Meyers & Flowers: Expert Legal Representation for Medical Malpractice Cases
Cases involving hospital negligence require a unique blend of legal and medical knowledge. At Meyers & Flowers, we have a proven history of securing successful outcomes for medical malpractice victims. Our medical malpractice attorneys in Chicago are relentless in pursuing justice for those harmed by negligence.
You don’t have to face this battle by yourself. Let the personal injury lawyers in Chicago from Meyers & Flowers review your case and offer the support you need. Schedule a consultation with us today and take the first step toward receiving the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Hospital Negligence
Types of Hospital Negligence
- Misdiagnosis is a common form of hospital negligence. It happens when doctors fail to correctly identify a patient’s condition, leading to improper treatment.
- Medication errors are another type. These can involve administering the wrong drug, incorrect dosage, or failing to account for drug interactions.
- Surgical mistakes, such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, are less common but potentially devastating.
- Infections acquired in hospitals due to poor sanitation practices also fall under negligence.
Common Causes of Hospital Negligence
- Understaffing is a significant contributor to hospital negligence. When medical professionals are overworked, they’re more likely to make errors.
- Poor communication between staff members can lead to crucial information being missed or misunderstood.
- Inadequate training or lack of experience among medical staff increases the risk of mistakes.
- Faulty equipment or improper maintenance of medical devices can result in treatment errors.
- Rushed procedures due to time constraints may cause healthcare providers to overlook important details.
Impact of Hospital Negligence on Patients
- Physical harm is often the most immediate consequence. Patients may suffer additional injuries, worsened conditions, or new health problems.
- Emotional distress is common among victims of hospital negligence. You may experience anxiety, depression, or loss of trust in healthcare providers.
- Financial burdens can be significant. You might face additional medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing treatment costs.
- Long-term disabilities can result from severe cases of negligence, affecting your quality of life and ability to work.
- In the most tragic cases, hospital negligence can lead to loss of life, leaving families devastated. Contact a wrongful death attorney in Chicago.
Who Can I Sue for Hospital Negligence in Illinois?
In Illinois, you can pursue legal action against various parties for hospital negligence. The specific entities you may sue depend on the circumstances of your case:
- Hospitals themselves can be held liable for negligence. This includes public, private, and non-profit institutions.
- Individual healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, and technicians, may also be sued. These professionals have a duty of care to patients.
- If your injury resulted from faulty medical equipment, you might have grounds to sue the manufacturer.
- Pharmaceutical companies could be liable if a medication error or adverse drug reaction occurred due to their negligence.
- In some cases, you can sue multiple parties simultaneously. For example, both the hospital and the specific healthcare provider involved in your care.
Legal Framework for Hospital Negligence in Chicago
Illinois Medical Malpractice Laws
In Chicago, hospital negligence falls under medical malpractice laws. You must prove four elements to establish a valid claim:
- The hospital owed you a duty of care
- The hospital breached that duty
- The breach caused your injury
- You suffered damages as a result
Illinois law requires an affidavit of merit from a qualified health professional supporting your claim. This document must state there is a reasonable and meritorious cause for filing the lawsuit.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit
You have a limited time to file a hospital negligence lawsuit in Chicago. The statute of limitations is generally two years from the date you knew or should have known about the injury.
For minors, the clock starts ticking on their 18th birthday. There’s also a statute of repose, which sets an absolute deadline of four years from the date of the negligent act, regardless of when you discovered the injury.
Missing these deadlines can result in your case being dismissed. If you suspect hospital negligence, it’s crucial to consult an attorney promptly.
Potential Recoverable Damages
If your hospital negligence claim is successful, you may be entitled to various types of compensation:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Illinois does not cap economic damages, but non-economic damages are limited to $500,000 for physicians and $1 million for hospitals. These caps are subject to change, so it’s essential to consult with your attorney about current laws. Punitive damages are rarely awarded in medical malpractice cases but may be possible in instances of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Filing a Claim for Misdiagnosis
Illinois law mandates that all medical malpractice lawsuits include a “Certificate of Merit.” This certificate, signed by a qualified healthcare professional, verifies that the case has merit and supports the claim of medical negligence. It must be filed with the complaint, demonstrating that the case has undergone expert review. Once the Certificate of Merit is acquired, your Chicago hospital negligence lawyer will file the formal complaint with the Illinois court.
This document outlines your allegations of negligence, the misdiagnosis, and the harm caused as a result. Filing the complaint officially initiates the process of seeking compensation for your injuries. Most misdiagnosis cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, but some may proceed to trial. At trial, both sides will present evidence and expert witness testimony. A judge or jury will then decide if the healthcare provider was negligent and, if so, determine the compensation owed to you.
Why Choose Meyers & Flowers as Your Hospital Negligence Attorney in Chicago?
Meyers & Flowers offers extensive experience handling hospital negligence cases in Chicago. Our team of skilled attorneys has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for medical malpractice victims because we understand the complexities of these cases and work tirelessly to build strong arguments on your behalf. You’ll benefit from our personalized approach to legal representation. We take the time to listen to your concerns, thoroughly investigate your case, and develop a tailored strategy to pursue the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys stay up-to-date with the latest developments in medical malpractice law to provide you with the most effective advocacy possible.
At Meyers & Flowers, we have the resources and expertise to take on even the most challenging hospital negligence cases. Our firm has successfully litigated against major healthcare institutions and insurance companies, securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients. We’re committed to holding negligent parties accountable and helping you recover from the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of medical errors. Book a consultation with us today to discuss your hospital negligence case and learn how we can help you seek justice.