Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Every year, thousands of people suffer injuries, illnesses, and even death as a result of preventable medical malpractice. When this happens, victims need to know that there’s a way to fight back.

When medical negligence injures you or makes you sick, your story doesn’t have to end there. You don’t have to be left with the pain and financial burden of your injury. You can get the closure and compensation you need by filing a medical malpractice claim.

However, taking on wealthy doctors and hospitals that have teams of lawyers at their disposal will lead you to more than a few roadblocks. That’s why it’s important to arm yourself with the experience and knowledge of a medical malpractice lawyer, like those at Lane Brown.

Have you suffered damages or injuries due to the negligence of a medical professional? Our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help you get a favorable judgment. Contact Lane Brown today to speak to one of our expert medical malpractice attorneys!

Defining Medical Negligence in Illinois

Medical negligence occurs when a doctor or other healthcare professional violates the “standard of care.” This standard involves the widely accepted rules and practices for treating patients in similar situations.

You may not know whether your healthcare provider violated the standard of care before injuring you or making you sicker. However, to recover compensation, you will have to prove that your healthcare provider was negligent in following these practices.

This is one of the key ways our medical malpractice lawyers can help you. Our years of experience with medical malpractice claims help us determine if you have a viable case.

Common Medical Negligence Cases

With its abundance of hospitals and other healthcare facilities, Chicago sees more than its fair share of medical malpractice claims.

However, some types of medical negligence cases are more common than others. The following are some common reasons people choose to file malpractice claims:

• Misdiagnosis – When doctors diagnose you with something you don’t have, your true condition can worsen. That’s an injury you can often be compensated for.
• Missed Diagnosis – Missing a health problem when you complain of symptoms that warrant action could constitute medical negligence.
• Anesthesia Errors – Giving the wrong anesthesia medication or dosage can lead to extreme pain at best and death at worst.
• Improper Prescriptions – If your doctor or pharmacist failed to recognize that a medication you had been prescribed was unsafe for you, you could hold them financially accountable. This type of medical malpractice claim often includes drug interactions, improper doses, medication allergies, and other problems.
• Surgery Errors – In some of the worst surgical errors, surgeons have amputated the wrong limb or completed life-altering surgery on the wrong patient. People suffering from these serious errors, and even more minor surgical mistakes, deserve compensation.
• Birth Injuries – During birth, newborns and their mothers can suffer injuries if doctors and other healthcare providers make mistakes.
• Serious Infections – As treatment-resistant infections become a more widespread problem, prevention becomes even more critical. If your infection could have been avoided, you might have a viable medical malpractice claim on your hands.

If you’ve been injured or fallen ill due to a different kind of medical error that was not discussed above, you should still reach out to a medical malpractice attorney. Doing so will help you determine whether you can move forward with a claim.

Who Is Responsible for My Medical Malpractice Injuries?

It can be difficult to determine who should be held accountable for your injuries or illness in a medical malpractice case. There are multiple healthcare providers responsible for treating you. Fortunately, any medical provider can potentially be brought to justice for their negligence. Some of these parties include:

• Doctors
• Surgeons
• Nurses
• Hospitals
• Physician assistants
• Certified nursing assistants
• Home health aides
• Doctors’ offices
• Pediatricians

What Happens if You Contributed to the Medical Mistake?

Many survivors of medical malpractice believe that if they played a part in the cause of their injuries, they cannot win compensation. However, this isn’t the case.

Illinois practices modified comparative negligence when determining fault. This means you can still pursue your claim if you contributed to your injuries. For example, if you tried to fight through surgical pain when you knew the anesthesia should have kicked in or failed to follow aftercare instructions to the letter, you can still make a medical malpractice claim.

In situations where you were partially responsible for your injuries, your final compensation will reflect your portion of fault. Let’s say you were 10 percent responsible, and the defendant was ordered to pay you $500,000 for your damages. You should expect to come away with a total of $450,000 – 10 percent less than the award.

Illinois’ Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations on medical malpractice lawsuits. If you fail to bring forward a claim within two years of the date the malpractice occurred, courts can bar you from pursuing your claim.

In general, it’s wise to file your claim as soon as possible. Compiling a case takes time, and the sooner you file, the less likely it is that the statute of limitations will pass.

The Compensation Victims of Medical Malpractice Can Claim

The compensation you stand to receive for your malpractice claim should cover every hardship you’ve faced. This should include economic damages, which reflect your financial losses. It should also account for non-economic damages, which reflect the damage to your mental health and lifestyle.

Although damages vary from one victim to the next, the following are some of the more common medical negligence damages:

• Medical expenses stemming from the injury you sustained
• Income you’re losing because you’re stuck in recovery
• Loss of household services
• Future wages you will lose because your injury renders you unable to work
• Diminished earning capacity at your place of employment
• The cost of therapy, whether physical, emotional, or both
• Reduced quality of life
• Pain and suffering
• The loss of companionship and love
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Mental anguish
• The loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death

When you meet with your medical malpractice lawyer, you will go over all the available evidence, including your medical records. Your attorney will ask you questions about how your injuries have affected your life. Don’t leave anything out—after all, you want to make sure every loss is included in your claim.

Areas We Serve

Consult with an Expert Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney Today

Every year, medical malpractice hurts countless residents in Chicago and the surrounding areas. Each of those victims deserves compensation for the suffering they’ve had to endure. If you believe you are one of those victims, don’t hesitate to get help from an experienced attorney.

Call 312-332-1400 or fill out the form at the bottom of this page to schedule a free claim review with a medical malpractice lawyer at Lane Brown, LLC. We’re ready to win you the compensation you deserve.