Bed Sore Attorneys: When Untreated, Pressure Ulcers are Deadly

An elderly South australian woman, Barbara Piro, died at age 91 after she was left alone while her daughter took a vacation. The woman shared a home with her daughter, Susan Piro, in Adelaide, Australia prior to her death in 2008. The daughter is a practicing nurse who had provided and cared for her mother for nearly twenty years before she elected to travel to the United States. Susan Piro left food and water next to her mother’s bed when she departed for America on October 16. Bed sore lawyers say that only one week later, Barbara Piro was dead due to infected bed sores and a broken ankle.

Elderly Woman Could Have Been Treated

new jersey philadelphia bed sore lawyers barbara piro australiaInitially, Susan Piro cancelled the trip she planned to take to America. However, the vacation became too hard to resist, and Susan departed, leaving her mother behind. Ironically, the point of the excursion was to visit places in America her mother had once lived. Susan’s selfish and clouded judgement have now prevented her from ever being able to share these memories with her mother.

Lawyers fear that many elderly men and women are left alone in times of need; times when they are unable to provide sufficient care for themselves. Without this supervision and assistances, outcomes could be tragic, as was the case with Barbara Piro.

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, 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.

Birth Defects Attorneys: Answering Questions about Surgical Scars

Our professionals would like to give you some information regarding the healing process that follows your child’s cleft lip or palate surgery. There are many questions a parent may have following a child’s scar, which is likely to happen from surgery. Our birth defects attorneys believe that being informed is that best thing you can do for your child and his or her health, so please enjoy the following post.

Common Scar Concerns

new jersey philadelphia birth defects attorneys answering questions surgical scarsMany parents are alarmed after their child’s surgery when new scars are red. During the healing process, the body re-routes blood vessles to the scar to bring an extra supply of blood, creating that red color. The red will progressively darken for about three months and will be raised off the skin and stiff to the touch. Eventually, the scar will fade, soften, and flatten. Ultimately, the scar should look like a soft, flat, white line.

Your child’s scar is permanent but as it becomes more mature, it will be less noticeable than when it was new. Healing is different from person to person, and many people have scars that are barely noticeable. However, using vitamin E to heal the scar is a largely futile effort, as there has been no conclusive evidence linking vitamin E to scar healing. Essentially, you need to be patient and wait for the scar to heal.

Birth Defects Attorneys of New Jersey and Philadelphia

Our experienced and caring professionals are standing by to assist you with your legal needs. Many times people need the services of birth defects attorneys, yet they do not even realize it. For example, the FDA has recently announced that Topamax (Topiramate) has been downgraded to a Category D Pregnancy drug, meaning that there are negative effects associated with the use of Topamax during and before pregnancy. If you believe that Topamax was responsible for your child’s birth defect please contact the Mininno Law Office at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia for free consultations and case evaluations.

Birth Defects Attorneys Discuss Cleft Palate Development

new jersey philadelphia birth defects injuries attorneys cleft palate developmentBirth defects attorneys are often asked by their clients, “what caused my child’s cleft palate?” Unfortunately, there is little known about the actual cause of cleft lips and palates, but some information is known about certain contributing factors. A cleft (lip, palate, or both), which occurs in about 1 out of 700 babies born,is present where the palate does not fuse completely, meaning full development did not occur. Professionals know that there are a wide range of factors that can hinder development, like environmental factors, alcohol use, drug use, and genetics. Additionally, certain prescription medicines have been linked to an increase in the development of cleft lip/palates. So while there is no known exact cause for a cleft lip or palate, there certainly are contributing factors.

One Contributing Factor: Topamax (Topiramate)

One factor that contributes to the development of cleft lips and palates discussed above is prescription medicine. The drug Topamax, commonly used to treat migraine headaches and seizures, has been linked to increased incidents of cleft lips and palates. The FDA has recently announced its findings regarding the drug, and has downgraded it to Pregnancy Category D (meaning the drug has known pregnancy complications). There are legitimate uses for Topamax, but if it was taken prior to or during pregnancy it may be responsible for your child’s cleft lip or palate.

Birth Defects Attorneys of New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a loved one has taken Topamax during or prior to pregnancy and has given birth to a child with a cleft lip or palate you have legal options. Our experienced professionals are willing and able to secure your fair compensation for your child’s birth defect, which will surely make recovery easier. It is important to act quickly as there may be time restrictions on filing a claim. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation and consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Birth Defects Attorneys Talk About The Cost of a Topamax Lawsuit

Whenever you hear someone talk about “their lawyer,” it is natural to wonder what the services of an attorney would cost. In many cases, lawyers’ fees are expensive, and in some instances, cost-prohibitive. When you are dealing with your child’s cleft lip or cleft palate birth defect, additional concerns, like the cost of a lawsuit, really have no place in your life. You are stressed enough as is, and providing care for your child is your number one priority. With this in mind, the caring and experienced birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office want to draw your attention to the true costs of trying your Topamax lawsuit.

Topamax Lawsuits and the Cost

The FDA has recently upgraded their warning to pregnant women about Topamax (Topiramate) to a Pregnancy Category D drug, meaning that there are recorded instances of negative pregnancy effects from the drug. In this case, Topamax has been linked to an increase in the development of cleft lips and palates. Because Topamax can reasonably be assumed to be a contributing cause to these birth defects, the Mininno Law Office is willing to get you the compensation you deserve.

The Mininno Team

What is the cost? There is no upfront cost because the birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office work on what is called a “contingency basis.” This essentially means that the Mininno Law Office pays all the expenses for trying the case upfront, and you do not pay a cent. In exchange, when you recover a judgment or settlement, the birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office receive a percentage of the judgment. Essentially, the Mininno Law Office is paid only when you are, and you owe no money at all if no money is recovered. There really is nothing to lose by speaking with the birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office to discuss your options.

Birth Defects Attorneys of New Jersey and Philadelphia

The caring birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office are prepared to get the compensation that you and your family deserve for your child’s birth defect. If you believe that Topamax was a cause of your child’s cleft lip or palate do not hesitate to contact the Mininno Law Office at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia. As always, we do not get paid unless you do, and we offer free case evaluations and consultations.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Discuss Bed Sores – Stage IV

This is the fourth and final post in a series detailing the differences in the stages of bed sores. Our professionals represents clients all over the New Jersey and Philadelphia region with bed sore related injuries and is writing this series to inform the patients and their families about the different stages of bed sores, and their legal rights. This post is about Stage IV bed sores, the most serious and deadly stage.

Are Stage IV bed sores preventable?

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse bedsore attorneys bed sore stage 4Stage IV bed sores are horrifying wounds that cause incredible damage to the health of a person. If you or your loved one has a Stage IV bed sore that is currently not being treated,  it needs to be treated immediately for the health and safety of the patient. Unfortunately, Stage IV bed sores start off as Stage I bed sores, as discussed in previous blog posts, which are entirely preventable by attentive medical professionals.

When patients have a Stage I bed sore, there are many things that can be done to prevent the further degradation of the patient’s skin and muscle structure, including frequent repositioning to alleviate pressure on the skin. However, in some cases, a facility is under staffed, or has uncaring employees, that will allow a patient to lay in the same position for days, sometimes in their own bodily fluids. Patients that rely on the care of medical professionals, and cannot reposition themselves, are most likely to fall victims.

What are Stage IV bed sores?

Bed sores that have progressed to a Stage IV level are very serious and have a damaging impact on a patient’s health. The symptoms include: extensive destruction and tissue death to muscle, bone, and supporting structures (tendons, joints, and capsules). The wound will look like large, deep, and open, revealing bone and connective tissues. This is the last and most serious stage of bed sores. Even posting a picture of a Stage IV bed sore would be too graphic for this blog.

Bed Sores Lawyers of New Jersey and Philadelphia

A stage IV bed sore is a tell tale sign of nursing home abuse. A wound should never, under any circumstance, progress to this level. If you or your love one suffered a stage IV bed sore while in a nursing home or assisted living facility, please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation and consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia. You have suffered enough, it is time you received the compensation you deserve.

Bed Sores – Stage III

Our professionals handles bed sore cases of varying degrees throughout the New Jersey and Philadelphia region. In the previous two blog posts within this series, we have discussed stage I and stage II bed sores. Unfortunately, most cases that we are involved in typically involve Stage III and Stage IV bed sores, the most serious and dangerous types. Again, it is unfortunate to see our clients and families ailing from such an easily preventable, yet painful, and deadly condition.

What is a Stage III Bed Sore?

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers bedsores bed sores stage IIIStage III bed sores are incredibly serious and need immediate attention, as healing bed sores that progress past Stage II is extremely difficult. A stage III bed sore will display skin loss involving damage or death to the subcutaneous tissue that may extend to the connective tissue. The wound will look like a deep crater which is black around its edges. Subcutaneous fat may be visible, but bone, tendon, or muscle is not. There may be tunneling and undermining in the skin.

If you have seen a Stage III bed sore, it is very sad and disturbing. It is disturbing for a number of reasons. First, the wound itself is almost unimaginable, especially considering the time it takes for a pressure sore to progress to this level. They are disturbing because often, they are accompanied with a foul odor. These sores are 100% preventable and their occurrence should never be of issue. Negligence is the only factor to be considered when dealing with the cause of a bed sore.

Bed Sores Lawyers of New Jersey and Philadelphia

At this point, if your loved one has a Stage III bed sore, recovery is certainly going to be more difficult. The wound has progressed into a stage where healing is less likely. Also, it is almost certain that neglect or abuse has played a part in the development of the wound. No one should have to endure this type of pain. Contact the Mininno Law office at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia for a free case evaluation and consultation today. You deserve to be compensated and the parties responsible for your injury should be held responsible.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers Inform of the Dangers of Damage Caps

There has been a push in some legal and political circles to cap damages for medical malpractice cases. Usually when this is discussed, some anecdotal story is brought up about some minor injury and a multi-million dollar award. However, these misleading anecdotes do not tell the whole story. The judgments that medical malpractice lawyers get work to serve the community in several ways that, when caps are utilized, are greatly diminished in value. Attorneys help victims regain some semblance of their life, and usually a modest sum to compensate the victims. Damage caps are destructive to our legal system.

What Damage Caps Do

new jersey philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys dangers damage capsThose anecdotes you hear are often about some “frivolous” injury and a multi-million dollar award. Usually, these anecdotes are urban legends and are far from the truth. Juries are assigned with the task of fixing damages based on a number of factors, including the projected cost of continued medical care. When caps are utilized, medical malpractice lawyers can still win a judgment, but it is more likely that the judgment is not going to be enough to cover the victim’s medical costs. When the victim cannot pay their medical bills, the government will have to step in and help, help that is subsidized by taxpayers. Why should victims of medical malpractice and citizens have to bear the burden of “fixing the system” in favor of insurance companies and doctors?

Furthermore, what damage caps do is artificially allow bad doctors to stay in business and hurt other people. If damage caps are not utilized, attorneys will win judgments that compensate their clients, which are typically paid out by the doctor’s insurance company. When you lose a medical malpractice case, your medical malpractice insurance premium will increase and some of the worst doctors will be forced out of practice. However, with the caps in place, the consequences for practicing bad medicine are greatly lowered, and many of these dangerous doctors are still practicing.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a family member have recently undergone a surgery, and have been the victim of medical malpractice or negligence, you should contact the Mininno Law Office. You and your family deserve compensation for your injuries. Please call our experienced professionals at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia for a free case evaluation and consultation.

Birth Defects Attorneys Inform about Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate are some of the most common birth defects that are seen today, occurring in about one or two children in every 1,000 births in this country. Although cleft lip and cleft palate are quite prevalent in the United States, birth defects attorneys say that these craniofacial malformations occur even more often in children of Latino and Asian descent. These happen when there is an incomplete development of the lip or roof of the mouth during fetal formation, which leaves an opening. Although these birth defects are quite common, women who take Topamax, the popular migraine and epilepsy drug, during pregnancy may be at an even higher risk.

The Many Forms of Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, or Both

new jersey philadelphia birth defects attorneysIn the early development of a fetus (the first three months of pregnancy), the lips and palate develop separately. Since the development is not simultaneous, babies may be born with only a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or in some cases both. When parts of the lip or palate do not completely come together, the orofacial problems begin to develop. There can also be many variations in the different types of clefts. A cleft can occur only on one side of the mouth, known as a unilateral cleft, or on both sides of the mouth, known as a bilateral cleft. Young girls are more likely to have a cleft palate that occurs alone. On the other hand, an oral cleft, regardless of whether it is lip or palate, is generally more common in boys.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Many parents who have children born with a cleft lip or cleft palate are often overwhelmed and, in some instances, confused about their legal rights. They are especially confused about whether or not the services of birth defects attorneys would be needed. In some cases, there have been improper actions that may have led to your child’s birth defect and contacting our professional team is beneficial to your family’s physical and financial health. 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 Sores – Stage II

The Mininno Law Office serves patients and families affected by bed sores in the New Jersey and Philadelphia region. Typically, these bed sores and pressure ulcers are caused by nursing home neglect and abuse. This is the second post in a series of four that will describe the stages of bed sores. It is important to know the bed sore stages as laid out by the Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. This post covers the second evolution of bed sores, Stage II.

What Happens if Stage I Bed Sores Are Not Treated Promptly?

Typically, once a Stage I bed sore develops, medical professionals are attentive and realize the danger that the patient is in. The medical professionals then take the appropriate steps to care for the bed sores and avoid any serious complications. However, when the medical professionals neglect their duties, a Stage I bed sore will progress into a Stage II bed sore, which is even more painful and potentially fatal.

As Stage II bed sores develop, so too do a host of other symptoms. There is a skin loss involving the epidermis, dermis, or both layers of skin. The bed sore will look superficial, much like an abrasion, blister, or small crater. It will look like a shallow open ulcer with a pink-red wound bed, without slough. It could also look like a serum-filled, open, or ruptured blister. Once bed sores progress past this stage, they are much harder to treat.

Prevention is Key

As discussed in the previous blog, prevention is the key to stopping bed sores. Essentially, the medical staff needs to be attentive to the needs of their patients, especially those who are unable to care for themselves and shift positions. Bed Sores are entirely preventable; it just takes staff attention. Unfortunately, in many nursing homes and assisted living facilities, it is difficult to come across because of budget cuts and under-staffing.

This should serve as a warning for family members of patients in these facilities. We are not suggesting that all facilities, or even most, are dangerous, but it is extremely important to monitor your loved one’s condition in these facilities to prevent things like bed sores.  The medical staff should be checking on your family member and so should you.

Bed Sores Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a loved one has suffered from bed sores in a nursing home or assisted living facility you should contact the Mininno Law Office for a free consultation and case evaluation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia. We are experienced at holding those who caused your or your loved one’s injury responsible for their actions. Let the Mininno Law Office serve you by getting you the fair and just compensation which you truly deserve.

Bed Sores – Stage 1

Bed sores and pressure ulcers, 99% of the time, are indicative of nursing home abuse. Usually, bed sores are classified as a Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, or Stage IV, but many of our clients do not know what the difference is between these. This blog post, and the following three in this series, are aimed at informing nursing home abuse victims, and their families, about their injuries and what they can do about it.

Bed Sore Stage Classifications – Stage I

Stage I bed sores represent the first stage of bed sores, and should serve as a warning sign to medical professionals and family members. Patients with Stage I bed sores typically exhibit the following symptoms:

  • a warming or cooling in skin temperature,
  • changes in tissue consistency (firm or boggy feeling),
  • pain,
  • itching, and
  • persistent red, blue, or purple hues.

Typically, bed sores lawyers are not involved with Stage I bed sores because they can be treated by medical professionals, thereby eliminating a serious health risk to the patient. But, as experienced bed sores lawyers, we can tell you, from first hand experience, that monitoring your loved one’s health is very important. Bed sores progress very rapidly, and when they are discovered, they need to be treated immediately.

Preventing Bed Sores

Bed sores typically are caused by pressure on the skin at bony areas of the body. Continuous pressure and friction are dangerous to people with the following risk factors:

  • over 65,
  • incontinence,
  • malnutrition,
  • dehydration,
  • lack of movement,
  • numbness,
  • smoking, and
  • previous pressure ulcers.

For bed ridden patients, skin should be kept clean, dry, and moisturized. Furthermore, their position should be changed regularly, and special equipment and pads should be used to protect skin over bony areas. The best medicine for bed sores is prevention, and the number one tool for prevention is attentiveness. It is important to be attentive to a patient’s needs. If a patient is ignored or neglected, deadly bed sores can quickly develop.

Bed Sores Lawyers in New Jersey

Later posts will demonstrate how a Stage I pressure ulcer can quickly develop into a more serious problem. If you or your family member has developed bed sores while in a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free consultation and case evaluation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia. You deserve compensation and the Mininno Law Office can get it for you.