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Patients should be able to trust that medical professionals have their best interests at heart, but that, unfortunately, does mean these individuals never make a mistake. When mistakes, errors in judgment, or reckless actions occur in a medical setting, they could have severe consequences.

If you or your loved one suffered an injury due to the negligence of a health care professional or provider, an experienced Calumet City medical malpractice lawyer could help you hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. From initially filing a claim to litigating in court, a seasoned personal injury attorney could provide measured and personalized assistance.

What Constitutes Medical Malpractice?

Not all medical errors automatically constitute medical malpractice. In order to prove medical negligence occurred, an injured individual must prove that the medical professional responsible for treating them breached the standard duty of care.

When deciding on this matter, courts generally consider whether other medical professionals in the same field or medical specialty would reasonably have acted in the same manner or made the same medical decisions. Though there are some errors that could be considered reasonable under the circumstances, preventable errors such as leaving medical equipment or sponges inside a patient’s body following surgery would usually be grounds for a civil suit.

Establishing Liability in Calumet City

There are many possible ways a medical professional could make a mistake or cause a patient to get injured. Accordingly, medical malpractice could take many forms, including but not limited to:

  • Failure to diagnosis and misdiagnosis
  • Surgical mistakes
  • Abuse and neglect
  • Pharmaceutical mistakes and contraindications
  • Failing to obtain consent from patients
  • Injuries at childbirth
  • Negligent administration of medical drugs and/or anesthesia

A Calumet City medical malpractice attorney could analyze medical records, review patient history, interview witnesses, and consult medical experts in the field to assess whether medical malpractice took place. If so, an experienced lawyer could then begin working to determine who exactly may be legally liable for the incident in question.

Potentially Liable Parties

In cases involving medical negligence, there are a number of parties who could possibly be liable for injuries, these could include:

  • Healthcare providers, such as doctors, residents, nurses, nursing assistants, or other medical professionals
  • Medical facilities such as the hospital, outpatient surgical center, residential care facility, or nursing home
  • Doctor’s office, medical group or healthcare practice
  • Insurance companies

Since the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim in Illinois is typically two years, it is usually best to consult with a dedicated medical malpractice lawyer in Calumet City to discuss possible legal options.

Recoverable Damages for Medical Negligence

In the state of Illinois, injured individuals may be eligible for a wide range of damages. For example, they may be able to recover for monetary losses such as lost wages and medical bills, as well as non-monetary damages like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. In especially egregious cases, a plaintiff may even receive punitive damages meant expressly to punish the responsible health caregiver or entity, as per the court’s discretion.

Illinois previously maintained a cap on compensation for medical malpractice claims, but the Illinois Supreme Court ruled those caps unconstitutional in 2010. As a result, there are no limits to the amount of damages a person may receive due to medical malpractice in Calumet City.

Discuss Legal Options with a Calumet City Medical Malpractice Attorney

No matter what type of medical malpractice you experienced, a skilled and compassionate Calumet City medical malpractice lawyer could help you take stock of your damages, structure a comprehensive demand for damages, and pursue appropriate compensation through either a private settlement or a civil court verdict.

If you have been injured due to a negligent medical professional, do not delay. Call today to schedule a consultation and get started on your case.