At the law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, our team is committed to seeking justice for those who have been victims of medical malpractice in Morton Grove, IL. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in personal injury law, leveraging their knowledge to champion your rights and secure the fair compensation you deserve. Our law firm offers a free consultation.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice, as defined by Illinois law, is a situation where a healthcare provider, through a negligent act or omission, causes an injury to a patient. This negligence might be the result of errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management.
To be considered malpractice in Illinois, the negligence must result in significant damages such as disability, unusual pain, hardship, or considerable loss of income. Note that the law in Illinois requires a medical professional to merely act with the same level of care that a reasonably prudent professional in the same field would have.
What Is NOT Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice claims are not valid if, for instance, a patient undergoes a complex surgical procedure led by a highly skilled surgeon. Despite the surgeon’s best efforts and adherence to standard protocols, the patient experiences complications after surgery, resulting in prolonged hospitalization.
This unfortunate outcome, while distressing, does not constitute medical malpractice. It becomes malpractice only when the surgeon’s negligence, such as an error in the surgical process or post-operative care, directly leads to the injured patient’s complications.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice Cases in Morton Grove, IL
Misdiagnosis: Incorrect or delayed diagnosis that results in the wrong treatment.
Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery leading to injuries or other health-related complications.
Medication Errors: Administering incorrect dosage or wrong medication, causing adverse health effects.
Anesthesia Errors: Improper administration of anesthesia leading to complications or permanent damage.
Birth Injuries: Negligence during childbirth resulting in injuries to mother or child.
Nursing Home Abuse: Improper treatment of a nursing home resident leading to physical injury.
Common Types of Injuries from Medical Malpractice
- Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Hospital-Acquired Infections
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Damage to Internal Organs
- Wrongful Death
What to Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice
If you suspect medical malpractice, it is vital that you report it promptly to ensure your rights to justice and compensation are preserved.
First, contact your healthcare provider and communicate your concerns. It is essential to have a record of this communication, either through email or a registered letter.
Second, you should report the incident to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The IDPH is responsible for ensuring healthcare facilities comply with state laws and regulations, and they can investigate your claim.
Finally, reach out to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer. The seasoned Morton Grove, IL medical malpractice attorneys in the law offices of The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
For reporting medical malpractice incidents or for any other health care-related concerns in Illinois, you can reach out to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Remember, while reporting malpractice is a critical step, it does not replace the necessity of legal representation to secure the compensation you deserve.
How Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Prove Malpractice?
To establish a case for medical malpractice, an injury victim and their medical malpractice attorney need to prove the following four legal elements:
- Duty of Care – The medical professional had a responsibility to provide standard care to the patient.
- Breach of Duty – The healthcare provider failed to adhere to the accepted standards of care.
- Causation – The provider’s negligence directly caused the patient’s injury or worsened condition.
- Damages – The patient suffered significant physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of the negligence.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Medical Malpractice Injury Claim?
Medical malpractice lawyers provide legal guidance and representation for injury victims. They collect pertinent medical records, consult medical experts for case assessment, and navigate complex legal procedures on your behalf, meeting all deadlines prescribed under Illinois law.
Medical malpractice lawyers also negotiate with insurance companies for optimal settlements for their clients. If necessary, a personal injury lawyer prepares the case for trial, advocating for your rights to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens you suffered due to medical negligence.
Types of Compensation for Medical Malpractice Victims
Victims of serious medical errors can often seek various forms of compensation and medical malpractice payments can be large sums. Here are some types that may be relevant to your case:
- Medical Expenses: Costs incurred for treatment, rehabilitation, and medication due to negligence.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Compensation for earnings lost due to inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Remuneration for physical pain and emotional distress endured.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for altered quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: Remuneration for the impact on relationships with spouse or family members.
- Punitive Damages: A financial penalty aimed to punish an intentionally negligent party.
- Future Medical Costs: Compensation for anticipated medical expenses linked to the malpractice.
- Legal Costs: Reimbursement of expenses incurred during the legal process.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Compensation sought by relatives of the deceased victim.
What Is My Case Worth?
The value of settlements in personal injury claims depend on several key factors. These include the severity of the injury, the impact of the injury on victims’ lives, any future medical costs, lost earning capacity, and the degree of negligence by the healthcare provider. It also considers any pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. An experienced personal injury lawyer can provide a more accurate estimate after a thorough evaluation of your case.
Contact a Morton Grove Medical Malpractice Accident Lawyer Today
If you believe you are a victim of medical malpractice, don’t hesitate to contact the legal team at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers today. Our initial consultation is free and confidential. We will review your case, discuss your rights and options, and explain how we can help.
No Legal Fees Unless We Win
Remember, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Take your first step towards justice; contact us now for your free consultation.
(312) 223-1700