Arlington Heights Medical Malpractice Attorneys

When Can Patients Be Injured by Medical Negligence?

Medical malpractice can affect patients in virtually any healthcare setting, and it may involve negligence by physicians, nurses, specialists, lab technicians, or other providers. Common examples of negligence that can lead to serious injuries include:

• Misdiagnosis: A doctor may not identify a serious medical condition in time to provide the correct treatment, or they may diagnose a condition incorrectly. In these cases, a patient may not be provided with necessary treatment, or they may suffer harm by receiving treatment that was unnecessary.
• Surgical Errors: When mistakes are made before, during, or after surgery, patients can suffer injuries. Clerical errors or failure to verify patient information may result in a procedure being performed on the incorrect body part or even the wrong patient. Surgeons may damage internal organs or tissues while performing procedures, or they may leave foreign objects inside a person's body. Patients may also suffer harm if they do not receive the proper post-operative care.
• Medication Errors: Doctors may make errors when writing prescriptions, or pharmacists may fill prescriptions incorrectly. These issues can lead to allergic reactions or other issues that can harm patients. Incorrect administration of drugs in hospitals or medical offices may also lead to patient injuries due to dangerous side effects, harmful drug interactions, or incorrect doses.
• Anesthesia Errors: Failure to monitor patients correctly when anesthesia is administered can lead to serious complications, including brain damage, cardiac arrest, or death.
• Birth Injuries: Negligent prenatal care or mistakes during labor and delivery can result in injuries to children or mothers. Brain injuries to children due to hypoxia or misuse of delivery tools can lead to conditions such as cerebral palsy. Improper delivery methods can lead to brachial plexus injuries and conditions like Erb's palsy. Failure to address infections, hemorrhaging, or other concerns can cause mothers to suffer serious or fatal injuries during childbirth.
• Hospital-Acquired Infections: Patients may be exposed to unsafe environments due to improper sanitation procedures, and they may suffer infections or illnesses that could put their health at risk.

How Patients May Be Affected by Medical Malpractice

The effects of medical malpractice can be long-lasting, and they may have an impact on nearly every aspect of a person's life, including their overall health and their ongoing well-being. Some of the issues patients may experience due to medical negligence include:

• Chronic pain or permanent disability
• Worsening of a treatable condition
• Loss of reproductive or cognitive function
• Extended hospital stays or repeat surgeries
• Psychological trauma and anxiety
• Loss of income and ability to work
• Long-term rehabilitation or in-home care
• Disfigurement
• Loss of quality of life

In the most serious cases, malpractice can result in wrongful death. This will not only leave a family without their loved one, but they may be forced to shoulder the financial burdens of medical expenses, lost income and benefits, funeral expenses, and other losses.

How Our Attorneys Can Help Victims of Medical Negligence

People who have suffered harm due to medical malpractice can take steps to obtain compensation for the damages they have suffered. These cases require a strong understanding of medical standards, legal procedures, and financial concerns. Thorough investigations will need to be performed, and experts may need to be consulted to identify violations of the standard of care and establish the extent of a victim's damages. Our attorneys can help with these cases by:

• Obtaining and reviewing medical records
• Consulting with independent medical experts
• Identifying all parties who may be held responsible for a person's injuries
• Documenting a victim's damages and future care needs
• Negotiating with insurers and healthcare providers
• Litigating in court when necessary to obtain full and fair compensation