Sanocki, Newman & Turret, LLP Sanocki, Newman & Turret, LLP 2026-04-28T21:02:08Z https://www.sntny.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1303956/2024/09/cropped-SanockiLogoSiteID-32x32.jpg On Behalf of Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP <![CDATA[Why evidence is crucial in a premises liability case]]> https://www.sntny.com/?p=48728 2025-09-08T14:35:38Z 2025-09-10T14:23:11Z What evidence is helpful? There are several forms of evidence that can help support premises liability lawsuits. Many businesses have security cameras. The footage from those cameras could affirm that an incident occurred. If there are no visible cameras nearby, the person who sustained injuries may want to use their mobile phone to take photographs or record video footage of unsafe property conditions. Documenting a spill on the floor, an unsecured, dangerous rug at the entrance way, a leaking refrigeration unit or other slipping/tripping hazards can help establish that the property owner was negligent about facility maintenance. If there are other people present, obtaining their full names and contact information can ensure that there are witnesses who can affirm what happened later. People also generally need to file an incident report with the manager on duty at the business or notify the property owner immediately after getting hurt so that there are internal records of the incident.

Why is evidence so important?

Fault influences liability. Most premises liability lawsuits depend on credible allegations of negligence. The injured person must be able to show that another reasonable person could have identified hazards and addressed them to prevent the incident. They should also keep records of their medical expenses and other losses to validate the need for compensation. Maintaining adequate documentation can make it easier for people to pursue appropriate compensation after a slip-and-fall or similar incident. People hurt on private property often require support as they pursue premises liability lawsuits, and that’s okay.]]> On Behalf of Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP <![CDATA[How to secure your rights after a product liability injury in NYC]]> https://www.sntny.com/?p=48727 2025-08-28T00:15:47Z 2025-08-28T00:15:47Z When you buy a product, you expect it to be safe. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes, products can cause harm due to defects. If you've been injured by a defective product in New York City, it's crucial to understand your rights and the steps you need to take to protect them. This guide will help you navigate the legal process involved in product liability cases.

Understanding product liability

Product liability refers to a manufacturer's or seller's responsibility for allowing a dangerous or defective product to reach a consumer’s hands. There are three main types of product liability claims:
  1. Manufacturing defects: These occur when a product deviates from its design. For example, a chair with a missing screw could collapse when used.
  2. Design defects: These are inherent flaws in the product's design. An example might be a coffee maker that overheats and causes burns.
  3. Inadequate warnings or instructions: Sometimes, products lack proper instructions or warnings about their use. For instance, a medication without clear dosage instructions could lead to an overdose.
Each type of defect requires different evidence, so it's important to identify which category your case falls into.

Steps to take after an injury

If you experience an injury from a defective product, taking the right steps can strengthen your claim:
  • Seek medical attention: Your health is the priority. Document your injuries and keep medical records.
  • Preserve the product: Keep the product and any packaging, receipts, and instructions. These can serve as crucial evidence.
  • Document everything: Take photos of your injuries, the product, and the accident scene. Write down what happened while it's fresh in your mind.
  • Report the incident: Notify the manufacturer or retailer about the defect and your injury.
Next, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney. They can help evaluate your case, gather evidence, and represent you in court if necessary.

Navigating the legal process

Understanding the legal process can be complex, but knowing the basics is helpful:
  • Statute of limitations: In New York, you generally have three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Acting promptly ensures you don't miss this deadline.
  • Proving your case: To succeed, you must show that the product was defective, the defect caused your injury, and you were using the product as intended.
Finally, remember that pursuing a product liability claim can be challenging, but it is possible to secure compensation for your injuries. By understanding your rights and taking prompt action, you can protect yourself and potentially prevent future harm to others.
Knowing how to respond after a product liability injury is key to protecting your rights. By following these steps and seeking legal guidance, you can navigate the complex legal landscape and hold manufacturers accountable.
]]> On Behalf of Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP <![CDATA[Navigating the complex landscape of nursing home negligence claims in New York]]> https://www.sntny.com/?p=48726 2025-08-12T22:05:38Z 2025-08-12T22:05:38Z Choosing a nursing home for a loved one is difficult. Even when you think you’ve found a place where you can expect safe, compassionate care for your loved one, unfortunately, negligence can still happen, the effects of which can be incredibly damaging. Knowing how to respond to such mistreatment is essential for families in seeking accountability.

What are the signs of nursing home negligence?

Nursing home negligence isn’t always obvious if you don’t know the signs. Common red flags to look out for include:
  • Poor hygiene: Unwashed clothes, dirty bedding, and lack of personal cleanliness can be indicators of neglect.
  • Unexplained injuries: Bruises, cuts, or fractures that have no clear cause should be cause for concern.
  • Malnutrition or dehydration: Significant weight loss or signs of dehydration may suggest neglect.
  • Emotional withdrawal: Sudden changes in mood or behavior might signal emotional abuse or neglect.
If you notice any of these things in your loved one, start gathering evidence immediately. Evidence will become crucial when you take legal action.

How to gather evidence of nursing home negligence

Proper documentation can strengthen a claim and facilitate legal proceedings. Here’s how to gather high-quality evidence to support your claim:
  • Take photographs: Visual evidence of injuries or poor living conditions can be compelling.
  • Request medical records: These records can provide insights into the care and treatment your loved one has received.
  • Document conversations: Keep detailed notes of interactions with nursing home staff and administration.
  • Collect witness statements: Statements from other residents or employees can support your claim.
Once you have gathered evidence, an attorney can help you take the next steps.

How an attorney can help families affected by nursing home negligence

Navigating the legal system can be daunting. An experienced attorney can help your family understand their rights and guide you through the complexities of nursing home negligence claims. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and represent families in court if necessary. Legal professionals ensure that your loved one's case is handled with the skill and dedication it deserves.
]]> On Behalf of Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP <![CDATA[Construction accidents in New York: Common examples and tips for victims]]> https://www.sntny.com/?p=48716 2025-05-19T18:27:00Z 2025-05-19T18:27:00Z What are common accidents at construction sites? Construction workers encounter numerous dangers, leading to various types of accidents. Here are some of the most common:
  • Falls: The leading cause of injuries, falls often occur from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs.
  • Struck-by accidents: Workers can be hit by falling objects, equipment, or vehicles.
  • Electrocutions: Contact with live wires or faulty equipment can lead to severe injuries.
  • Caught-in/between accidents: Workers may get trapped between equipment or materials, leading to crushing injuries.
These accidents can result in serious injuries, impacting a worker's ability to earn a living and maintain their quality of life.

What should victims do after an accident?

After suffering an injury on a construction site, taking immediate and appropriate action is essential. Here are steps to follow:
  1. Seek medical attention: Prioritize your health by getting medical help immediately.
  2. Report the injury: Inform your supervisor or employer about the accident as soon as possible.
  3. Document everything: Keep detailed records of the accident, including photos, witness statements, and medical reports.
  4. Consult a lawyer: Speak with a legal professional with experience in construction accidents to understand your rights and options.
Taking these steps helps to better ensure you protect your health and legal rights, paving the way for recovery and compensation.

What are my legal options after a construction accident?

Injured construction workers in New York have several legal avenues to pursue compensation. One of the first is workers’ compensation. This system provides benefits for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. If negligence by a third party caused the accident, you might also be able to file a lawsuit for additional damages. Construction accidents are unfortunately common but knowing how to respond and what legal options are available can make a significant difference. By understanding the types of accidents and taking the right steps after an injury, workers can protect their health and rights. Legal recourse provides a means to secure compensation, helping to better ensure injured workers can focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives.]]> On Behalf of Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP <![CDATA[What patients need to know about surgical errors]]> https://www.sntny.com/?p=48713 2025-03-08T20:41:06Z 2025-03-08T20:41:06Z What is a never event? Health care professionals and researchers define surgical never events as errors that are so egregious they should not happen in a well-managed medical practice. Many of these mistakes have life-altering consequences for the patients involved. Some of the most common are also shockingly obvious errors that the surgeon or anyone supporting them during the procedure should be able to identify. In some cases, doctors perform surgery on the wrong part of the body. For example, they might replace the wrong knee joint. Other times, doctors perform the entirely wrong procedure, possibly because they have a full schedule with back-to-back operations. Another common never event involves surgeons accidentally leaving objects inside of patients after a procedure. Any of those mistakes can have major consequences for the patient. They may require a second surgery or may be ineligible for the care that they initially required. They may have a much longer recovery time, a poor prognosis or more functional limitations because of the surgical mistake that occurred.

How can people respond to never events?

Patients who experience gross errors in surgery in their family members may need help validating their concerns that the surgical error they experienced was medical malpractice. Generally speaking, any errors that prompt professionals to ask for a signed waiver after the procedure or that another health care professional could have entirely avoided may constitute malpractice. Patients may also have rights in scenarios where doctors fail to inform them ahead of time of the side effects, risks and failure rate of a procedure. Patients undergoing surgery should provide informed consent with full knowledge of the risks involved. In scenarios where patients were unaware that the procedure was likely to fail or where a surgeon made a major and preventable mistake, they may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. People hoping to hold surgeons or hospitals accountable for medical errors usually need legal representation while preparing for a medical malpractice lawsuit. Reviewing medical records with a lawyer can be the first step toward medical malpractice litigation. A successful lawsuit can help diminish the lasting consequences generated by a surgical error.]]> On Behalf of Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP <![CDATA[Winter driving in NYC: Avoiding and responding to crashes]]> https://www.sntny.com/?p=48712 2025-02-28T20:45:41Z 2025-01-26T15:50:28Z Winter in New York City inspires icy roads, snow-covered streets and relatively unpredictable weather, all of which make driving conditions more dangerous than they ordinarily are. As a result, even experienced drivers can struggle with reduced visibility and slick road surfaces.  Thankfully, taking thoughtful precautions can help prevent accidents and keep you safer on the road. With that said, it’s important to acknowledge that accidents can still happen despite one’s personal best efforts. Knowing what steps to take after a crash can protect your rights and help you recover damages accordingly.

Tips for safer driving

There is no way to guarantee that you won’t get into an accident during the winter months. However, there are steps you can take to minimize this risk. They include:
  • Slow Down and Increase Following Distance: Speed limits are set for ideal conditions, but winter roads require extra caution. Slowing down can give you more time to react to sudden stops or sliding vehicles. Keep a greater following distance—at least five to six seconds behind the vehicle in front of you—to allow for longer stopping distances on icy roads.
  • Check Weather and Road Conditions: Before heading out, check NYC’s weather reports and traffic updates. If conditions are especially hazardous, consider postponing your trip or using public transportation.
  • Keep Tires and Brakes in Good Condition: Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop, reducing traction. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth to handle snowy or icy roads. 
  • Use Your Lights and Wipers: Snow and fog can reduce visibility. Use your headlights during the day and night, even if visibility seems adequate. Also, ensure that your windshield wipers are in good condition and that your washer fluid is full to keep your windshield clear.
  • Avoid Sudden Movements: Abrupt braking, sharp turns and quick acceleration can cause your vehicle to skid. Make gradual adjustments to maintain control, especially on bridges, overpasses and untreated roads where ice forms quickly.
  • Be Extra Cautious at Intersections: Slippery roads make it harder to stop at red lights or stop signs. Begin braking sooner than usual when approaching intersections and watch for other vehicles that may be sliding.
Should a winter accident still occur despite your best efforts, check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 immediately if medical attention is needed. You’ll also want to call the police. In NYC, reporting an accident is required if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police report can also serve as important documentation for insurance claims and legal action. Speaking with a skilled legal team as quickly as possible can help you safeguard your rights as your situation evolves. ]]> Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP <![CDATA[Know Your Rights: Wrongful Death Lawsuits]]> https://www.sntny.com/?p=46212 2024-10-30T14:25:49Z 2022-08-04T01:18:09Z The loss of a loved one can have long-term impacts on family members, lasting decades after their passing.  The resulting grief may stop you from going about your daily life as you once had before this tragic event.  Thanks to a newly-passed bill in New York, grieving family members may be able to find a bit of solace by being compensated for the grief and emotional suffering they endured as a result of their loved one’s death. In early June 2022, the New York legislature passed the Grieving Families Act (S74A), which has since been sent to Governor Hochul’s desk where it is anticipated it will be signed into law.  The bill will expand the current allowable compensable damages in wrongful death lawsuits to permit for monetary recovery for grief and emotional damage suffered by close family members of the injured party.  Additionally, the law extends the existing statute of limitations to file a wrongful death case from two years to three and one-half years.  While no amount of money can bring back a loved one, the Grieving Families Act is an overdue update to existing law that will compensate family members for the emotional toll felt as a result of their loved one’s death. Wrongful death cases can range from deaths due to car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, or defective products amongst a multitude of other scenarios.  Presently, New York law awards compensation for: (a) the decedent’s conscious pain and suffering, and, (b) pecuniary losses resulting from wrongful death, including loss of earnings, loss of financial support and loss of care and guidance to a minor child.  The present system does little to ease the emotional burden felt by grieving family members, since they could not be compensated for the pain they themselves suffered as a result of the wrongful death.  Under the new law, families of wrongful death victims may receive damages for their own emotional losses as well, including loss of affection, grief and anguish, and loss of companionship. For several decades, Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP has been successful in litigating wrongful death lawsuits.  Please call our firm at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"] for a free consultation so that we can evaluate your potential case or email us at info@sntlawfirm.com.]]> Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP <![CDATA[Know Your Rights: When Your Baby is Injured During Labor and Delivery]]> https://www.sntny.com/?p=46238 2024-10-30T14:25:59Z 2022-06-29T00:35:31Z The day you bring a child into the world should be a moment of celebration, however, this momentous occasion can be clouded by devastating, preventable birth injuries that can leave your child with life-long disabilities and may take a great financial toll on your family. Many of these preventable injuries stem from Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), which is a lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain, occurring most often in infants at or around the time of birth. It is essential that oxygen flow remains uninterrupted during the labor process. How does a lack of oxygen lead to brain damage?
  • Complications such as infection, umbilical cord prolapse, umbilical cord entanglement, placental abruption, and umbilical cord compression can cut off air flow to your baby
    • Anoxia – total lack of oxygen that causes the brain to malfunction
    • Hypoxia – inadequate oxygen delivery to the brain and organ
  • Low Apgar score – at birth doctors and nurses assign a number from 0 to 10, rating the baby’s skin color, heart rate, muscle tone, reflexes, and breathing effort.  A very low Apgar score (0 to 3) lasting longer than 5 minutes may be a sign of deprivation of oxygen. Other signs and symptoms of oxygen deprivation:
    • Too much acid in the blood (acidosis)
    • Amniotic fluid stained with meconium (first stool)
    • A lack of fetal movement
    • Weak /no cry
  • Seizures – When your newborn is deprived of oxygen, cells in the brain can become damaged or die, leading to serious brain damage, resulting in:
    • Cerebral Hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain)
    • Subdural Hemorrhages (bleeding between the brain and the skull)
    • Cerebral Palsy (impairment of the cerebral cortex of the brain which controls bodily movement)
Birth injury can also result from the forcible removal of the infant with the use of forceps or vacuum extraction.  Excessive force or improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction may result in:
  • Stroke (brain hemorrhaging causing brain damage) resulting in physical and neurologic injuries;
  • Erb’s Palsy (damage of the nerves in the neck and shoulders, resulting in partial or full paralysis of the arm, often accompanied by loss of sensation), caused by the stretching of the baby’s neck to the side combined with a downward force of the shoulder during delivery;
  • Klumpke’s palsy (damage of the nerves in the neck and shoulder resulting in paralysis of the forearm, wrist and hand and loss of sensation) caused by the stretching of the baby’s neck to the side combined with a downward force of the shoulder during delivery;
  • Skull fracture
  • Facial nerve palsy
  • Hearing loss
When complications arise, fetal monitoring and neuroimaging to diagnose and prevent birth injuries are critical. An emergency caesarian section or reposition the baby for vaginal birth to expedite delivery and restore oxygen to the infant maybe necessary. Signs and Symptoms of birth injuries:
  • Your baby muscles and extremities have a “floppy” appearance
  • Your baby had bruises, marks, swelling, or abrasions to their face, head or shoulders at time of delivery
  • Your baby required assistance breathing shortly after delivery (ventilation)
  • Your baby’s arm appears limp while their other extremities look normal
  • You baby experienced seizures within the first 48 hours after delivery
Birth injuries can result in life-long disabilities that require round the clock care, including:
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Intellectual deficiencies
  • Developmental delays
  • Epilepsy
  • Movement disorders
  • Hearing and Vision impairment
  • Apraxia (motor speech disorders)
  • Dysfunctions with swallowing, eating, and breathing
  • Executive functioning challenges
  • Learning disabilities
  • Slowed processing speed
  • Autism
  • Visual Processing challenges
  • Gastrointestinal issues and incontinence
  • The gravity of the injuries depends on:
    • How long your baby does not get enough oxygen
    • How low the level of oxygen is
    • How quickly the right treatment is given
If you and your child were the victim of medical malpractice, you may have a right to obtain compensation to help with your baby’s lifelong disability and hold the treating hospital and physicians accountable for negligence. You and your child may recover the following damages: – Lifetime medical care and treatment – Cost of lifetime in-home care – Loss of earning potential – Loss of services (from child to parent) – Loss of enjoyment of life – Disfigurement and scarring – Emotional distress – Pain and suffering Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP has been successful in litigating birth injury cases. If you or your child has sustained such an injury, you may be the victim of medical malpractice. Please contact Sanocki Newman & Turret so we can evaluate your potential medical malpractice lawsuit by calling us at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"] or email us at info@sntlawfirm.com.]]> Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP <![CDATA[Know Your Rights: Prostate Cancer]]> https://www.sntny.com/?p=46252 2024-10-30T14:26:08Z 2022-03-30T18:51:33Z The prostate is a gland in men located in the pelvis.  It sits below the urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra.  The prostate is responsible for producing seminal fluid which mixes with sperm produced by the testicles.  The prostate is also a muscle which acts to ensure semen is forcibly pressed into the urethra and emitted during ejaculation as part of the male sexual response. Symptoms of prostate problems include frequent urge to urinate, need to get up many times during the night to urinate, blood in urine or semen, pain or burning with urination, painful ejaculation, dribbling or leaking urine, and pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvic or rectal area. Disorders of the prostate include inflammation, enlargement and cancer: Inflamed Prostate – Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland.  It most often is cause by infection with bacteria.  Inflammation of the prostate can cause painful urination or ejaculation, groin pain, difficulty passing urine or may cause fever or fatigue.  When inflamed, the prostate becomes enlarge and is tender when touched during rectal examination by your doctor. Enlarged Prostate – An enlarged prostate is called prostatomegaly, with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) being the most common cause. BPH refers to an enlargement of the prostate due to an increase in the number of cells that make up the prostate from a cause that is not a malignancy. It is very common in older men.  It is often diagnosed when the prostate has enlarged to the point where urination becomes difficult. Symptoms include needing to urinate often (urinary frequency) or taking a while to get started (urinary hesitancy). If the prostate grows too large, it may constrict the urethra and impede the flow of urine, making urination painful and difficult. BPH can be treated with medication, a minimally invasive procedure or, in extreme cases, surgery that removes the prostate. In general, treatment often begins with medication, which reduces the tone of the smooth muscle found in the urethra that passes through the prostate, making it easier for urine to pass through. For people with persistent symptoms, procedures may be considered. The surgery most often used in such cases is a transurethral resection of the prostate, in which an instrument is inserted through the urethra to remove prostate tissue that is pressing against the upper part of the urethra and restricting the flow of urine. Minimally invasive procedures include transurethral needle ablation of the prostate and may be followed by placement of a stent to allow for normal voluntary urination. Cancer – Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting older men (men 50 and older are at greater risk for developing prostate cancer) and a significant cause of death for elderly men worldwide.  Often, a person does not have symptoms; when they do occur, symptoms may include urinary frequency, urgency, hesitation and other symptoms associated with BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).  Uncommonly, such cancers may cause weight loss, retention of urine, or symptoms such as back pain due to metastatic lesions that have spread outside of the prostate. A digital rectal examination and the measurement of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level are usually the first screening investigations done to check for prostate cancer. The next form of testing is often the taking of a biopsy to assess for tumor activity and invasiveness.  If a tumor is confirmed, medical imaging such as a CAT scan or MRI or bone scan may be done to check for the presence of tumor metastases in other parts of the body. Prostate cancer that is only present in the prostate is often treated with either surgical removal of the prostate or with radiotherapy.  Cancer that has spread to other parts of the body is usually treated also with hormone therapy, to deprive a tumor of hormones that stimulate proliferation.  Cancer that does not respond to hormonal treatment, or that progresses after treatment, might be treated with chemotherapy. If you are experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer, your physician should order blood studies, including a value of your PSA level.  Generally, PSA levels of 4.0 ng/ml and lower is considered normal.  If your PSA level is greater than 4.0 ng/ml, your doctor may have you repeat the PSA blood test again within a short period of time and/or may have you undergo a biopsy of the prostate. Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP has successfully litigated cases where physicians were negligent in the care and treatment of their patients in failing to perform a prostate cancer screening; in ignoring the results of PSA testing performed; in failing to perform repeat PSA testing; in failing to refer the patient to proper specialists; in failing to timely refer the patient to a urologist and/or oncologist; in failing to rule out prostate cancer; in failing to diagnose prostate cancer; in misdiagnosing the patient as suffering from inflammatory disease of the prostate; in diagnosing the patient as suffering from inflammatory disease of the prostate, without ruling out prostate cancer; and in delaying the patient’s care and treatment. As a result of a doctor’s negligence in caring for our clients, they have been caused to suffer progression of their cancer, spread (metastasis) of cancer outside the prostate including to other organs which could require treatment with radiation and/or chemotherapy. Some of our clients unfortunately have had their life expectancy diminished. The law firm of Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP has been successful in litigating personal injury and medical malpractice case involving the failure to timely diagnose and treat prostate cancer.  If you have sustained an injury following the failure to diagnose and treat prostate cancer you may be the victim of medical malpractice.  Contact Sanocki Newman & Turret, so that we can evaluate your potential medical malpractice lawsuit.  You can call us at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"] or email us at info@sntlawfirm.com.]]> Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP <![CDATA[Know Your Rights: Pulmonary Embolism]]> https://www.sntny.com/?p=46239 2024-10-30T14:26:18Z 2022-02-18T20:08:45Z Pulmonary embolism [PE] occurs when there is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs, which occurs when a blood clot [thrombus] travels to the lungs from deep veins in the legs or, rarely, from veins in other parts of the body. In medical terms, this condition is referred to as deep vein thrombosis [DVT]. When blood clots block the flow of blood to the lungs, a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. Taking measures to prevent blood clots in your legs will help protect you against pulmonary embolism, and if clots do occur prompt medical treatment greatly reduces the risk of death. A significant factor in the development of a pulmonary embolism is immobility which inhibits the calf muscles in your legs from from contracting. The reason being that a deep vein thrombus [DVT] may form because the circulation of blood slows down or stops.  When this happens, there is a tendency for the blood to accumulate or “pool” creating an ideal environment for clot formation and the development of DVT. Some of the causes of DVT are trauma to the leg, inflammation due to infection, damage to a vein in the course medical procedure, bed rest during a long hospital stay, recuperating from an injury, surgery or illness.  In fact, just sitting for long periods of time, such as when flying or driving may can be causing blood clots to form in the calf of your leg(s).When a person is sedentary, especially if they have other risk factors, a DVT may form because the circulation of the blood slows down or stop [stasis]. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A DVT
  • Swelling in the leg
  • Pain, cramping of soreness in the leg that starts in the calf
  • Red or discolored skin on the leg
  • Feeling warmth on the affected leg
RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING A DVT
  • Hypertension [high blood pressure]
  • Age 60 years of age or older
  • Being overweight or obese causing pressure on the veins, pelvis and legs
  • Smoking which affects blood clotting and circulation
WARNING SIGNS OF A PULMONARY EMBOLISM:
  • Chest pain or discomfort when taking a deep breath or coughing
  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or felling faint
  • Rapid pulse
  • Rapid breathing
  • Coughing up blood
RECOGNIZING SYMPTOMS Good and accepted medical practice requires that a physician and hospital staff remain alert to these elevated risk factors that can, and do, lead to the development of DVT, especially in a patient who meets multiple criteria. Recognizing symptoms and timely intervention is critical in preventing a pulmonary embolism. The best strategy against DVT is to prevent it from developing in the first place. There are a number of effective ways that prevention can be accomplished. Proper instructions must be given to the patient. Instructing the patient that active movement is required by wiggling the toes and/or flexing the ankles for 5 minutes every hour is effective. While elevating the leg is helpful, the patient must carefully be instructed to avoid compression of the calf when the leg is elevated. Compression stockings [special knee socks]reduce the chances that your blood will pool and clot. Further instructions that you drink sufficient amounts of water to remain hydrated is also effective in preventing DVT and pulmonary embolism. TREATMENT OPTIONS In the course of a hospital admission, a venogram [an x-ray with dye] can be performed to adequately assess the deep veins within the leg. The three main goals of DVT treatment are (1) preventing the clot form getting bigger, (2) preventing the clot form breaking loose and traveling to the lungs and causing a pulmonary embolism, and (3) reducing the chances of another DVT. Initially, blood thinners [anticoagulants] taken by mouth, injections or intravenously are used to prevent the clots from getting bigger. Clot buster drugs [thrombolytics] are called for with more severe types of DVT or pulmonary embolism, which are given by intravenously or through a catheter of directly into the clot. In some cases, a vena cava filter is inserted into a large vein in the abdomen to prevent clots from lodging in the lungs. Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP has been successful in handling cases involving people who have had devastating or fatal injuries due to the carelessness of a physician, hospital or other health care provider in failing to promptly diagnose and treat a patient suffering from deep vein thrombosis which may ultimately progress to a pulmonary embolism. Should you have questions or require assistance, please call Sanocki Newman & Turret, LLP.  [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"].]]>