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Alzheimer’s Products Under Scrutiny
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be devastating for patients and their families, and in the midst of their grief, these individuals may seek cures of all types beyond those recommended by a physician. In the dietary supplement industry many companies have begun to take advantage of patients affected by Alzheimer’s by advertising products claiming to improve memory and treat dementia. These products have recently come under scrutiny by Sentator Claire McCaskill, who is on the Senate Special Committee on Aging. In addition to soliciting the FDA on the safety of these dietary supplements, McCaskill sent letters to 15 major national retailers, including Amazon, to reduce the availability of potentially unsafe or misleading “miracle cures.”
The medical community is unfortunately full of misinformation, but there are representatives who will fight for your rights as a patient and consumer with more than 40 years of medical malpractice expertise. At Pegalis & Erickson, LLC, you can expect dedicated attention for your case to help you discover the truth of your medical care and seek appropriate compensation for negligence or malpractice. To schedule a free consultation at our office near Long Island, call us at (516) 684-2900.
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Medical Malpractice and Birth Injuries: What You Need to Know
While eagerly anticipating the birth of their child, parents may not consider the possibility that their little one will suffer serious birth injuries that could result in lifelong complications. Far too many families each year face this sort of tragedy. When a child is diagnosed with a birth injury, parents may wish to consult a medical malpractice lawyer. A lawyer can review medical records and other evidence to look for signs of medical malpractice.
Causes and Risk Factors of Birth Injuries
Healthcare providers should be aware of the risk factors of birth injuries and take appropriate steps to mitigate the risk. These risk factors can include premature birth, large size of the baby, or breech position. Birth injuries more often occur during prolonged or difficult labor. While the mother is in labor, obstetric staff should be carefully monitoring the fetal heartrate. The fetal heartrate may begin to show signs of fetal distress. When this occurs, physicians should take steps to prevent complications such as oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain. They may perform an emergency C-section, for example. When a C-section is delayed or not performed at all, the child may be more likely to suffer birth injuries. Birth injuries may also occur if the obstetrician uses forceps, a vacuum extractor, or other equipment for delivery. When used improperly, these devices may inflict serious damage to the baby.Types of Birth Injuries
If a healthcare provider uses excessive force to manipulate the baby during delivery, it is possible that the child will suffer from bone fractures, such as a broken clavicle. Another type of birth injury is a brachial plexus injury, also known as Erb’s Palsy, which refers to damage of the network of nerves in the shoulder area. When these nerves suffer damage, the baby may suffer paralysis of the affected arm and hand.The medical malpractice team at Pegalis & Erickson has spent more than 40 years employing the litigation system to work to help our clients. It’s our goal to make healthcare safer for families; unfortunately, far too many parents are still hearing the devastating news that their child has suffered a serious birth injury. If your child has suffered birth injuries in Long Island, New York, you can call our firm at (516) 684-2900 and let us know how we can help you.
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What to Expect if Your Child Is Diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy
Every child deserves a healthy start in life. Unfortunately for some, birth injuries compromise their health before they even go home with their parents for the first time. Medical malpractice can sometimes lead to Erb’s palsy, which develops when the brachial plexus—a cluster of nerves in the shoulder area—becomes injured during delivery. If your child has been diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, you can consult a birth injury lawyer to discuss the possibility of filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.Watching Out for Possible Symptoms
The symptoms of Erb’s palsy can vary widely in terms of severity. Some infants may only have minor arm weakness, while others cannot move the affected arm at all. The child might hold the affected arm against the body or the arm may hang limp. Erb’s palsy can also cause loss of sensation, loss of motor function, arm numbness, impaired gripping ability, and partial or full paralysis of the affected arm.Evaluating the Prognosis
With the help of a physical therapist, infants with mild symptoms of Erb’s palsy may fully recover within three to six months. Most children who receive the appropriate care regain sensory and functional use of the affected arm within a year. However, infants with very severe symptoms may never regain lost function.Identifying Long-Term Effects
When the brachial plexus injury does not resolve itself, children must live with long-term health complications. For example, the muscular, circulatory, and nervous development in the affected area may be impaired. Some children suffer from permanent loss of function of the arm, while others may have abnormal muscle contractions that become permanent. As children with Erb’s palsy grow older and enter school, they may suffer emotionally, socially, and academically. They may display episodes of frustration and anger because they cannot physically participate in the activities other children enjoy and they may develop self-esteem issues that require counseling.The birth injury lawyers at Pegalis & Erickson sympathize with parents of children who have been diagnosed with serious health problems such as Erb’s palsy. We would like to extend an offer for a free case review to help you explore your options. Call us at (516) 684-2900 to request an appointment with a medical malpractice attorney in Long Island, New York.
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What Men Need to Know about Vascular Disease
Thanks to public awareness campaigns, women have been empowered to take control of their wellness by evaluating their risk of heart and vascular disease. Yet, cardiovascular disease is also the leading cause of death in the U.S. for men. Men often rely on their doctors to provide screening recommendations and lifestyle advice. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are not uncommon. Men can protect themselves from both medical malpractice and vascular disease by becoming better informed about health issues during Men’s Health Week, which is designated as the second week of June.
Aortic Disease
One type of vascular disease men may be diagnosed with is aortic disease. The aorta is the body’s largest artery. If the aorta is affected by vascular disease, it can dilate, or develop an aneurysm. An aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area of a blood vessel that may sometimes rupture. Or, the aorta may tear, which is known as dissection. Aortic disease can increase the risk of future life-threatening vascular problems. Some examples of conditions and diseases that can lead to aortic disease include high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, connective tissue disorders, and genetic conditions like Marfan syndrome.Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
When narrowed blood vessels cause a reduction of blood flow to the limbs, it is known as peripheral artery disease. If you have PAD, it means that the limbs, typically the legs, do not receive enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This can cause symptoms such as leg pain while walking, cramping, and slow healing sores. PAD can also indicate widespread atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.For more than 40 years, the medical malpractice team at Pegalis & Erickson has been successfully advocating for the rights of injured patients and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or other forms of medical negligence in Long Island, NY, you can call us right away at (516) 684-2900. Our medical negligence lawyers will carefully review your case and explain your legal options.
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Get to Know Steven Pegalis
When you turn to Pegalis & Erickson because you’ve suffered from medical malpractice or you’ve lost a loved one due to wrongful death, you may feel comforted knowing that our medical negligence lawyers take the time to truly understand your situation and concerns. Watch this video to hear from Steven Pegalis about the personalized approach he takes with each client.
Mr. Pegalis is keenly aware that a medical malpractice case is about much more than just the factual allegations; it involves, as he puts it, real people who need help with significant problems. It’s his mission to ensure that these individuals get the help that they need. In this video, you’ll also hear from some of the people who know Mr. Pegalis. They discuss his remarkable commitment to his clients and passion for his cases.
You can schedule a consultation at Pegalis & Erickson by calling (516) 684-2900. Our personal injury lawyers near Long Island, New York focus on helping victims of medical negligence obtain compensation for their injuries.
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Debunking Myths About Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs with alarming regularity in the U.S. Yet, despite the prevalence, there are many persistent myths regarding doctor negligence and medical malpractice lawsuits. If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of possible medical negligence, you can turn to a medical malpractice lawyer for assistance. Your attorney can answer any questions you may have and explain the truth behind common myths.
Myth: Medical Malpractice Cases Usually Go to Trial
Some medical malpractice victims may hesitate to consult a lawyer because the idea that their case will go to trial is a little intimidating. However, the majority of all medical negligence cases do not go to court. In fact, approximately 96 percent of all of these cases are settled out of court. This means that the plaintiff agrees to accept a settlementoffer, or a specific amount of money, without the need for a trial.Myth: Medical Malpractice Lawsuits are Often Frivolous
Some individuals have suggested that medical malpractice lawsuits are not only driving up the cost of healthcare, but that many of these cases are frivolous. In fact, medical malpractice payouts account for a tiny fraction of the overall healthcare industry, are covered by liability insurance, and are not responsible for increasing costs to the consumer. Furthermore, studies have found that the vast majority of these cases are meritorious. Most of them involve serious injury or wrongful death.Myth: Medical Malpractice Isn’t Always Preventable
The nature of medical malpractice is that these errors are preventable and that the healthcare provider made a mistake that led to injury or death. Thousands of people die each year in the U.S. because of medical mistakes that could have been prevented.If you have questions or concerns about filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, the legal team at Pegalis & Erickson will be happy to assist you. You can contact our malpractice law firm in Long Island, New York at (516) 684-2900 or visit our website to chat with a helpful representative. The attorneys at our law firm routinely handle cases involving birth injuries, medication errors, wrongful death, and other forms of medical malpractice.
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What Are Some Common Risk Factors for Stillbirth?
Stillbirth is among the most devastating experiences for expectant parents. Stillbirth occurs when the baby dies while still in the womb. It may occur at any time past 20 weeks of gestation, including during labor and delivery. Often, stillbirth is the result of uncontrollable medical circumstances. Sometimes, however, it may be caused by acts of medical malpractice. If you’ve suffered the loss of your baby, you could consult a lawyer at a malpractice law firm to determine if you have the basis for a lawsuit.
Improper Prenatal Care
One way in which stillbirth may be the result of medical malpractice is if a woman received improper prenatal care. The expectant mother may not have been properly counseled about her nutritional needs, leading to an increased risk of malnutrition and stillbirth. Or, a healthcare provider may have failed to diagnose the patient with a high-risk pregnancy, despite having indications of it. Mothers with diabetes should be considered high-risk and monitored very closely.Bacterial Infections
A healthcare provider may sometimes be found negligent in failing to diagnose the expectant mother with a bacterial infection. If the mother develops a bacterial infection between 24 and 27 weeks of gestation, fetal death can occur, or there can be a premature delivery.. Unfortunately, these infections frequently go undiagnosed until serious complications develop.Chronic Health Conditions
Some instances of stillbirth occur as a result of chronic health conditions of the mother. Expectant mothers who have kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or blood clotting disorders must be carefully monitored during pregnancy. These health problems can lead to poor fetal growth, which increases the risk of stillbirth. Additionally, some women develop preeclampsia during pregnancy, which is a form of high blood pressure. This can also heighten the risk of stillbirth.If your family has suffered a pregnancy loss, you can turn to the medical malpractice team at Pegalis & Erickson for legal guidance. Call (516) 684-2900 to schedule a consultation at our malpractice law firm in Long Island, New York. Our law firm has been nationally recognized for our outstanding track record of successful jury awards and settlements for our clients.
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A Patient’s Guide to Medical Malpractice
Patients rely on their healthcare providers to give them accurate health information, diagnose their conditions, and provide effective and safe treatment options. Sometimes, however, patients leave the hospital in worse condition than when they arrived because of medical mistakes, also known as medical malpractice. The negligence of a doctor doesn’t always form the basis for a lawsuit, however. Patients who feel they have been harmed through negligent actions can contact a medical malpractice attorney to determine if they have a case.
Types
There are many different types of medical malpractice. Many patients file lawsuits on the basis of failure to diagnose or on the basis of a misdiagnosis. For example, a patient may be informed that she has breast cancer, after which she undergoes a double mastectomy. Later, it may be determined that the diagnosing physician made a mistake and the patient never had breast cancer at all. This is one example of a misdiagnosis and causing life altering injury.Other types of medical malpractice include birth injuries, which involve preventable harm to a child during labor and delivery. Mistakes may be made during surgical procedures or the administration of anesthesia. These are just a few examples of medical malpractice.Defendants
It is not just medical doctors who commit medical errors. Often, nurses, anesthesiologists, midwives, and other healthcare professionals are named as defendants Due to medical negligence hospitals and other healthcare centers can be responsible for negligent hiring and training of medical personal and also for the acts of employeesEvidence
To prove that medical negligence occurred, a lawyer will present evidence to the court. This evidence may include testimony from expert witnesses and your medical records. To successfully litigate a medical malpractice claim, the lawyer must prove that the defendants deviated from the typical care that a doctor would normally provide. The lawyer must also prove that you suffered an injury as a direct result of this deviation.If you think you may have a hospital liability claim or other type of medical malpractice case, you can turn to the legal team at Pegalis & Erickson. Our personal injury lawyers near Long Island, New York have been successfully advocating on behalf of medical malpractice victims for decades. To discuss a review of your case, call our law firm at (516) 684-2900. Please do not use the word aggressively every again!
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A Parent’s Guide to Raising a Child with Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a group of movement disorders caused by damage to the brain while it is still developing. There are many possible causes of cerebral palsy. However, it can also be caused by acts of medical malpractice. For example, a doctor may fail to react properly to signs that the baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen, which causes brain damage and subsequently, cerebral palsy. The symptoms and complications of cerebral palsy vary widely in type and severity; some children require intensive care throughout their lifetime.
Develop a Therapy Plan
When your child is first diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to help him or her. By working with a pediatrician and other healthcare specialists, you can begin to develop a plan of action. Each child with cerebral palsy has unique needs. Learn about your child’s strengths and challenges. Your child’s therapists can help you learn how to help your child develop important life skills.Consult a Brain Injury Lawyer
Specialized medical treatment and therapy sessions for children with cerebral palsy can be prohibitively expensive, and quite often, health insurance doesn’t cover everything a family will need. If there’s a possibility that your child may have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a result of a doctor’s negligence, you can consult a medical malpractice lawyer. If you have a strong basis for a lawsuit, you can seek NEVER SAY DEMAND PLEASE compensation from the hospital or doctor responsible, which can help you meet your child’s lifelong needs.Join a Support Group
Many families of children with cerebral palsy find that joining a support group helps them cope with stress. By joining a group specifically for family members affected by cerebral palsy, you can learn about coping techniques, new research developments in the field, and local resources that can help support your family.At Pegalis & Erickson, our legal team is dedicated to helping families obtain the financial compensation they deserve to recover from medical malpractice. You can speak with a cerebral palsy lawyer in Long Island, New York to discuss your legal rights and options. Call us at (516) 684-2900 for more information.
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A Brief Overview of the Most Common Medical Malpractice Allegations
When you consult a medical malpractice lawyer about your case, he or she will thoroughly investigate your medical records and other relevant evidence to determine which allegations should be listed in the medical malpractice lawsuit. There are many commonly cited allegations. For example, if your lawsuit names the hospital as a defendant, the hospital may have liability for improperly training medical staff or of hiring unqualified individuals.
Often, medical malpractice lawsuits are filed against individual healthcare providers, such as anesthesiologists. Some of the most common claims in these types of lawsuits are that the patient suffered from nerve damage, organ damage, cardiopulmonary arrest, or even death.. Other common allegations that could be leveled against different types of physicians include medication errors, birth injuries, wrongful death, and misdiagnosis, such as the misdiagnosis of cancer, heart attacks, and meningitis.
If you’ve sustained injuries as the result of medical negligence in Long Island, New York, you can seek compensation for your losses with the help of Pegalis & Erickson. Contact our medical malpractice lawyers at (516) 684-2900.
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