Many expecting mothers look forward to their due dates with as much apprehension as excitement and joy. The experience of welcoming a child into the world is unlike any other, but there are so many things that can go wrong. In some cases, the obstetrician, midwife, or attending nurses may neglect to recommend a cesarean section when it is medically necessary. There is no substitute for quality medical care, and the consequences of medical malpractice can change a child’s life forever.

Planned C-Sections
Planned C-sections are those that are scheduled before labor begins. An obstetrician may recommend a planned C-section for the following reasons:

• Breech position
• Pregnancy with multiples
• History of prior C-sections
• Increased risk of uterine rupture

Planned C-sections might also be recommended when the mother has an infection that could be transmitted to the baby if he or she is born vaginally. In other cases, maternal health conditions are at risk of becoming severe during the stress of labor and childbirth. One common example is heart disease.

Unplanned C-Sections
Women who go to the hospital expecting to have a vaginal birth might still need to have a C-section due to unexpected complications. Emergency or unplanned C-sections may be needed for the following reasons:

• The baby is too big
• Labor is prolonged, difficult, or stops
• The baby shows signs of distress, such as heart rate abnormalities
• Complications affect the umbilical cord

Delayed C-Sections
A delayed C-section is when the attending medical staff fails to perform a C-section in a timely manner when it is apparent that the procedure is medically necessary to safeguard the health of mother and baby. This type of medical malpractice can result in birth injuries, such as physical injuries to the baby and an increased risk of developmental delays. For instance, the delay in performing a C-section can cause a disruption in the flow of oxygen to the baby. If the baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen, he or she can quickly begin to sustain brain damage. This can result in disorders like cerebral palsy.

Here at Pegalis & Erickson, LLC, we understand the devastating effects of medical malpractice on a family. If your family has been affected by birth injuries at a hospital near Long Island, New York, you can reach out to our malpractice law firm to let us know how we can help you. Call (516) 684-2900 for more information.

Cerebral palsy can be a devastating diagnosis for parents to hear. This disorder, which affects muscle tone, balance, and movement, can occur as the result of a birth injury during delivery or right afterwards. Because the effects of cerebral palsy can lead to a lifetime of complications and medical expenses, you should consider contacting a cerebral palsy lawyer if you suspect your child’s condition was caused by medical negligence.

For parents, there is no single road map to follow for raising a child with cerebral palsy. Some children with cerebral palsy have minor symptoms that may only require minimal support services. In other cases, the symptoms can be so severe that the child cannot walk. Speech difficulties and intellectual disability are also possible. Parents of children with cerebral palsy need to work closely with their children’s’ medical team to determine the best treatment options. They also need to make plans for the future if their children’s symptoms are severe enough that they will not be able to care for themselves or support themselves.

If you believe that medical negligence in New York played a part in your child’s illness, the birth injury attorneys at Pegalis & Erickson, LLC are here to help you seek compensation. Speak to an attorney today by calling (516) 684-2900.

Each June, health advocates across the country celebrate Men’s Health Month. This awareness month is intended to empower men to become effective self-advocates. Men—and women—often trust the opinions and advice of their doctors without question. Trust may be a good quality in certain situations, but when it comes to healthcare, raising questions and seeking second opinions can be essential for preventing the consequences of medical malpractice.

Schedule a wellness exam.
Men tend to not see the doctor when they’re healthy (or even when they’re sick). But preventive wellness is a cornerstone of good health, and wellness exams are an important part of that. If it’s been a while since you saw your doctor, make an appointment right away for an annual exam. Your physician will assess your overall health, look for warning signs of medical problems, and counsel you about your lifestyle.

Know your risk factors.
During your wellness exam, you’ll be asked lots of questions about your personal and family medical history. This information helps your doctor assess your risk factors of problems like heart disease and cancer. Unfortunately, not all doctors will take the time to tell you what your medical history reveals. Take the initiative to ask about the problems you may be at risk of developing. Your risk factors will also be based on your typical diet, level of activity, and occupation.

Get screened. Each wellness exam includes a check of your weight, pulse, and blood pressure, but you may need additional health screenings. Don’t assume that your doctor will let you know when it’s time for a cholesterol test, skin cancer screening, colonoscopy, or diabetes test. Be a proactive self-advocate by asking your doctor if you could benefit from having any health screenings, based on your age and other risk factors.

Pegalis & Erickson, LLC is a medical malpractice law firm on Long Island, New York. Our medical malpractice attorneys have been providing effective legal advocacy services for our clients for more than 40 years. If you have concerns that you may have been affected by medical malpractice, please don’t hesitate to call us at (516) 684-2900.

Stroke can be deadly, and the risk of stroke is particularly high among elderly patients. However, stroke can actually affect patients of any age—including newborns. Because stroke is perceived as being a problem for older patients, younger individuals who suffer stroke may be misdiagnosed. These serious emergency room errors may be a form of medical malpractice if the physician deviated from standard diagnostic procedures.

When stroke occurs, every second counts. The misdiagnosis of stroke may mean that a patient cannot receive clot-busting drugs within a critical time period to improve the chances of survival. When misdiagnosed patients do survive a stroke, they may suffer serious, lifelong consequences as a result of the death of brain cells.

Emergency room errors committed on Long Island, New York can have devastating consequences, which is why the medical negligence lawyers at Pegalis & Erickson, LLC are always here to help. Call us at (516) 684-2900 to request a consultation with our medical malpractice team.