Cerebral Palsy Attorneys Win Large Verdict in New York State

In New York State, a tremendous verdict was awarded recently to a 24 year old woman who suffers from Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral Palsy Results After Prolonged Oxygen Deprivation

new jersey philadelphia cerebral palsy attorneys win big verdict new yorkTiffany Busone and her mother sued the Bellevue Maternity Hospital (now known as the Bellevue Women’s Center) for negligently delivering Tiffany on July 15th, 1984. Tiffany was deprived of oxygen for nearly 15 minutes while doctors failed to properly resuscitate her. She now suffers permanent brain damage because of it.

The Saratoga County, six member jury, made up of three men and three women, unianimously agreed to award Tiffany the $43.5 million dollar verdict. The money breaks down to $20 million for home health aides, $15 million for future pain and suffering, $6 million for past pain and suffering, and the remainder for medical expenses and loss of wages.

Tiffany will always require a wheel chair, home health aides, special medical equipment, and, despite her above average intelligence and bachelors degree from Arizona State University, will never be able to hold a job to support herself financially. Her lack of motor skills and permanent brain damage will render her unfit for the workforce.

This verdict will serve to support Tiffany and her mother, who cares for her, for the rest of Tiffany’s life.

Cerebral Palsy Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child suffers from a birth injury or defect such as cerebral palsy, it may be due to medical malpractice or negligence. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. The medical malpractice and cerebral palsy attorneys at the Mininno Law Office are here to answer any questions that you may have regarding your legal rights. You can also call at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Birth Injury Reduction Earns Award for Texas Medical Network

new jersey philadelphia birth injury attorneys award texas medical networkThe state of Texas has recently awarded Seton Hospitals with the first annual “Quality Award” for their extremely successful push to reduce birth injuries. Seton was the only hospital in the state to receive the award.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission presented Seton with the award after the family of hospitals reported the lowest birth injury rate in the nation. Seton stated that their efforts to reduce birth trauma included limited use of forceps and vacuum extractors, as well as limiting elective inductions before 39 weeks.

In 2003, Seton Hospitals reported 3 birth injuries per 1,000 live births. In 2007, the rate had fallen to .2 birth injuries per 1,000 live births. The commission confirms that Seton’s success continues.

Health and Human Services Commissioner Thomas Suehs (left) commented on Seton and their accomplishment:

“We’re proud to recognize Seton for this accomplishment because it shows how good medicine is also good public policy. This initiative leads to healthier babies, and it also saves money for taxpayers by reducing the number of Medicaid births with complications.”

Of the award, commission spokeswoman Stephanie Goodman said:

“It’s a way for us to highlight best practices that we’d like to see replicated across the state.”

Birth Injury Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child is a victim of a birth injury that you believe was caused by medical malpractice or delivery room negligence, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. If you have any questions regarding your legal rights, feel free to call (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

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.

Birth Injury Lawyers: Why Neonatal Testing Should Be Mandatory

In March of 2008, National Public Radio ran an interview with Elizabeth Weil about her New York Times Magazine story “A Wrongful Birth?.” The interview and article surround the story of a family who received substandard , prenatal care from their obstetrician, which ultimately led to birth injuries and defects.

Physician Negligence Leads to Substantial Verdict

Their son AJ was born with an easily detectable, yet extremely rare condition, which will lessen his life expectancy and leave him mentally and physically challenged throughout his shortened lifetime. The family sued their doctor, who should have made them aware of the condition before the third trimester (once abortion is not longer an option), and was awarded by a New York State Court the money to care for the child for his lifetime. While the award was a substantial sum of money, the costs for raising such a disabled child for his lifetime will be substantial as well. Consequently, New York does not legislatively allow the awarding of damages to the parents for the trauma resulting from such malpractice.

Weil’s article and interview are very interesting and educational. Unfortunately, she jumps over the most important issue in all of this. At one point, she writes,

“The ethics of selective abortion are being hashed out in the courts.”

Earlier, in her interview, she also explains that the parents of the child started the malpractice lawsuit, because they felt that,

“they were deprived of that choice”

to terminate pregnancy. The issue in these cases is not whether the courts are hashing out our national ethics. If anything, it would be the politicians who have carved out our ethics for us. From abortion to drugs, the politicians decide what is OK and what is not OK. Here, the politicians have decided that we all have the right to a choice. They have not decided whether or not it is OK to terminate a pregnancy based on whether or not the child is blind, or deaf, or retarded, or disabled. None of this is decided for us. The courts have not hashed this out for us. The point is whether or not we get to make these decisions for ourselves. We pay doctors for a particular type of care and if it is not received – depriving us of the choices we are guaranteed in this country – than this is malpractice.

What people choose to do with the information given to them by their doctor is their choice. There is no place for ethics in a debate about whether or not doctors should have any control over neonatal testing, because this type of medical malpractice can lead to the sickness and death of our children.

Birth Injury Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadephia

If your child was born with irreversible damages caused by negligence of a physician, you may have a claim for damages. For more information, please go to the New Jersey Medical Malpractice Attorneys page. You may also contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

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.