Nursing Home Neglect and Medication Errors Lead to $3,000 Fine

new jersey philadelphia nursing home neglect medical errors training staff

The Regency Heights of Danielson nursing home facility in Connecticut is facing a $3,000 fine after multiple cases of nursing home neglect were discovered. The facility was cited by the Department of Public Health on August 18th because, according to the report, several nurses at the facility were not giving all of the prescribed medications to the residents. The director of nurses was notified of the problem in July and an internal investigation from the facility was conducted. They found at least 18 cases where the residents, including those who suffered from heart failure, hypertension, and seizures, were not given their medications. They initially found that one licensed practical nurse was withholding medication from a diabetic patient. She was suspended and then fired. The director of nurses then performed a full audit of all medication carts and concluded that “multiple other nurses had also not administered all medications as prescribed.”

The most alarming of the cases was one diabetic patient was not given 72 doses of Glucophage over seven months. Glucophage is a medication that helps control the glucose in the blood. Luckily, none of the patients died or were seriously harmed as a result of the medicinal neglect. All of the residents were evaluated medically and the nursing home re-trained the entire staff on administering medication.

The Importance of Medication for the Elderly

Neglecting to administer medications to the elderly and disabled residents of nursing homes can have fatal consequences. By the time someone must depend on a nursing home to provide necessary care, their health is quite fragile. Medications are incredibly important to maintain a comfortable quality of life and to correct the health problems that come with old age.

Some residents are capable of medicating themselves, however a large number of residents need staff assistance to stay on top of a treatment schedule. When residents are new to a facility, the staff is not yet familiar with their medications, so as nursing home neglect attorneys, we strongly encourage communicating the needs of your loved ones when starting in a new facility in order to prevent this type of nursing home neglect.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident of a nursing home or care facility and you are worried that they are not receiving their medication, or 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 with one of our nursing home neglect lawyers at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Bed Sore Attorneys Fight for Son of Woman Killed by Bed Sores

Lois Pierce was spending time at Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center in Tennessee. Bed sore attorneys say that she was transferred from that center on April 7th, 2008 when she began developing small pressure sores. The woman was moved to Pigeon Forge Care and Rehab in hopes of treating the minor bed sores. Only one month later, Lois Pierce tragically passed away after she was removed from there and taken to an emergency room to treat massive bed sores which became infected and had reached stage four. The appellate court’s summary of the case stated “on May 7, 2008, she died when her organs failed as a result of the infections.”

Health Care Center Attempts to Dodge Liability

new jersey philadelphia bed sore attorneys fight woman killed massive pressure soresPierce’s son, David Blackmon, attempted to file a complaint in Sevier County Circuit Court but defense attorneys claimed that the action had to go through arbitration due to forms that Blackmon signed while his mother was at the nursing home. The appellate court affirmed the lower court’s ruling in favor of the woman’s son. Judge Rex Ogle, the lower court judge, found that the center failed to provide Blackmon with copies of the forms that he signed, a major mistake according to bed sore attorneys. The Judge noted “it troubles the court that anybody who requires someone to sign legal documents affecting the rights of patients would not give those people copies, executed copies. That makes no sense to me.” Lawyers say that the Judge continued by stating “the execution of the agreement, the way it was handled, it was very shoddy. And I think that quite candidly is unconscionable, that it does shock the conscience of this court by how this entire agreement was handled they should not be enforced.”

Bed Sore Attorneys of New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one has recently suffered from a bed sore, you may have questions for our professionals regarding your legal rights. If you suspect that neglect or mistreatment played a factor in the development of a bed sore, Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation in New Jersey at (856) 833-0600, or in Philadelphia at (215) 567-2380.

Elder Abuse Lawyers Warn About Financial Abuse from Adult Children

new jersey philadelphia elder abuse lawyers Warn Financial Adult ChildrenAt all points in life, we face the threat of being abused; abused physically, emotionally, or even financially. Our elder abuse lawyers write this blog to keep you informed about the dangers of being taken advantage of as you get older and the different ways to see the warning signs in order to prevent yourself from being a victim. The problem is that there are so many different forms of abuse,  it is hard to protect yourself from all of them. Financial abuse can come from anyone, but a disturbing number of cases involve a victim’s own children.

The exact number of cases is unknown, but experts estimate that between 60 and 90% of financial elder abuse is committed by family members. Out of that percentage, one out of five cases go unreported. Unfortunately, many victims do not report that their children have been stealing from them because they are embarrassed or do not want their children to be punished. It is expected that this form of abuse is going to increase as the number of the elderly population in this country grows.

Warning Signs and Prevention

Often, the adult child that is more likely to steal from their elderly parents still relies on his or her parents for support. According to Dr. Winsor Schmidt, professor of family and geriatric medicine at the University of Louisville, “Research suggests that increased risk of elder financial abuse by adult children is associated with such factors as the perpetrator’s unemployment, inability to drive and financial dependence upon the older person.” You should also consider a history of substance abuse, chemical dependency, compulsive gambling, and other addictions as reasons to be more vigilant. Choosing a financial caretaker is a very important decision and a job that should only go to someone you absolutely trust.

new jersey philadelphia elder abuse lawyers Warn Financial Adult ChildrenThe older you get the higher your chances of being taken advantage of become. Individuals that have a hard time performing everyday tasks, getting around by themselves, or who suffer from Dementia or Alzheimer’s are most often the victims of financial abuse. Parents who have children who live far away from them or each other are also at a higher risk. One sibling can misuse the parents’ assets without the others finding out.

Few parents anticipate or ever want to think about the fact that their children may someday cheat them out of their entire life savings, but it is unfortunately common. Many people are in the mindset that it will not happen to them, that they have great kids and nothing to worry about. As elder abuse lawyers, we encourage you to take this seriously and choose a financial caretaker carefully. Think about the warning signs and choose someone who is responsible and good with money so you do not fall victim to a growing form of abuse. If you can, discuss these issues with a lawyer while you are planning your estate. The more planning you do and the more you get in writing, the better your chances of preventing abuse and theft.

Elder Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently being taken advantage of financially or physically, or they are a resident of a nursing home 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.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys Win Deceased Man’s Family $2.5 Million Verdict

Lawrence Dixon was only 59 years old when he passed away. His death was due, in part, to his physician’s failure to properly diagnose his condition and recognize that he was suffering hemorrhagic shock. Medical malpractice attorneys witnessed a Maryland jury award the deceased’s family $2.5 million in money damages. Dixon’s estate and his wife were each awarded one million dollars in non-economic damages while each of his two children are set to collect a quarter of a million dollars each. Unfortunately, due to a cap in Maryland on non-economic damages, the award total is likely to be cut all the way down to $812,500.

Two Days after Fracturing His Pelvis, Man Loses Life

new jersey philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys Lawrence Dixon case million verdictOn May 17, 2007, Lawrence Dixon fell and fractured his pelvis. David Harding was the doctor assigned to Dixon. It was alleged by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit that, after conducting examinations, Dr. Harding failed to notice internal bleeding which ultimately led to the failure of multiple organs and eventually death. It is argued that there were numerous warning signs that an experienced doctor, such as Harding, should have recognized. Medical malpractice attorneys argued that the victim had not produced urine in over twenty four hours, had a rapidly increased heartbeat, a rapidly decreased blood pressure, and suffered loss of lucidity. Professionals believe that any of these signs should have been a strong warning sign to Harding that something was wrong and it was likely that the patient was losing blood.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a family member have recently been the victim of medical negligence, it is possible that you would like to speak with our professionals. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Bed Sore Attorneys Advise: It’s All in The Family

Tiffany Duthu, a 35 year-old woman, was found guilty of neglecting her paralyzed mother, Clara. Clara Duthu passed away due to untreated bed sores which soon became infected. Now, the daughter faces up to fifteen years in prison after being convicted of cruelty and negligent homicide. Bed Sore lawyers discovered that Tiffany is the second family member who has been charged in this death already. Her father, Joseph, is currently serving a two year sentence in prison, while another daughter, Tessie Breaux is scheduled to go on trial later in 2011.

Woman Lived in Horrid Conditions Prior to Death

new jersey philadelphia bed sore attorneys family case Tiffany Duthu caseClara Duthu passed away at Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center due to sepsis. Her daughter’s conviction came following a three day trial before District Judge David Arceneaux. When Tiffany’s father was unable to take care of his wife due to his own medical issues, there was a two month span where she failed to provide assistance to her mother. Tiffany had acted as a caregiver in the past but steadily began to provide less help. Lawyers say that Tiffany made a statement to authorities in which she claimed to have neglected her mother as a way to get back at her other siblings who did not help. The judge said “it seems she simply stopped going to her mother’s house, knowing nobody else could change her diapers.” Bed sore attorneys found that Clara’s bed and sheets were covered in urine and feces, a terrible way for a life to come to an end. Bed sores can be caused by many things including bed bugs, getting a mattress protector can help. Here are some bed bug mattress cover reviews on the best protectors.

Bed Sore Attorneys of New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one has recently suffered from a bed sore, you may have questions for our professionals regarding your legal rights. If you suspect that neglect or mistreatment played a factor in the development of a bed sore, Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation in New Jersey at (856) 833-0600, or in Philadelphia at (215) 567-2380.

Nursing Home Negligence – Feeding Tube Causes Death

Residents of a nursing home are residents because they require medical care that they can no longer provide themselves. Depending upon severity of conditions, this care could be as simple as a few check-ins throughout the day, or could be as serious as constant and close observation. Because some patients require constant observation, staff members and caretakers have a responsibility and obligation to know what their patient’s needs are at all times and how to effectively provide those needs in a way that promotes a good quality of life.  Nursing home negligence occurs when the needs of a patient are disregarded or overlooked. Often, injuries and death occur as a result of nursing home neglect, and the matter should not be taken lightly.

Facility Fined After Death of 78-Year-Old Man

new jersey philadelphia nursing home neglect lawyers AA citation Orchard-Post Acute CareOrchard-Post Acute Care in Whittier has been fined $75,000 and given a “AA” citation from the state of California for the death of a 78-year-old patient in 2008. The man, who suffered from Alzheimer’s and was recovering from a stroke, was admitted to the facility in July of 2008. Nursing home staff inserted a feeding tube into the man’s abdomen, as is often necessary for Alzheimer’s and Dimentia patients who may forget to eat or become aggressive at meal times. Soon after, the man began complaining of abdominal pain and was taken to the emergency room. While in the hospital, the doctors discovered that his feeding tube was inserted incorrectly, causing an inflamed abdomen lining, labored breathing, and septic shock. The man underwent an operation and was placed on a ventilator, but died six days later.

Placing a feeding tube is a common procedure in nursing homes. Staff members should be adequately trained before they perform these procedures on patients. It certainly is sad when something so easily preventable leads to the death of patient.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident of a nursing home or care facility, we encourage you to visit frequently and be very observant of the care they are receiving. If you are worried that the care 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.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys: Man Sues Doctor for Amputating Penis

medical malpractice attorneys in nj and paPhillip Seaton, a sixty one year old man from Kentucky, went to Dr. John Patterson for a routine circumcision to relieve inflammation. Medical malpractice attorneys say that Seaton is now suing his former doctor after this routine procedure turned into an amputation of his penis. Seaton claims that he never gave the doctor permission to go through with the amputation and he was not given a chance to consult with another doctor for a second opinion. The key question that medical malpractice attorneys believe will be answered in litigation is whether a doctor can remove an organ or a limb if he or she believes it will be life saving.

Doctor Says Amputation was Necessary

Dr. John Patterson’s medical malpractice attorneys will argue that the doctor had to remove the patient’s penis because cancer was discovered during the circumcision procedure. On the other side, Seaton has declared that even if there was cancer, it was not life threatening and the amputation did not need to occur imminently. The jurors will be asked to determine if the doctor’s actions were a “necessary part of the surgery” and whether the doctor “had no reasonable option” other than removing the body part. David Perecman, one of many medical malpractice attorneys chiming in on this issue, stated “the law protects a patient’s right to make his or her own medical decisions. . .The law extends to the right of every patient to be informed of the consequences, risks and alternatives or any surgery or procedure.”

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a family member have recently been the victim of medical negligence, it is possible that you would like to speak with our professionals. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Get Las Vegas Facility Closed

As nursing home abuse lawyers, our goal is to get justice for the victims and loved ones of elder and nursing home abuse. We also want to see that the correct punishment is brought to the facility and/or the individuals responsible. Revoking an operating license is the most severe punishment that state officials give to nursing home facilities who fail to meet inspection requirements. Fines and follow up inspections are utilized before the state revokes a license, but if conditions are not improved, licenses will be lost.

Repeat Citations and Abuse Leads to Loss of License for Home

nursing home abuse lawyers in NJ and PAAfter an investigation by the state of Nevada, the Las Vegas Home Sweet Home had its license revoked and was forced to close in August. All of the residents were removed and placed in different facilities.

The most recent investigation that led to the closure was prompted by a witness a caregiver yelling at an elderly woman. The abuse continued as the caregiver dragged the resident down the hallway by her ankles. During their investigation, state officials also found that caregivers at the home were depositing residents’ social security checks into their personal bank accounts. Staff members were also taking more money than necessary for small grocery trips for the residents, and then pocketing the change afterwards.

These were not the first violations for “Home Sweet Home.” The facility has been fined and investigated frequently over the years for various citations that made the home unsafe for the residents. The state became aggravated with the home’s failure to adhere to regulations and decided to shut it down.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you have witnessed any questionable or abusive behavior in a nursing home, directed towards your loved one or even another resident, 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.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers Fight for Parents of Stillborn Babies

Stillbirths are perhaps the worst tragedy to befall expectant parents. Not only do they have to endure the pain associated with the death of a child, but a mother will have to endure the entire delivery process, only to hold the body of her lifeless baby in the end. Often, stillbirths occur naturally, through no fault of doctor or patient. However, other on other occasions, medical negligence is to blame. It is for these cases that medical malpractice lawyers believe parents are due compensation.

$1 Million Awarded for Pain and Suffering

medical malpractice lawyers in NJ and PAIn 2004, New York’s highest court ruled that women can sue for emotional suffering if their stillbirth is a result of medical malpractice. There have now been a couple cases moving through the legal system that are determining what is justified compensation.

Lucia Ferreira was awarded $1 million in a New York court in February for pain and suffering after she lost her baby during a home labor. During her last three visits to the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, she complained of abdominal pain but was only given painkillers and sent home.

After the Ferreira case, lawyer Jeff Korek is fighting for more money for his client Vivian Acevedo. He is trying to reason that $1 million should be the standard for medical malpractice stillborn cases. The Acevedo case is against Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center for a delayed emergency Caesarean that caused the child to be stillborn. Lincoln Medical offered $500,000 but she turned it down.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a family member has recently suffered a stillbirth or has been the victim of medical negligence, and you would like to speak to someone about your legal options 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.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys: Maine Supreme Court Makes Landmark Ruling

medical malpractice attorneys in nj and paMedical malpractice attorneys believe that a recent decision by the Supreme Court of Maine will now, for the first time, allow patients to bring medical malpractice lawsuits that extend beyond the statute of limitations period. This could have a dramatic impact on cases that involve misdiagnosis or treatment by doctors who continue to see patients over a long period of time. Unlike a botched surgery, where the statute of limitations begins running almost immediately, when a doctor negligently diagnoses and treats a patient over a period of time, the limitations period to bring a lawsuit is now extended.

Sustained Medical Negligence in Treatment and Testing Leads to Prostate Cancer

Phillip Baker was a regular patient of his primary care physician Dr. Merrill Farrand Jr. Baker saw this physician for twenty years and he was regularly screened for a prostate specific antigen known as PSA. These tests can reveal risks and evidence of cancer. Baker’s results were high but it took five years of similar results for Farrand to refer Baker to a urologist. Medical malpractice attorneys say that when Baker went to visit the urologist and had a biopsy completed, it was revealed that he had prostate cancer. The biggest disappointment of this revelation was that the most important period of time to treat this cancer was more than three years in the past. Now, because of the Maine Supreme Court ruling, the “Continuing Negligent Treatment Doctrine” will be used and Baker can assert that there was not a single negligent act, but rather this medical malpractice continued between 2002 and 2006. Baker’s medical malpractice attorneys stated,

“the issue that has always lurked in the background is the situation in which a patient is told to have a test, gets that test and for one reason or another the test is abnormal but the doctor doesn’t act on it…That doctor continues to treat the patient for a period of years, seeing the patient each year, seeing the abnormal test each year but continuing not to act on it.”

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a family member have recently been the victim of medical negligence, it is possible that you would like to speak with our professionals. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.