• A Look at New York’s Medical Malpractice Laws

    Medical malpractice laws are complex, and they vary from state to state. If you believe you could have a claim, it is important to contact a medical malpractice lawyer with experience practicing in New York. Here is a closer look at some of the specifics of medical malpractice laws in New York.

    Statute of Limitations
    The time to bring a lawsuit in New York for medical malpractice can be confusing for patients. If you suspect medical negligence occurred, do not delay in consulting an attorney so that your rights can be protected. The attorneys for the patient need to identify the health care providers who made the avoidable medical mistakes, in order to file the lawsuit.

    The time limits for filing a lawsuit, called statutes of limitations, are laws which dictate when a lawsuit must be started. Whether the patient is an adult or child, and is alive or has died, all play a key role. In New York the entity involved– such as private facilities, city, state or federal facilities- all have a different time requirement for filing a lawsuit. Once the time limit has expired, a law suit cannot be brought, so if negligence is suspected, action must be taken quickly.

    Medical Malpractice attorneys along with medical experts will determine if something serious happened with the medical care you or your loved one received, that should not have occurred. They will gather and review medical records and information, to identify avoidable medical errors.

    You can trust the experienced team at Pegalis & Erickson, LLC to help you protect your rights if medical malpractice in New York has happened to you. Talk to an attorney today by calling (516) 684-2900.

  • The Risk of Medication Errors

    Medication errors can have serious consequences for people who receive the wrong drugs or the wrong doses in a medical setting. If you have been affected by this kind of error by a healthcare provider and believe that medical negligence is to blame, consider allowing a medical malpractice lawyer to evaluate your case.

    Medication errors occur when a person is given either an incorrect medication or the wrong dosage of the right medication. Automated dispensing cabinets, which are used in many healthcare settings, have been identified as major contributors to medication errors. Mistakes in loading dispensing drawers in these cabinets can easily lead to a provider giving someone the wrong medication.

    If a medication error has had disastrous consequences for you, make an appointment with Pegalis & Erickson, LLC to review your case with an experienced medical malpractice attorney in Long Island. We can help you decide how to proceed with your claim and seek damages for your injuries. Set up an appointment with an attorney by calling (516) 684-2900.

  • Reducing the Risk of Birth Injuries

    Birth injuries can have lifelong consequences for parents and kids alike. Although some birth injuries are not preventable and some are caused by medical malpractice, it is possible to take steps to reduce your child’s risk of experiencing this kind of injury. If your child is injured during birth and you suspect that medical negligence played a role, contact a medical malpractice attorney to discuss your case. During your pregnancy, take these steps to reduce the chance of birth injuries.

    Get Regular Prenatal Care
    Prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. During your checkups, your doctor can ensure your pregnancy is proceeding as expected and identify any signs of complications that could interfere with a healthy delivery. For instance, if you are diagnosed with preeclampsia, then your doctor will provide treatment to protect you and your baby from the potential complications of that condition. If your doctor fails to identify a potential complication such as gestational diabetes or elevated blood pressure, and provide proper treatment to void a birth injury, contact a medical malpractice attorney to see if the mistake could be classified as medical malpractice.

    Have Screening Tests
    There is a range of screening tests that can be used during pregnancy to determine if you and your baby are progressing towards a healthy delivery. Attend all of your recommended ultrasound appointments and have any medical tests requested by your doctor. If your doctor diagnoses developmental problems with your baby during an ultrasound, determines that your baby is not in a safe position for birth, or diagnoses a medical problem through another kind of testing, he or she can take precautions during the delivery process. If you doctor doesn’t diagnose a problem that should have been clear from these diagnostic procedures and your child later experiences a birth injury, then medical negligence could be to blame.

    Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
    Some lifestyle choices you make during pregnancy, such as smoking or gaining more weight than is recommended, could increase your child’s chance of having a birth injury. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations so you can have the best chance of a healthy delivery.

    At Pegalis & Erickson, LLC, we understand how confusing and stressful life can be in the aftermath of a birth injury. Our medical malpractice lawyers are here to help you decide what steps to take to protect your child’s future. To find out more, please call (516) 684-2900.

  • Spotlight on Men’s Health

    This month is the perfect time to boost your knowledge of men’s health matters! Being proactive to protect men from diagnostic medical errors could change their lives forever, and it starts by becoming better informed. Regular checkups and screenings can catch diseases before they worsen and cause complications. If it’s been a year or more since your last check-up, it’s time to see you’re your primary care physician. Start a health care journal. Be sure doctor visits include checking your weight, blood pressure and heart rate. Ask about health screenings that may be appropriate for you by discussing your age, family medical history, and personal medical history. You can benefit from having a cholesterol test, blood glucose test, and a prostate exam regularly. Inquire about updated or new vaccinations for the flu, pneumonia, and shingles. Jot down results and vaccines in your journal so you can compare later.

    Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of men’s death and delayed medical diagnosis happen too often. Men should learn the symptoms and not rely solely on their doctors to provide screening recommendations and lifestyle advice. Vascular disease like aortic disease can begin with high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, connective tissue disorders, and genetic conditions. When narrowed blood vessels cause a reduction of blood flow to the limbs, it is known as peripheral artery disease. PAD can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. Symptoms include leg pain while walking, cramping, and slow healing sores.

    One type of cancer that is overlooked is testicular cancer, although one the most treatable and curable kinds, when caught early. Testicular cancer more often affects younger men and those with a family history are at greater risk. Medical negligence can delay a diagnosis, resulting in costlier treatment and poorer outcomes. Symptoms can include dull pain in the back, groin, or abdomen, or the scrotum feeling “heavy.” If symptomatic see your doctor for an ultrasound and blood test.

    Take responsibility for being proactive about men’s health for yourself and the loved ones in your life. If you have concerns about any medical treatment you received, call Pegalis & Erickson Law toll-free for a no-cost consultation at (516) 684-2900.