News & Blog

in Wilkes-Barre, PA

The Warning Signs of Stroke

February 16, 2022

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States and stroke misdiagnosis is a major healthcare problem. Learning the risk factors and warning signs of a stroke can help you to better advocate for yourself and those you love. If you believe you or someone you’re with may be having a stroke, pay close attention to the time symptoms began. Certain treatment options may depend on the time that has passed. Symptoms & Signs of a Stroke Trouble speaking or understanding what others are saying. This might include slurring words or having difficulty understanding speech. Sudden onset of a severe headache. This may be accompanied by dizziness and vomiting. Paralysis, weakness, or numbness of the face, arm, or leg. This may develop suddenly and often affects just one side of the body Problems seeing in one or both eyes. This might include blurred, dimmed, or double […]

Failure to Diagnose a Stroke

February 16, 2022

A delay in stroke diagnosis or failure to diagnose a stroke can lead to permanent brain damage or even death. Delay in diagnosis or failure to diagnose a stroke might happen for a variety of reasons. One of the most critical mistakes a medical professional can make is a misdiagnosis of a stroke. According to the American Heart Association 2022 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update Fact Sheet, stroke accounted for 1 of every 19 deaths in the United States. On average, someone died of a stroke every 3 minutes and 30 seconds. 7 Possible causes for a delay in stroke diagnosis Failure on the part of a medical professional to properly prioritize the care of a patient based on the severity of injury/illness. Failure on the part of a healthcare professional to ask about risk factors and take a detailed medical history. Inadequate levels of medical staff in […]

Michael J. Kowalski Recognized in Best Lawyers in America© 2022 List

August 18, 2021

WILKES-BARRE, PA – August 18, 2021 – Michael J. Kowalski, a partner in the Wilkes-Barre personal injury law firm of Distasio & Kowalski, LLC, has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2022. This is his fourth straight year listed in the renowned publication. He was recognized for his work in the areas of medical malpractice law and personal injury litigation. Attorney Kowalski specializes in cases of medical malpractice, birth injury, auto and truck accidents, nursing home negligence, and other medical negligence. He has appeared before state and federal courts throughout Pennsylvania on behalf of seriously injured accident and malpractice victims. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. The Best Lawyers in America rankings are based solely on peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands of attorneys confidentially evaluate their colleagues. It is the consensus […]

Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen Attorneys Named 2021 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers

July 8, 2021

Distasio & Kowalaski LLC is pleased to announce that attorneys Daniel J. Distasio and Michael J. Kowalski, partners in the personal injury firm, have been named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for the 13th consecutive year. Both have been top-rated in the category of Personal Injury Attorney. “We are honored to have been chosen by our peers for this recognition which distinguishes attorneys who achieve and maintain the highest standards within their respected fields,” commented Daniel Distasio and Michael Kowalski. “We feel fortunate to represent clients within our community and are focused on providing legal representation that is professional, ethical, and compassionate.” Super Lawyers Super Lawyers rates lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high level of peer recognition and professional achievement. The objective is to create a comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys. Selections are made on an annual state-by-state basis via a rigorous evaluation process. […]

Michael J. Kowalski selected one of America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® for 2021

May 25, 2021

Distasio & Kowalski LLC is proud to announce that Michael J. Kowalski, a partner in the firm, was selected among America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® for 2021. Less than one-half percent (0.5%) of active attorneys in the United States are selected for this honor. Attorney Kowalski was one of only 100 attorneys in Pennsylvania selected for this distinction which recognizes the best trial lawyers in the nation. It is his 5th consecutive year for selection. Attorney Kowalski was chosen for attaining a high level of excellence in medical malpractice litigation and personal injury litigation. America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® is meant to identify and highlight the accomplishments of the nation’s most esteemed and skilled litigators in high-stakes legal matters. Because of this, inclusion is by invitation only and is limited to the Top 100 professionals from each state in each category of practice. In addition, those chosen exhibit […]

Proactively Protect Yourself From Medical Errors

March 23, 2021

Preventable medical errors can cost you your health and possibly even your life. Each year people across the country die or are severely injured due to preventable medical errors. While we look to medical providers to diagnose and treat us, preventable medical errors can and do happen in healthcare settings. A new study detailed in an article by Yale University reported that most hospital medical errors involve poor monitoring or management of medical conditions. Diagnostic errors and errors related to surgery and procedures are also prevalent. While any medical error can be dangerous, there are some that are more common and can be more harmful. Delayed Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis A timely, accurate diagnosis is critical to your getting proper medical care. A fairly common medical error, delayed, or the wrong diagnosis can result in severe harm to a patient. Misdiagnosis may occur because a healthcare provider failed to ask the right […]