Medical malpractice cases can be highly complicated. Fortunately, our legal team has experience handling these types of claims. We can review victims’ potential cases and explain the appropriate routes to compensation. Further, we will manage plaintiffs’ expectations and fight for the full range of monetary damages available to them.
Accordingly, if you need to refer a medical malpractice case in Chicago, our law firm can help. You can count on our lawyers to handle clients’ cases with the utmost care and attention.
Get help from our attorneys for a medical malpractice referral by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices today at (312) 578-8502.
What is the Standard of Care in Chicago Medical Malpractice Cases?
Medical malpractice cases involve conduct that constitutes professional negligence. In order for a doctor’s behavior to constitute medical malpractice, they must have caused an injury because they deviated from accepted standards of practice in the medical community. In other words, they must have strayed from typical treatments that would have been performed by other doctors with similar training and experience under similar circumstances.
Assessing whether a physician has breached the applicable standard of care can be a highly complicated task. Fortunately, our lawyers for a medical malpractice referral can help evaluate the strength of victims’ potential lawsuits. Afterwards, we can explain the appropriate next steps to take.
Examples of Different Types of Medical Malpractice that Can Occur in Chicago
Medical malpractice can come in many different forms. The following are all common types of malpractice that cause injuries to patients in Chicago:
Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider fails to accurately identify a patient’s medical condition. This could lead to delayed treatment or even the administration of inappropriate treatment. For example, a patient presents with persistent headaches, but the doctor misdiagnoses the condition as migraines and prescribes medication accordingly. However, the actual underlying issue is a brain tumor. As a result of the misdiagnosis, the patient’s tumor remains untreated, resulting in further complications and potential harm.
Delayed Diagnosis
Delayed diagnosis refers to a situation where a healthcare provider eventually arrives at the correct diagnosis, but the identification is significantly delayed, leading to the progression of the disease or condition in the meantime. For instance, a patient experiences symptoms of breast cancer, such as a lump in the breast, but the doctor dismisses it as a benign cyst and does not order appropriate follow-up tests. The cancer goes undetected for several months until the patient seeks a second opinion, by which time it has advanced to a later stage, necessitating more aggressive treatment and reducing the chances of a full recovery.
Surgical Errors
Surgical errors encompass a range of mistakes that can occur during surgical procedures. This may include performing the wrong surgery, operating on the wrong body part, damaging nearby organs or tissues during surgery, or leaving surgical instruments inside the patient’s body. For instance, during a routine gallbladder removal surgery, the surgeon inadvertently damages the bile duct, leading to severe complications and the need for additional surgeries to correct the mistake.
Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia errors occur when mistakes are made during the administration of anesthesia, which can have life-threatening consequences. For example, a patient undergoing surgery may be given an incorrect dosage of anesthesia, leading to respiratory distress or cardiac arrest.
Medication Errors
Medication errors involve the incorrect prescription, administration, or dosage of medications. These errors can occur at various stages, including prescribing, dispensing, and administering the drugs. An example of a medication error could be a nurse administering the wrong medication to a patient because of a mix-up in medication labels, leading to adverse reactions or complications.
Hospital Infections
Hospital infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), are infections that a patient acquires during their stay at a healthcare facility. These infections may result from inadequate hygiene practices, improper sterilization of medical equipment, or the presence of drug-resistant bacteria in the hospital environment. As an example, a patient undergoes surgery and subsequently develops a surgical site infection because of the use of contaminated surgical instruments or inadequate post-operative care.
Chicago Medical Malpractice Referrals
Some medical malpractice cases are referred by attorneys in other fields. If a fellow Illinois lawyer who does not specialize in medical malpractice cases receives a call from a potential plaintiff, then they can refer the victim to our law firm so that we may more efficiently address their needs.
Furthermore, some medical malpractice cases are referred by attorneys in other jurisdictions. Such cases should typically be brought to court where the instance of medical malpractice occurred. Thankfully, our legal team is also capable of accepting referrals from lawyers in other states.
Types of Evidence Utilized in Medical Malpractice Cases
There are multiple types of evidence that may be used to support a plaintiff’s medical malpractice case. For example, any of the following may be utilized by our attorneys:
Expert Testimony
Expert witnesses play a vital role in medical malpractice cases. These are typically experienced healthcare professionals who specialize in the same field as the defendant. They provide their professional opinion on whether the defendant’s actions deviated from the accepted standard of care and how this deviation led to the patient’s injuries. Their testimony helps the jury understand complex medical issues and establishes a standard of care against which the defendant’s actions are evaluated.
Witness Testimonies
Witness testimonies from both the patient and any individuals who were present during the medical treatment can provide valuable insights into the events leading up to the alleged malpractice. Eyewitness accounts can corroborate the patient’s version of events and shed light on any negligent actions or omissions by the healthcare provider.
Photographic Evidence
Photographs can be powerful evidence in a medical malpractice case. They can document visible injuries, surgical errors, or complications resulting from negligence. For instance, photographs of surgical site infections or improperly placed medical devices can illustrate the extent of harm caused to the patient.
Billing and Prescription Records
Billing records and prescription documentation can also be significant evidence in a medical malpractice case. Discrepancies or improper billing practices may indicate a lack of proper care or even fraudulent actions. Prescription records can shed light on potential medication errors or improper drug administration.
Our Attorneys for a Medical Malpractice Referral Can Help Plaintiffs in Chicago
Get assistance from our attorneys for a medical malpractice referral by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices today at (312) 578-8502.
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