Hospital Malpractice Attorney in Chicago

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Hospitals and medical institutions must tend to the medical needs of their patients, whether in the emergency room, at childbirth, or during surgery. Not only are doctors, nurses, and other hospital employees obligated to treat patients with the appropriate standard of care, but they are also legally required to obey certain safety regulations and standards. When hospital staff fails to provide the appropriate standard of care or fails to obey applicable laws and regulations, the hospital may be liable in a medical malpractice action for any resulting injuries and deaths.

Medical malpractice claims often involve complex legal and medical issues, requiring a thorough understanding of both legal statutes and medical practices. Hospitals are expected to maintain comprehensive patient care protocols and uphold meticulous record-keeping to ensure continuity and safety in patient treatment. Any deviation from these standards can constitute negligence, which may lead to significant repercussions for patients and their families. Engaging with a qualified legal team can provide the necessary insight and guidance to navigate these intricate situations, ensuring that victims and their families receive rightful compensation and accountability for their suffering.

At Cogan & Power, P.C., our Chicago hospital error lawyers have the skill and experience you need to pursue a medical malpractice claim against a hospital or other medical institution. We use a collaborative approach to legal representation so our attorneys can draw on their well-versed backgrounds. Our firm regularly achieves substantial verdicts and settlements for our clients, including $11.4 million for a man whose cervical cord was injured when his head fell from the head-holder during surgery and $2.4 million for the surviving husband of a woman who died as a result of the hospital’s failure to properly monitor electrolytes, resulting in brain edema, herniation, cardiac arrest, and death.

Our team combines legal acumen with compassion, understanding that behind every claim lie the real stories of individuals and families affected by medical negligence. By thoroughly investigating each claim, consulting with medical professionals, and crafting tailored legal strategies, we advocate fiercely for our clients. This dedication not only aims to secure just restitution but also seeks to implement changes in hospital procedures, contributing to safer healthcare environments.

These attributes help get our clients the compensation that they need and deserve. To get started on your case, contact us at (312) 477-2500!

Common Hospital Errors & Negligence

Although hospitals and emergency rooms are busy, chaotic places, medical professionals have an obligation to fully examine each patient to make a diagnosis. Given the frenzied pace, doctors and nurses in ERs and hospitals may not give their patients the medical attention they need. When this happens, whether it is a failure to diagnose, misdiagnosis, or erroneous discharge of a patient who should have been admitted into the hospital or ER, the patient may suffer serious injury or death. In those instances, doctors and/or nurses can be sued for damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit.

The uniqueness of each hospital error incident underscores the importance of a detailed evaluation to determine the root cause of the mistake. Frequent communication failures, understaffing, and insufficient training are often at the core of these unfortunate events. Addressing these systemic issues requires not only immediate claim resolutions but also advocacy for long-term improvements in healthcare protocols. When accountability is pursued diligently, it sets a precedent that encourages better practices industry-wide, thus reducing the occurrence of similar tragedies in the future.

Understanding Illinois Hospital Malpractice Laws with a Lawyer in Chicago

Illinois has specific regulations that govern hospital malpractice claims. These laws are designed to protect patients from negligent medical care and ensure they receive fair compensation for injuries sustained due to hospital errors. In Illinois, the burden of proof in a hospital malpractice claim rests on demonstrating that the medical staff or institution failed to meet the standard of care expected, which directly resulted in harm to the patient.

Victims of hospital malpractice in Illinois must navigate a legal landscape that includes the state's statute of limitations for filing malpractice claims, typically within two years from when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. However, the laws are nuanced, and certain exceptions may apply. Therefore, consulting with skilled hospital malpractice attorneys who understand these intricate details is crucial for effectively managing timelines and evidentiary standards necessary to support a robust legal claim.

Local Resources for Victims of Hospital Malpractice in Chicago

Chicago offers numerous resources to support victims of hospital malpractice. Patients affected by hospital negligence can seek assistance from local patient advocacy groups and healthcare regulatory agencies. Organizations such as the Illinois Department of Public Health provide oversight and can investigate claims of hospital misconduct.

Local healthcare facilities like the Northwestern Memorial Hospital and University of Chicago Medical Center, while sources of excellent healthcare, also serve as resources by providing medical care to rectify errors made by other institutions. Additionally, support groups and mental health services are available throughout Chicago to aid victims and their families in coping with the emotional aftermath of malpractice incidents.

FAQ About Hospital Malpractice with Attorneys in Chicago

What Steps Should I Take If I Suspect Hospital Malpractice?

If you suspect hospital malpractice, it is crucial to document everything related to your medical care, including obtaining copies of medical records, noting conversations with healthcare providers, and keeping a log of symptoms and treatments. Contacting a knowledgeable hospital malpractice attorney promptly can help in evaluating your situation and understanding your legal rights. Early legal intervention not only helps preserve vital evidence but also ensures that claims are filed within the appropriate legal timelines.

How Can I Prove Hospital Negligence with a Lawyer's Help?

Proving hospital negligence involves demonstrating that the hospital failed to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent institution would have provided under similar circumstances. Gathering evidence such as medical records, expert testimonies, and witness statements is essential. Legal teams often work with medical experts who can assess the care provided and testify whether the medical staff deviated from standard practices, directly causing harm to the patient.

Can Family Members File Malpractice Claims in Chicago?

In Illinois, certain family members can file malpractice claims if they can legally represent the affected individual's interests, especially if the patient is incapacitated or deceased due to hospital negligence. This legal action can be taken to secure compensation for damages suffered due to malpractice, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. Consulting with a legal professional can clarify eligibility and guide the family through the legal process.

Are There Caps on Damages in Illinois Malpractice Claims?

Illinois does not impose caps on compensatory or punitive damages in hospital malpractice claims, allowing victims to pursue full financial restitution based on the extent of the negligence and resultant harm. This openness is significant for victims seeking compensation for lifelong care costs and significant pain and suffering.

How Long Does a Malpractice Claim Take in Chicago?

The duration of a malpractice claim can vary significantly based on factors such as the complexity of the claim, the willingness of parties to settle, and court schedules. While some claims might resolve in a few months through settlement negotiations, others may extend for several years if they proceed to trial. Having a dedicated legal team can help streamline the process, ensuring that procedural requirements are met and claimant rights are vigorously protected.