We are experienced Illinois attorneys who since 2001 have helped thousands of people who are the victims of medical malpractice in Illinois. We thought it would be helpful to provide a basic explanation of what these cases are about and some answers to common questions we have received about Illinois medical negligence lawsuits. If you have any questions or would like to talk with an attorney for free, please call us any time at 312-346-5320.

  1. What is a simple explanation of medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or health care provider does not perform their job duties as they should have and a patient is harmed as a result. To bring a lawsuit, a lawyer will want to see negligence that leads to a major injury.

  1. How does medical malpractice occur?

When people think of medical malpractice, many envision a doctor making an error during surgery. However, medical malpractice can take many forms:

Failure to diagnose a problem like cancer

Improper treatment or a delay in treatment that causes a harm

Failure to order tests or evaluate the results in a way that causes an injury

Prescription errors

Birth injuries

  1. At what stage in life does medical malpractice occur?

Medical malpractice can happen at any point in a person’s life. A baby can have a birth injury due to the negligence of an OB/GYN. A young adult can have a misdiagnosis which leads to a terrible result. An elderly person can have a surgical error. Any of these things can happen to anyone at any time.

  1. Why do medical malpractice victims file a lawsuit? What are they hoping to get?

They are filing a lawsuit to get their medical bills paid, to recover lost wages, and to get compensation for the pain and suffering they have endured. These lawsuits are also a way to help prevent similar errors from happening to other people.

  1. What is a medical malpractice lawsuit typically worth?

There are too many variables in medical malpractice lawsuits, so there is no “typical” figure. It can be thousands or millions depending on the severity of the injury, the patient’s age (and therefore, lost wages and life expectancy), and the location of the case.

  1. Why is it so important to choose the right attorney for a medical malpractice case?

Medical malpractice cases are very complex, and the stakes are high. It is critical to hire a law firm that has the financial resources to bring a complex case to trial. The attorney should also have experience and a track record of success with the type of injury involved.

  1. How much of the judgment or settlement does an Illinois medical malpractice law firm keep?

By law, the attorney representing you is entitled to receive 33% of what he/she recovers for the client. This contingency fee is their payment for doing all the work required throughout the course of the case. If they don’t win or get a settlement you owe them nothing.

  1. How do I know which attorney is the best one for me and my specific case?

That is where we come in. For over 20 years, we have connected people with medical malpractice cases to the best attorney for their specific situation. We know the reputable firms, the ones that get great results for their clients and that are respected in the legal community. Call us at 312-346-5320 to explain your situation and get pointed in the right direction.