Medical Malpractice in Illinois

 Posted on January 08, 2019 in Medical Malpractice

There are few relationships more trusting than that of doctor and patient. A person seeking medical attention is often quite vulnerable, and relies on his or her doctor for protection and care. Doctors carry a heavy burden when they treat their patients, but what happens when that relationship is violated?

An important case involving an egregious violation of medical malpractice was just settled in Chicago. In 2013, Jamie Flores was hospitalized for heart surgery when physicians made an error while performing a procedure called a pericardiocentesis, in which they attempted to drain fluid from the sac around the heart. This error led to many medical complications for Flores including brain trauma. Flores subsequently filed suit.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted to settle Flores's lawsuit for nearly $4 million in October of 2018. Throughout the negotiations for this settlement, they tailored a deal in which they did not have to admit any wrongdoing.

What is Medical Malpractice?

In Illinois, medical malpractice occurs when any healthcare professional (doctors, nurses, etc) breaches a standard of care, which results in an injury. Legally, there is a statute of limitations in which a victim of malpractice can sue the at-fault party. People must file a suit within two years of when they knew, or should have known, of their injury. The good news is that there is no cap on how much money patients can recover.

'Damages' refers to the monetary value placed on a victim's losses at the hands of the negligent medical professional. The court will essentially attach a dollar value onto a person's injuries, pain, suffering, and whatever punitive damages they deem fitting for the offending medical professional. Punitive damages are monetary awards the court gives the plaintiff (injured party) to punish the offending medical professional or entity.

Legal Help for Medical Malpractice Victims

Being hurt by someone who is supposed to help you is a devastating experience. It can leave you wounded, jarred, and unsure of whom you can trust. Many times victims of medical malpractice are left unable to work or pay bills, and some are impaired for life or even killed. Our experienced attorneys specialize in helping victims of medical malpractice get the help and monetary compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been affected by medical malpractice, please contact our law firm immediately. We have legal professionals standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you. Our legal team can live chat with you any hour of the day, or you can call our law firm and speak to one of our representatives. If you have lost someone at the hands of a negligent medical professional, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We serve clients in the Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Libertyville, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca areas.

(image courtesy of Piron Guillaume)