Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer

When you are in the hospital or under medical supervision, you are putting your life in the hands of a trusted medical professional. A violation of that trust can be devastating, especially if it results in serious physical injuries, prolonged suffering or the death of a loved one. Birth injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple surgeries, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and wrongful death are common outcomes of medical staff negligence.

The shock of a painful recovery following a simple outpatient procedure or an extended stay in the intensive care unit can be life-altering. However, not all injury or suffering claims are medical malpractice. Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible about your injuries or the loss of a loved one can help you understand Illinois’ medical malpractice lawsuits. Hiring a personal injury attorney will give you the best chance of success in the courtroom.

Why Work With Flanagan Injury Law Group, LLC

At Flanagan Injury Law Group, LLC, attorney L. Michael Flanagan offers clients throughout Chicagoland experienced medical malpractice representation. He picks up the phone himself and will directly talk with you to build your case. Together with his team, he has successfully recovered millions of dollars for clients, which reflects the depth of his skill, dedication and experience. Call 773-789-5870 for a free consultation to discuss your case with him.

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice is defined as a situation in which a doctor, physician’s assistant, nurse, dentist or any other medical professional makes a mistake or strays from the standard practice of care and harms a patient as a result. You may have a case for medical malpractice if:

• Medication errors: A medical provider gave you the wrong medication or dose.
• Surgical mistakes: Your surgeon made a physically harmful mistake during your procedure.
• Neglect in hospital care: You were not given the care you needed while under hospital supervision.
• Misdiagnosis: Your physician misdiagnosed a physical illness.
• Hospital cleanliness: The hospital staff failed to keep the facility clean.
• Surgical complications: Your doctor requires unexpected multiple surgeries.
• Birth injuries: Examples include cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries such as Erb’s palsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, fractures during delivery like clavicle fractures and intracranial hemorrhage.
• Surgical errors: Injuries can occur from organ perforation, surgical instruments left inside the body, wrong site surgery, nerve damage, and infections due to poor surgical technique.
• Misdiagnosis: This may lead to delayed cancer diagnosis, resulting in advanced stage progression, misdiagnosed heart attack or stroke leading to improper treatment, incorrect diagnosis of a benign condition as malignant, causing unnecessary treatments and misdiagnosis of appendicitis leading to a ruptured appendix.
• Medication and treatment errors: These errors can cause allergic reactions due to incorrect medication, overdose or underdose, leading to adverse effects, harmful drug interactions causing severe side effects and incorrect administration routes such as giving medication intravenously instead of orally.
• Hospital negligence: Examples include falls due to inadequate patient supervision or improper bed rail use, development of pressure ulcers from inadequate care, hospital-acquired infections such as MRSA or Clostridioides difficile, and inadequate monitoring leading to patient deterioration.

Malpractice also happens frequently in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Attorney Flanagan handles these claims as well.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late To Take Action

There are strict time limits in Illinois for filing a medical malpractice claim. Generally, you must file a claim within two years; otherwise, you could lose the right to do so, even with a valid case. While there are exceptions to extend the deadline (statute of limitations), especially if age, fraud or disability prevented you from filing a claim, it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure the strongest case in your favor. What’s more, it takes time to build a strong case – especially in the complicated field of medical malpractice. The sooner you reach out to attorney Flanagan, the sooner he can start pursuing the recovery you deserve.

How Medical Malpractice Hurts Its Victims

When patients are injured as the result of medical malpractice, they often experience:

• Ongoing medical complications
• Delayed diagnosis or missed diagnosis
• Infection
• Medication complications
• Bedsores and ulcers
• Loss of mobility
• Surgical injuries, including implements left behind or amputation of the wrong limb
• Internal bleeding and organ damage

Essential FAQs On Medical Malpractice In Illinois

Navigating the complexities of medical malpractice can be challenging, especially when dealing with the consequences of health care errors. This FAQ section aims to provide clear answers to some of the most common questions about medical malpractice in Illinois, helping you understand your rights and the legal standards applicable to your situation.

How many medical malpractice deaths happen in Illinois every year?

The number of medical malpractice deaths in Illinois can vary annually. While specific statistics may fluctuate, it’s estimated that medical errors are a leading cause of death nationwide. For precise state-specific data, you might consider consulting recent studies or public health records.

When is a mistake actually malpractice in Illinois?

In Illinois, a mistake qualifies as malpractice when a health care provider deviates from the standard of care that a reasonably competent provider would have used under similar circumstances and this deviation causes harm to the patient.

Does a medical malpractice settlement cover all my medical bills or just the first set?

A medical malpractice settlement can potentially cover all related medical bills, including future medical expenses, depending on the specifics of the case and the settlement agreement. It’s crucial to ensure that the settlement adequately addresses all anticipated costs related to the malpractice.

Are some hospitals in Cook County riskier than others?

Like any large area, hospital quality in Cook County can vary. Some hospitals may have higher rates of medical errors or complications. Patients are encouraged to research hospital ratings and patient reviews, and consider these in the context of their own health needs.

Will I get to choose my new doctor during a medical malpractice case?

Yes, you generally have the right to choose your own doctor in Illinois if you are seeking a new health care provider after experiencing medical malpractice. It’s essential to select a doctor who is not only qualified but also someone you feel comfortable with in managing your care.

To discuss your specific case, call the firm’s qualified medical malpractice attorney at 773-789-5870; he can help protect your rights and help you better understand your options.

Seek Compensation With Help From Flanagan Injury Law Group, LLC

Wondering if you have a claim for medical malpractice? Find out if you have a case by talking to Mr. Flanagan today. To find out more, call 773-789-5870 or send him an email to arrange for a free consultation to discuss your concerns.