Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer
When medical professionals fail to provide the standard of care expected of them, the consequences can be devastating.
Medical malpractice includes errors such as misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes, and prescription errors that lead to unnecessary suffering or even death. If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice in Chicago, you need a compassionate and skilled advocate to fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
At Mulholland Injury Law, we specialize in holding negligent healthcare providers accountable. With years of experience in Chicago’s complex legal landscape, we are committed to helping victims secure justice and rebuild their lives.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose
Surgical Errors
Medication Errors
Birth Injuries
Anesthesia Errors
Other Common Causes of Medical Malpractice Include:
- Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: Performing procedures without fully explaining the risks.
- Nursing Errors: Improper patient care or medication administration by nursing staff.
- Hospital Negligence: Inadequate staffing or improper equipment maintenance leading to harm.
- Delayed Treatment: Failure to treat a condition promptly, worsening the patient’s health.
Contact Us Today at (312) 386-6706 or Message Us Online to Schedule a Free Consultation
Common Injuries in Medical Malpractice Cases
Victims of medical malpractice can suffer from:
- Chronic pain and disability
- Emotional trauma and mental health issues
- Loss of mobility or organ function
- Long-term rehabilitation needs
- Wrongful death of a loved one
These injuries often come with mounting medical bills, loss of income, and diminished quality of life.
How to Prove Medical Malpractice
- A Duty of Care: Showing that the healthcare provider owed you a duty to provide proper care.
- Breach of Duty: Demonstrating that the provider acted negligently or failed to meet the standard of care.
- Causation: Linking the provider’s negligence to your injuries.
- Damages: Showing the financial, physical, and emotional harm caused by the malpractice.
Damages You May Be Entitled To in Chicago Medical Malpractice Cases
Victims of medical malpractice can face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
If you or a loved one has been affected, the law allows you to seek compensation to help recover from these damages. Below is a detailed breakdown of the types of compensation you may pursue:
a. Economic Damages
These damages address measurable financial losses caused by medical negligence. They include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for past and future medical bills, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work for recovery or medical treatment.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: If the malpractice has resulted in a long-term disability, you may recover damages for your inability to work or reduced earning potential.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling services needed as part of your recovery.
b. Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional anguish endured as a result of the malpractice.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder caused by the negligence.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to damages.
c. Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not common but may be awarded in cases of extreme negligence or willful misconduct by the healthcare provider.
These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
d. Wrongful Death Damages Due to Medical Malpractice
If medical malpractice results in the loss of a loved one, surviving family members may be eligible for wrongful death damages. These aim to compensate for both financial and emotional losses:
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Covering the costs associated with laying your loved one to rest.
- Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the income or financial contributions the deceased would have provided to the family.
- Loss of Companionship: Recognizing the emotional void and loss of relationship caused by the death.
- Emotional Suffering: Compensation for the grief and pain endured by the surviving family members.
What Should You Do if You Believe You Are a Victim of Medical Negligence?
If you suspect medical malpractice, take these steps:
- Seek a Second Opinion: Consult another medical professional to assess your condition and treatment.
- Document Everything: Keep records of your medical visits, procedures, prescriptions, and interactions with healthcare providers.
- Contact an Attorney: An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.
How Long Do You Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Chicago?
Illinois law generally allows two years from the date you discovered (or should have reasonably discovered) the injury to file a medical malpractice claim. However, there are exceptions:
- Minors: Claims for children injured due to malpractice may be extended until their 18th birthday.
- Statute of Repose: No claims can be filed more than four years after the malpractice occurred, regardless of when it was discovered.
Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to seek compensation, so prompt action is essential.
What Can You Recover in a Medical Negligence Claim?
Medical negligence victims in Chicago may recover the following:
- Economic Damages: Including medical expenses, lost income, and rehabilitation costs.
- Non-Economic Damages: For pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases, where the provider’s actions were especially reckless, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
Our attorneys will work to maximize your recovery and ensure all aspects of your suffering are addressed.
Why Choose Mulholland Injury Law?
- Proven Expertise: Decades of experience handling medical malpractice claims in Chicago.
- Dedicated Advocacy: A relentless commitment to securing maximum compensation for our clients.
- Comprehensive Resources: Access to medical experts, investigators, and legal professionals to strengthen your case.
FAQs About Medical Malpractice in Chicago
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is generally two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury.
What is the success rate of medical malpractice cases?
Medical malpractice cases can be challenging, but having an experienced lawyer significantly increases your chances of success.
Do I need to pay upfront for legal representation?
Most medical malpractice lawyers, including us, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we win your case.
What evidence is needed for a malpractice case?
Evidence typically includes medical records, expert testimony, and proof of financial and emotional damages.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
Medical malpractice can leave you feeling powerless, but you don’t have to face it alone. Contact Mulholland Injury Law for a free consultation. Let our experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorneys guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call (312) 386-6706 or Fill Out Our Online Form Today!
Expert Legal Representation by
Toby P. Mulholland,
Your Trusted Injury Lawyer
Since launching his law practice in 2000, Toby P. Mulholland has been a dedicated advocate for clients suffering serious injuries. He has extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death claims, construction accidents, premises liability, dog bite cases, and catastrophic injury litigation.
Toby’s distinguished career is marked by his skill in litigation, participating in numerous trials, mediations, arbitrations, and depositions. His innovative approaches to depositions have consistently resulted in successful outcomes for even the most complex cases. Clients appreciate his ability to navigate high-stakes situations with a creative, results-oriented approach.
Licensing and Professional Associations
See Why Clients Trust Us
