As with other types of cancers, prevention and early detection of gynecological cancer is key, which is why September has been designated as Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. Experts hope this awareness month will encourage women to visit their healthcare providers for regular gynecological cancer screenings, including HPV tests. Women can also safeguard their reproductive health by talking to their doctors about getting the HPV vaccine, which can guard against the strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.

Additionally, the HPV vaccine is recommended for boys ages 11 to 21 and girls ages 11 to 26 to prevent the spread of the virus which can cause cervical cancer

In addition to undergoing screenings and receiving vaccines, women can promote their health by paying attention to their symptoms. Problems such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after menopause, pelvic pain, and urinary abnormalities may indicate gynecological cancer. If a healthcare provider is unwilling to recommend the appropriate tests to determine the source of these symptoms, medical malpractice attorneys strongly advise women to seek a second opinion.

Have you or a loved one suffered from a cancer misdiagnosis or other form of medical malpractice? Let the team of medical malpractice attorneys at Pegalis & Erickson help. Call our Long Island law firm at (516) 684-2900.

Like most people, you probably place a great deal of trust in medical professionals. Though doctors, nurses, and pharmacists are thoroughly trained to provide excellent care, it’s important to remember that they also make mistakes. “Talk About Prescriptions” Month was established to help spread awareness of medication-related errors and protect the wellbeing of millions of Americans.  

Medication Error Statistics
According to a report from the Institute of Medicine, about 1.5 million Americans are harmed by medication errors every year. These injuries result in an estimated economic loss of $3.5 billion annually. Also, about 7,000 Americans die as a result of avoidable medication errors. These sobering statistics highlight the importance of being proactive when ensuring the accuracy of one’s prescription medications.

Talking About Prescriptions
This October, take your health into your own hands by asking all the questions you have about your prescription medications. Ask your doctor and pharmacist how your medication works to treat your specific ailment and ask for a detailed explanation of the proper dosage. If you notice a discrepancy in information between your doctor and pharmacist, ask that the two reconcile their different understandings of the medication. If your medication seems different from your last prescription refill, alert your pharmacist right away.  

Identifying Negligence
A lot of prescription medications look similar. Even the most conscientious patients can miss mistakes and suffer serious injury as a result. If your medication causes you harm, and you suspect that medical negligence is involved, consider hiring a Long Island medical malpractice attorney. A skilled lawyer can investigate your case and help you determine whether your medical mistake was caused by negligence on the part of your doctor or pharmacist.   

If you have questions about medical malpractice, don’t hesitate to call Pegalis & Erickson at (516) 684-2900. Our Long Island law firm has been protecting the interests of injured patients for more than 40 years, and we have the expertise necessary to help you obtain compensation for your economic damages and emotional distress.

The family of a toddler who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth has accepted a settlement offer from UC Davis Medical Center that totals nine million dollars. Their medical malpractice lawsuit alleged that the doctors ignored signs of fetal distress and failed to perform an emergency C-section that may have prevented the baby from suffering the life-altering diagnosis.

You can hear more about this case by watching this video. This news clip explains how the family claims the doctors suffered a breakdown in communication, both amongst themselves and with their patients. The family expressed their hope that their lawsuit will pave the way for an improvement in patient care at the medical center.

The medical malpractice lawyers of Pegalis & Erickson of Long Island have extensive experience in handling cases involving birth injuries. Parents who believe their child may have been the victim of medical malpractice can call us at (516) 684-2900.

When you visit the doctor, you expect to receive thoughtful, professional care. Unfortunately, many people have very negative experiences with medical professionals. If you believe that a medical professional’s recklessness or negligence has caused you physical or emotional harm, you may have a valid medical malpractice case.

Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional fails to provide a reasonable level of care to his or her patient, and that patient suffers harm as a result. One example of medical malpractice is an unnecessary birth injury that causes harm to the mother and a newborn child. If you suffer at the hands of a negligent medical professional, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages associated with the medical malpractice.

If you have any questions about medical malpractice, don’t hesitate to call Pegalis & Erickson at (516) 684-2900. Our medical malpractice attorneys have been helping injured Long Island patients for more than 40 years, and we will gladly lend our expertise to your case.