Bedsore Prevention and Wheelchair Repositioning

As New Jersey and Philadelphia lawyers specializing in nursing home abuse and neglect cases, it is important to remind everyone of a common form of nursing home abuse and neglect, the occurrence of bed sores. To help prevent the painful and dangerous bed sores from forming, certain things are vital in a nursing home patient’s care. One of the most important factors is the proper positioning of the patient.

Repositioning Wheelchair Bound Patients

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers urge repositioning prevent bedsoresFor those patients that are wheelchair bound, there are certain helpful recommendations for proper repositioning. An attempt should be made, by the patient, to move every 15 minutes. Nursing home staff should help assist with larger changes every hour.

To assist in this process, patients can utilize specialized wheelchairs. These pressure-release chairs tilt to redistribute pressure. This helps provide some assistance in repositioning, and thus give pressure relief to help prevent bed sores. Sometimes, appropriate cushions can be helpful. They are generally gel, water, or air filled. These cushions assist in alleviating pressure and ensuring proper positioning while in the wheelchair.

A wheelchair bound patient in a nursing home should have a set care plan to make sure that proper repositioning takes place. A nursing home physical therapist can advise the patient on proper cushion positioning, and can give lifting and upper body movement exercises to help assist those patients that are able to reposition themselves.

When a wheelchair bound patient isn’t properly and regularly repositioned, bed sores are an almost certain outcome. Bed sores are harder to treat than they are to prevent, so it is imperative that nursing home staff take this movement very seriously. Those that do not are truly showing an abusive and neglectful attitude to their patients.

Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is a resident in a nursing home and you fear that their well-being is in jeopardy due to abusive or negligent care, 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. Let the nursing home abuse attorneys at the Mininno Law Office answer any questions you may have regarding your legal rights and your next step.

Cleft Lip: The Importance of the Upgraded Pregnancy Warning

The drug Topamax, commonly used for treating seizures associated with epilepsy and preventing serious migraines, may also raise the risk of oral birth defects during pregnancy. Oral birth defects that can be triggered by the use of Topamax include cleft lip and cleft palate. This news comes after the Food and Drug Administration released a new warning regarding the highly popular drug.

Increased Warning on Topamax Label

new jersey philadelphia Cleft Lip Lawyers importance upgraded pregnancy warningAs data from studies shows the possible correlation between Topamax and cleft lip, the FDA states that there will be a stronger label on the product. The pregnancy category of the drug has been changed. The warning will now show Topamax in category D, as opposed to its former spot in category C. There has been positive evidence of fetal risk in human beings, which is the reason for the change of category.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, if the lip or palate fails to fuse together, cleft lip or cleft palate defects may occur. The degree and seriousness of the defect can widely vary. Defects can be as minimal as simply a small notch in the lip, to a more dramatic occurrence of a groove that spans the roof of the mouth and nose. More serious cleft lip issues may lead to problems with speech, eating, and the possibility of ear infections.

Cleft Lip Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you were recently pregnant and your child has had a birth defect, it is possible that you may have some questions. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for any questions regarding cleft lip, Topamax use during pregnancy, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Shoulder Dystocia Protocol Reduces Birth Injury By 26%

Family Practice News, an independent, online newspaper that provides timely and relevant news about clinical developments in the field of family medicine, recently reported on a study that showed that specific and firm protocol regarding shoulder dystocia and other birthing hazards could significantly reduce the instances of birth injury.

Standardized Protocol Reduces Birth Injury

new jersey philadelphia shoulder dystocia lawyers protocol reduces birth injuryThe protocol system, called Code-D, reduced the occurences of infant brachial plexus injury (Erb’s Palsy) caused by shoulder dystocia (when a baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone by 26%, according to study reports presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine annual meeting.

The study assessed nearly 12,000 vaginal deliveries that utilized the Code-D delivery standards, which include mobilization of experienced staff, a hands-off pause for assessment, and additional varied maneuvers.

Staff at the Jamiaca (NY) Hospital Medical Center were trained with the protocol, which involved practicing on manikins. Staff were trained to utilize the hands-off pause a “breather;” a short pause to take a deep breath, assess the situation, and quickly move on appropriately.

Dr. Inglis, of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, says that Should Dystocia and brachial plexus injury are on the rise in recent years because of maternal obesity and diabetes. Hopefully, this system that has shown great success for Jamaica Hospital will be implemented in hospitals nationwide and continue to reduce injury in newborns.

Shoulder Dystocia Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child received an injury to his or her brachial plexus during child birth, it’s possible they are victims of shoulder dystocia and a negligent obstetrician. Contact the Mininno Law Office if you have any questions regarding the condition of your child and/or your legal rights. You may also call at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Stress Repositioning to Prevent Bed Sores

The most important thing to know about bed sores and/or pressure ulcers is that they are much easier to prevent than to treat, which is why prevention of bed sores is the best medicine. Consistent and proper care is the key to bed sore prevention. When a patient is in a nursing home or similar type of long term care facility, it is important that staff members are making sure appropriate care is utilized to prevent pressure ulcers. In fact, a care plan with input from the family would be ideal to help prevent the bed sores from occurring. It can be safely concluded that if a bedsore forms, nursing home abuse or neglect are taking place.

Repositioning is Vital for Bed Sore Prevention

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse attorneys stress repositioning prevent bedsoresFrequent changes in the patient’s positioning is supreme in the prevention of painful and potentially fatal bed sores or pressure ulcers. But repositioning offers no benefits if it’s not done properly. The nursing home caregivers must make sure that repositioning avoids stress on the skin. The nursing home staff must also make sure that vulnerable areas, such as knees, ankles, and hips are carefully placed. It is also important to regularly inspect the skin for the slightest irritation that can lead to a bed sore.

When a patient is in a nursing home with many other patients, it is imperative that family members make sure that abuse and neglect isn’t happening. One sure sign of nursing home abuse and neglect can be the acquirement or improper treatment of a bed sore. As we always indicate in our posts, you must be the advocate for your loved ones care and make sure nursing homes are doing their job with respect to your loved one!

Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Is your loved one a resident at a nursing home? Have they acquired a bed sore? Are you fearful that the care they are receiving may be detrimental instead of life-saving? Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or if you have any questions regarding the legal rights of you and your loved one. You may also call at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Birth Defect Lawyers: Pregnant Women May Need Medical Alternatives

Following its inception and FDA approval, Topamax quickly rose to the top of the food chain. Birth defect attorneys note that the drug quickly became one of the most commonly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs to prevent migraines in the industry. Topamax is most frequently used to treat epilepsy and migraines. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration has categorized Topamax as a drug that can potentially present significant and unnecessary harm to a human fetus, potentially leaving expectant mothers in search of an alternative.

Women are Especially Susceptible

new jersey philadelphia birth defect lawyers pregnant women risk increase topamaxWomen frequently use Topamax because they are much more likely to suffer from severe migraine headaches as opposed to their male counterparts. In fact, women are three times more likely than men to encounter migraines. Women who are looking to become pregnant face an additional risk. In their childbearing years, the likelihood of headaches increases yet again, making women of this age extremely vulnerable. Therefore, it is quite understandable that many women would turn to a well respected product, such as Topamax, to alleviate pain. The problem that has now surfaced is that Topamax has been linked to certain birth defects such as cleft lip or cleft palate. Although Topamax is a proven commodity that deals well with ailments such as epilepsy and migraines, the risk of potential birth defects in pregnant women may lead them to search for alternatives. The FDA and birth defect lawyers both agree, Topamax should not be prescribed for pregnant women in most cases.

Birth Defect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you recently had a child who was born with a birth defect and you suspect it may be attributed to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, you may be entitled to compensation. For questions about birth defects or potential legal action, 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 Abuse Exposé: Manhattan View Nursing Home

Today we’ve located a nursing home in Hudson County that we feel deserves mention due to its overall below average rating by the Medicare Nursing Home Compare. This Hudson County nursing home was given only 2 out of 5 stars. This indicates that, according to Medicare’s rating system, it is a below average nursing home.
As attorneys specializing in cases where nursing home abuse and neglect is an issue, we feel that it is important to point out those nursing homes that are considered average or, in this case, below average.

Manhattan View Nursing Home Has Bad Care Record

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers expose manhattan viewThe Manhattan View Nursing Home in Union City, New Jersey is a below average facility with 127 long term care beds. This is a for profit, corporately owned nursing home as well. Between December 2008 and November 2010, this Hudson County nursing home was routinely inspected 2 times. These inspections are conducted by the New Jersey Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing. During these inspections, this nursing home was cited for 20 separate deficiencies. Manhattan View failed to store, cook, and give out food in a safe and clean way, failed to offer food within proper time intervals, failed to keep medication errors within 5%, and failed to properly prevent the spread of infection. These are just a few of the 20 deficiencies cited during these routine inspections.

It has been found that proper levels of medication and proper nutrition are very important in preventing the occurrence of bed sores and or pressure ulcers. This nursing home does not appear to have had any bed sore and/or pressure ulcer citations during this time period, but with the types of deficiencies it was cited for, bed sore development is a definite concern. Families must learn the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect that can lead to bed sores and other dangers, and they must remain ever vigilant to protect their loved ones, especially in a nursing home with a below average Medicare rating.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is a resident at a nursing home or long term care facility and you are afraid that the care they are receiving is inadequate or even abusive, 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 nursing home abuse lawyers at the Mininno Law Office earn you the compensation you need and deserve.

Nursing Home Abuse Exposé: Burlington Woods

Today we once again expose a New Jersey nursing home with a below average rating according to Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare. This website compares and rates nursing homes across the country and, as New Jersey and Philadelphia attorneys with expertise on nursing home abuse and neglect cases, we find this website an important resource. Today we will discuss a nursing home in Burlington County that has been given a 2 out of 5 star rating by the official Medicare website.

Burlington Woods: Not the First Time We’ve Written About Them

nj and pa nursing home abuse attorneysBurlington Woods is a nursing home with 227 long term beds. It is also a for profit, corporately owned and run nursing home. According to the New Jersey Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing, Burlington Woods was routinely inspected on two separate occasions between December 2008 and November 2010. During those inspections, Burlington Woods was cited for 12 separate deficiencies. It was found that the facility failed to make sure the nursing home was free of dangers that cause accidents. Burlington Woods also failed to keep the rate of medication errors to less than 5%. Additionally, it was determined that Burlington Woods failed to write and use policies that forbid mistreatment, neglect, abuse , and theft.

Burlington Woods was also inspected 9 additional times, based on complaints. This led to another four citations. These inspection results are a part of why this nursing home received an overall below average rating by Medicare. Again, these types of issues are those that can lead to abuse and neglect in a nursing home. The fact that there wasn’t a policy in place regarding how the patients should be treated to stave off abuse and neglect is, itself, very disconcerting. This is the type of nursing home that may lead to injuries and health issues such as overdoses, malnutrition, and bed sores. We urge all individuals to carefully review any nursing home before placement in order to assure a safe environment for their loved one.

Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is a resident at a nursing home or long term care facility, and you fear the care they are receiving is inadequate or borderline 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. The nursing home abuse attorneys at the Mininno Law Office are dedicated to helping families protect their loved ones from the sometimes totally egregious conduct of long term care facilities.

Secondhand Smoke a Major Player in Birth Defects and Stillbirths

new jersey philadelphia birth injury attorneys secondhand smoke pergnancyAs reported by TIME.com,University of Nottingham reporters recently published a review paper that highlighted results of a number of previous studies which suggested that exposing nonsmoking pregnant women to secondhand smoke increases the risk of a stillbirth by 23%. Passive smoking increases the risk of congenital birth defects by 13%. The paper, an analysis based on data retrieved from 19 previous studies, is scheduled to appear in the April issue of the medical journal, Pediatrics.

Simultaneously, researchers tried to link secondhand smoke with miscarriage and unexplained infant death, but were not able to find any correlations. They were also unable to determine during which stages of pregnancy secondhand smoke was most dangerous.

Interestingly, the study stated that the source of secondhand smoke in 5 of the 19 studies was the baby’s father. The paper went on to promote quitting during pregnancy:

“These results highlight the importance for smoking prevention and cessation to focus on the father in addition to the mother during the preconception period as well as during pregnancy.”

The paper’s author, Jo Leonardi-Bee, said that more research is necessary to determine whether fetal effects take place because of the mother’s inhalation of smoke, or because smoking effects the father’s sperm. She also states that these results are based on a minimum of 10 cigarettes a day, but that in the best interest of health, quitting is the best option.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a birth defect, or suffered from any type of birth injury, and you believe it is due to malpractice or negligence, 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.
Let the birth injury lawyers at the Mininno Law Office work to earn you the compensation you need and deserve.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Expose Lakewood of Voorhees

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers expose lakewood voorheesAs attorneys with expertise in the area of nursing home abuse in both New Jersey and the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, we will continue to inform, via these posts, on some of the nursing homes with average to below average records of care. We do so by researching the assessments by both the New Jersey Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing, and the Medicare Nursing Home Compare System. This system compares nursing homes across the nation and rates them from 1 – 5 stars.

Today we will discuss a Camden County nursing home that received just one star. This rating indicates that the facility provides below average care and a low quality of life. These types of homes are the most likely nursing homes in which to find victims of nursing home abuse and neglect.

Lakewood of Voorhees Rated with One Star

The Lakewood of Voorhees nursing home is a for profit facility located in Voorhees, New Jersey and has 240 long term care beds. Lakewood of Voorhees was routinely inspected 2 times between December 2008 and November 2010. During those 2 inspections, Lakewood of Voorhees was cited for 35 separate deficiencies. These include citations for failing to keep the facility free from accidents, failing to keep medication errors lower than 5%, failing to properly store/prepare and serve food to the patients, and included other medication related errors. Some of these deficiencies were widespread throughout the whole nursing home with the potential to cause more than minimal harm. These deficiencies can often lead to both nursing home abuse and neglect. Improper medicine and nutrition is not only dangerous, but can also be a factor in acquiring painful and deadly bed sores.

Lakewood of Voorhees was cited in September of 2009 for a drug regimen that fails to be free from unnecessary drugs. As always, to prevent nursing home abuse and neglect from occurring in any nursing home, vigilance is necessary from family members. Often, the patients are too vulnerable and unable to protect themselves. We must serve as advocates for the safety of our loved ones.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is a resident at a nursing home or long term care facility and you believe the care they are receiving is 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.
Let the team of nursing home abuse lawyers at the Mininno Law Office earn you the compensation you need and deserve.

Birth Injury Attorneys Warn Against the Use of PPIs During Pregnancy

A study of 200,000 women in 2010 has revealed that women who take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) during the first trimester of their pregnancy are twice as likely to deliver babies with birth defects than women who have not taken the drugs.

PPI’s Can Cause Cardiac Defects

new jersey philadelphia birth injury attorneys warning PPIs during pregnancyPrescription proton pump inhibitors include Nexium, Dexilant, Prilosec, Zegerid, Prevacid, Protonix, and AcipHex. Current over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors include Prilosec OTC, Zegerid OTC and Prevacid 24HR. The drugs are approved to treat disorders like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach and intestinal ulcers, and esophogeal inflammation.

The study was executed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, and led by Dr. Andrew D. Rhim. Rhim commented on the research he and his collegues presented at Digestive Disease Week just a year ago:

“We feel that our data … can have a large public health impact given the fact that GERD is so common during pregnancy.”

GERD is, in fact, very common during pregnancy, as 50% of women will suffer acid reflux during the gestational period. And while the prescriptions help an uncomfortable and painful condition, their safety regarding fetuses has never been definitively determined. As a class, PPIs work by stopping the release of stomach acid, which, without the assistance of a PPI, can rise up the esophagus and cause what we all know as the sensation of “heartburn.” A number of infants whose mothers took the heartburn medicines were born with cardiac abnormalities that included septal defects, left ventricular defects, and right ventricular defects.

Rhim offered an alternative to PPIs, after releasing the results of his study:

“One way to use this data to impact care would be to make sure that if physicians see pregnant women who complain [about GERD], they make sure those women are taking folic acid. That’s the only thing we know of that can decrease the risk of having a baby with cardiac birth defects.”

Birth Injury Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a birth defect, or suffered birth injury due to delivery room negligence, 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. Let the birth injury lawyers at the Mininno Law Office work to earn you the full and fair compensation you need and deserve.