye in an attempt to keep it from wandering, but unfortunately, the doctor “lost sense of direction” and began performing surgery on his left eye. Medical malpractice attorneys view this as an inexcusable and avoidable mistake with serious consequences. This negligence has put a young child in a far worse situation than he was in before he entered the operating room.

Negligence Leads to Increased Troubles for Young Child

The surgeon who performed the surgery, Dr. Shawn Goodman, said she “didn’t realize I had operated on the wrong eye until I was done operating on the eye”. The child’s mother reports that since the operation, there has been no improvement in the right eye and the left eye, which was unnecessarily operated on, now appears to be wandering also. The doctor did send out a nurse to inform the parents that they would be operating on both of the child’s eyes, but she provided no explanation and did not ask for the parent’s consent before she soon vanished.

Medical malpractice attorneys believe that wrong site operations are so preventable that they are totally intolerable. Medical malpractice attorneys do admit, however, that this type of mistake occurs far more frequently than should ever be the case, calling in to question the diligence and professionalism of some surgeons who make these sorts of mistakes. Having surgery performed on a wrong site, a part of the body that by all accounts is otherwise healthy, will undoubtedly put a patient at risk for further and unnecessary injury and pain.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you have recently undergone surgery but are still feeling pain and discomfort which you believe may be attributed to medical malpractice, 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 Neglect of Oral Health Leaves Woman Gravely Ill

Nursing home neglect can affect many areas of care. One often overlooked area is oral hygiene. Oral health can affect the overall health of the already at risk population and there is little dental care in place in many of the country’s nursing homes. But dental care is starting to get better and they are even offering their patients Invisalign in Calgary.

A resident of a Kentucky nursing home contracted a potentially life threatening gum infection because the staff failed to remove her dentures for six months. A staff member was told of the woman’s dentures when she was admitted, but it was never noted in the chart. From there on out, the teeth were believed to be natural. The dentures were never removed or properly cleaned in the six months she had been under the nursing home’s care. It wasn’t until the resident’s face started to swell that she was examined by a dentist, who discovered that the dentures were corroded and had not been cleaned in quite some time.
The nursing home was issued a Type A citation, which qualifies an event as an immediate threat of death or injury to a nursing home resident. The home lost federal funding and has been temporarily shut down. The residents have been transferred to other facilities.

Oral Health Affects Overall Health

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers Oral Health Woman Gravely Ill Many nursing home residents have physical and psychological disabilities that make caring for themselves difficult or impossible. These residents need the staff to be attentive to thinks like oral care in order to prevent the physical complications that can result. Eating less and losing weight is one problem associated with poor dental care, something that can cause severe problems in the elderly.

Better oral care is desperately needed in many nursing homes and can easily be improved upon. Training the facility staff in dental hygiene is one small change that can significantly enhance the care of your loved ones. Long-term care facilities are required by law to follow certain guidelines and protect the health of their residents.

Nursing home neglect lawyers always recommend frequent and unscheduled visits to the facility where your loved one resides. The best way to be aware of the kind of care the home provides is to show up often and unannounced. Advocate for your loved one’s quality of life by doing what you can to improve it. If that fails, turn to the nursing home neglect lawyers at the Mininno Law Office, who will advocate for your loved one’s legal rights.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one’s dental hygiene is not being cared for, they could be in very real danger of more serious complications. You should discuss this issue with the staff at the nursing home and, if you aren’t completely satisfied with the responses you are receiving, 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.

Let the nursing home neglect lawyers at the Mininno Law Office fight for your loved one’s rights.

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.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys Win Verdict for Louisiana Man

Medical 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.

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 attorneys Alzheimer’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

The 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.

Police Make Arrest for Nursing Home Abuse in New Jersey

A North Bergen nursing home worker was arrested recently for nursing home abuse that may or may not have lead to the death of an 87 year-old resident. Fifty-nine year old Julia C. Galvan, also of North Bergen, was arrested and charged with assault, abandonment, and neglect. Since her arrest, she’s posted $5,000 bail and has been fired from Harborage, the facility in North Bergen, New Jersey where she worked.

Nursing Home Abuse of Defenseless Resident

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers harborage facility north bergen — Julia C. Galvan

The victim of Galvan’s abuse was 87 year-old Modesta Alvarado. On January 15th, 2011, Galvan decided to wake Alvarado by slapping her in the head. Once Alvarado opened her eyes, Galvan followed up with two additional blows to the elderly women’s face. Alvarado was paralyzed and terminally-ill and had no defenses against Galvan’s depraved abuse. The only defense Alvarado did have was a “Nanny Cam” placed in a clock radio that caught the whole event on tape. North Bergen Police Liuetenant Frank Canella commented on the what he saw on the tape, saying that it was very disturbing. He commented further:

“This woman lies in a bed, defenseless. She was unable to defend herself. There are reactions she makes with her face and her mouth and her eyes in response to the blows. It was difficult for me to watch. The video was shocking.”

Police made the arrest after being presented with the week long footage that Alvarado’s daughter had gathered on the hidden camera. The footage also showed Galvan violently tearing off the elder woman’s oxygen mask, a task she was neither qualified nor permitted to perform.

Police say that the attack does not appear to directly cause the woman’s death, but that the investigation is being handed over to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office to determine if other charges need to be filed.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadlephia

The treatment that Modesta Alvarado received from Julia Galvan was deplorable. Unfortunately, this case is not the onle one of it’s kind. This abuse happens in nursing homes and long term care facilities nation wide, and measures need to be taken to stop it. If your loved one is a resident in a nursing home and you believe the care they are receiving may be abusive or negligent, 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 nursing home abuse lawyers at the Mininno Law Office are here to answer your questions and to help you earn due compensation.

Nursing Home Abuse Costs Haverford Facility Its License

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers haverford facility license Two weeks ago, we posted a nursing home abuse blog about the Quadrangle nursing facility in Delaware County, PA. The story revolved around the depraved abuse of 78 year-old dementia patient Lois McAllister and the orderlies that mocked and abused her, forcing her to walk around her room naked while they stood and laughed. McAllister’s family caught the abuse on tape, and the staff members involved were arrested and charged.

Today, we are happy to report that, due to this extremely abusive behavior, Sunrise Continued Care, the parent company of Quadrangle, has had their license revoked. Sunrise is no longer licensed to operate Quadrangle, and no longer able to intentionally humiliate it’s residents. Ronald Melusky, acting director of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, said that investigations into Quadrangle discovered gross incompetence, negligence, and misconduct at the Haverford care facility. The McAllister’s attorney commented on the DPW’s decision to revoke the license, saying, “[Quadrangle] violated the most basic tenets of trust and respect for their residents.”

The license revocation was a victory not only for Lois McAllister and her family, but for the current residents and their families as well. Luckily, the McAllisters caught the abuse on tape, but other families may not be so lucky. Hopefully, a relocation will provide the remaining residents with a chance to receive better, more respectful care.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorneys in NJ and PA

If your loved one is currently a resident at a nursing home or similar long term care facility, pay close attention to their condition and the kind of care they receive. Your attentiveness is crucial to their continued safety at a nursing home. If you are worried that the care they are receiving is indeed negligent or abusive, 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.