A malpractice law firm on Long Island, New York, regularly handles claims of medical malpractice stemming from a delayed diagnosis. A delayed diabetes diagnosis involves identifying the disease too late, which can have adverse consequences for a patient’s health.

When diabetes is diagnosed too late to properly treat the illness and its symptoms, the situation can constitute medical malpractice. As a New York medical malpractice lawyer knows, diabetes sufferers can languish with the disease for an average of nine to 12 years before it is diagnosed. Half of diabetes patients develop serious complications, including blindness, amputation, and kidney failure, because of medical negligence or medication errors stemming from their failure to timely diagnose. Untreated diabetes also provokes lesser symptoms such as increased thirst, weight loss and blurred vision.

If you or a loved one wants to learn more about medical malpractice or determine if you have a legal claim, contact the Long Island, New York office of Pegalis & Erickson today. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys will speak to you at no cost about your potential case. Call (516) 684-2900 today.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; have you scheduled your colon cancer screening? Medical malpractice sometimes results from a doctor’s failure to properly administer or interpret a test, including a screening for cancer. Colon cancer screenings are essential for diagnosing the disease before it progresses—and is more receptive to treatment.

A medical malpractice lawyer often handles cases from patients whose cancer tests were not read correctly, resulting in a misdiagnosis. Of course, just like medication errors, misdiagnosed cancer constitutes medical negligence. When performed properly, colon cancer screenings look at the structure of the colon itself to test for any abnormal areas. The cancer screening is either performed with a scope inserted into the rectum or with special imaging tests. Screening is so important because polyps that are discovered before they become cancerous are relatively easy to remove. Removing the polyps may prevent colorectal cancer from developing later on.

If you have suffered an injury due to a doctor’s medical negligence, the malpractice law firm of Pegalis & Erickson is here for you. Our experienced medical negligence lawyers work tirelessly to ensure patients get the care they deserve. Call our medical malpractice lawyers near Long Island, New York today at (516) 684-2900.

As a birth injury lawyer knows all too well, birth injuries are devastating events for any parent. When an infant’s injury is the result of a healthcare provider’s medical malpractice, the situation can seem overwhelming. Instead of quietly listening when a doctor claims your baby’s injury was simply fate, contact a birth injury lawyer to find out if you have a claim against your doctor or hospital. Continue reading to learn why the mother’s size, an abnormal birth position, or premature delivery can put a newborn at risk for birth injury.

Maternal Size

While medical malpractice is never the patient’s fault, it helps to be informed about certain risk factors for birth injuries. For example, if the mother has anatomical abnormalities, there is a higher chance that her baby may be injured during the delivery process. One such abnormality is called cephalopelvic disproportion. As a birth injury lawyer will advise you, this condition means the mother’s pelvis is not appropriately shaped for vaginal birth and her physician should discuss plans to perform a c-section.

Abnormal Position

Birth injuries sometimes result because a baby is not in the correct position for delivery. A doctor’s failure to determine the baby’s position prior to labor can result in medical negligence. Your doctor should know which position your baby is in at least a week ahead of the due date. If a baby is breech or another abnormal position, a C-section can prevent birth injuries and complications.

Premature Delivery

Infants born before 37 weeks gestation face a higher risk for birth injuries. If your physician believes you are at risk for premature birth, he or she must recommend certain precautions which can include bed rest until the baby can be safely delivered. Common birth injuries associated with premature delivery include respiratory /lung issues and injury to the brain.

If you or a loved one has an infant whom you believe suffered a birth injury, it is imperative that you speak to a qualified birth injury lawyer near Long Island, New York as soon as possible. Call Pegalis & Erickson at (516) 684-2900. Attorney Advertising

Although healthcare providers may be perceived as being infallible, they can and frequently do make mistakes. Sometimes, those mistakes can lead to serious or even life-threatening consequences, such as a missed diagnosis that delay crucial treatment. One of the elements of medical malpractice is a breach in the standard of care. In other words, a doctor may be liable for medical negligence when he or she deviates from the normal protocol for a particular situation. This can lead to a delayed or misdiagnosis, such as when a doctor fails to order an imaging scan in a situation in which it is medically indicated. There are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk of delayed diagnoses and other forms of medical malpractice.

Provide as Much Information as You Can

When it’s time to visit a healthcare provider, take a few minutes to write down important information. Providing your doctor with a written list of your symptoms can minimize the possibility of a missed diagnosis. Make a note of when your symptoms developed, whether they have worsened, and whether they seem affected by external factors, such as physical activity or meals. Additionally, it’s important to update your medical records each time you visit the doctor’s office. Let your provider know if you began taking a new medication, if you were diagnosed with any new conditions, or if there are any changes to your family medical history.

Speak Up If You Have Questions

Even if your doctor appears to be in a hurry to see other patients, you’re well within your rights to ask as many questions as you need to fully understand your situation. Ask what could be causing your symptoms, whether you should undergo any medical tests, and if so, when you can expect the results.

Seek a Second Opinion

It isn’t always necessary to get a second opinion; however, you shouldn’t hesitate to do so if you feel that your doctor is dismissive of your symptoms. You can also seek a second opinion for major medical issues, such as a suspicious lump or when a major surgery is recommended.

If you believe you were affected by misdiagnosis, you can contact the medical malpractice team at Pegalis & Erickson, LLC. For more than 40 years, our malpractice law firm in Long Island, New York has been representing patients and their families. Call (516) 684-2900 to schedule a consultation with a medical malpractice attorney today.

Heart disease is responsible for one out of every three deaths in the United States, making it the single deadliest disease in existence. Anyone, including children, can develop it. However, the most common type is coronary artery disease which causes heart attacks.Every person can reduce their risk of heart attacks by taking the time to educate themselves about it. Following a well-rounded diet, getting plenty of exercise, and avoiding tobacco products can all help you maintain a healthy heart. Your doctor can perform several tests to diagnose heart disease, and you should ask what tests are appropriate for you.

There are differences in warning signs of heart attack between women and men. Men and women might experience chest pain, but women may also experience nausea, back or neck pain and shortness of breath

One of the most common causes of heart disease is high blood pressure. Unfortunately, many people who have high blood pressure never realize it, since it frequently presents no warning signs. During American Heart Month, take the time to have your blood pressure checked by a medical professional.

If you are in need of a medical malpractice lawyer in Long Island, New York, contact the legal team at Pegalis & Erickson. We have been providing our clients with legal representation for more than four decades. For a free legal representation, call us today at (516) 684-2900.

Despite advances in medical technology and knowledge, it is possible for patients to sustain injuries because of anesthesia errors. These types of medication errors may be attributable to medical malpractice. Injuries can result when the anesthesiologist administers too little medication or too much medication. Injuries can also occur if the provider fails to monitor the patient properly or fails to recognize developing complications. Serious injury can occur if the patient is improperly positioned, is intubated improperly, or is not provided sufficient pre-operative instructions.

A wide range of injuries may occur because of medical malpractice during surgery. Problems related to the anesthesia can include permanent brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation. Sometimes, this may even result in wrongful death. Other possible injuries include damage to the larynx, nerve injury, respiratory distress, and severe allergic reactions.

The medical negligence lawyers at Pegalis & Erickson, LLC are pleased to offer effective legal advocacy services for patients who have sustained anesthesia-related injuries as a result of medical malpractice. Call (516) 684-2900 to get in touch with a medical malpractice attorney in Long Island, New York.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a life altering health matter. If it isn’t properly diagnosed and treated because of medical malpractice, patients risk additional complications. It’s important for patients and their families to be able to advocate for their own well-being by learning to recognize the symptoms of a possible TBI. Immediately after the injury is sustained, patients may experience loss of consciousness, dizziness, confusion, disorientation, nausea, and vomiting. Headaches, drowsiness, sensitivity to light and sound, and blurry vision are also possible.

As time passes, patients may notice additional symptoms and complications, particularly if the brain injury was severe. These can include physical symptoms such as seizures, persistent headache, and loss of coordination. They might also include cognitive symptoms such as severe confusion, abnormal behavior, and communication impairment.

Have you or a loved one suffered brain injuries in Long Island, New York as a result of medical malpractice? Contact the personal injury lawyers of Pegalis & Erickson, LLC at (516) 684-2900 and let us know how our malpractice law firm can assist your family.

Birth injuries are sometimes apparent shortly after delivery of the child, while in other cases it may take weeks, months, or even years before impairments are evident. If you suspect that your child’s symptoms or functional impairments may have been caused by birth trauma, you may wish to speak with a birth injury lawyer. An attorney can review your situation, explain your legal rights, and help you consider your legal options.

Providing Postnatal Care

After your child is born, your most pressing concern is his or her postnatal care. If birth injuries are immediately apparent, you should find out as much as you can from the medical staff what the diagnosis is and what it means for your child. Learn about the potential long-term consequences, and explore the types of specialized medical care and therapies your child may need. Some patients may hesitate to seek a second opinion, but you do have the right to take your child to a different doctor or specialist.

Contacting an Attorney

Welcoming a new child into the family is a joyous—and hectic—time. However, it’s best not to delay contacting a birth injury lawyer if you suspect medical malpractice. Deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, apply to medical malpractice claims. Meeting with an attorney to discuss the situation does not automatically obligate you to file a claim. The birth injury lawyer can investigate the situation, review medical records, and consult other professionals if need be to determine whether medical malpractice may have played a role in your child’s birth injuries.

Weighing Your Legal Options

If indeed there is a basis to file a medical malpractice claim, you’ll likely have a lot of questions for your birth injury lawyer. Carefully consider whether going ahead with a claim is in the best interests of your family. Children who have birth injuries may be permanently disabled and require extensive care for their lifetime. If you do file a claim, a jury award or settlement could allow you to meet your child’s needs.

In the aftermath of birth trauma, it can be difficult to find the answers your family deserves. The medical malpractice team at Pegalis & Erickson, LLC is dedicated to helping families uncover the truth about their children’s injuries. You can call our malpractice law firm in Long Island, New York at (516) 684-2900 to arrange for effective legal advocacy services.

Every day, countless families eagerly await the birth of a child. But for some families, a child’s birth may also mean coping with serious birth injuries. Birth injuries can sometimes be the result of medical malpractice, such as when a medically indicated C-section is delayed causing permanent brain damage due to oxygen deprivation. If your child was diagnosed with birth injuries, you should know that you do have legal rights. Even if you aren’t sure whether your child’s diagnosis was the result of medical malpractice, you can contact a personal injury attorney for more information.

Obtaining Your Medical Records

Under the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), you have the right to obtain a copy of your medical records. With a few exceptions, healthcare providers are required to provide copies of medical records upon request within 30 days. If the medical records are not available within 30 days (or sooner, depending on state law), the provider must give a reason for the delay. If you believe your right to access your medical records is being interfered with, a medical malpractice lawyer can file a HIPAA Privacy Rule Complaint.

Getting a Second Opinion

It’s every patient’s right to obtain a second opinion. If your child was injured during birth, you can take him or her to a different pediatrician or another health care specialist. If you already have the medical records by this point, it’s a good idea to bring them with you to have the other doctor assess them.

Consulting a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Another legal right patients have is the right to consult a medical malpractice attorney. You can schedule an initial consultation to have your case reviewed, even if you aren’t sure whether medical negligence played a role in your child’s injuries. Scheduling a consultation does not obligate you to file a claim; however, you can explore your options for legal recourse.

In the wake of a serious diagnosis, it can be difficult for families to know which steps to take next. At Pegalis & Erickson, LLC, our birth injury lawyer in Long Island, New York can help families understand their legal rights and options. Families of children diagnosed with birth injuries are invited to call us at (516) 684-2900 to schedule a case review.