Illinois Medical Malpractice Law
What to do when dealing with medical malpractice in Illinois
What is Medical Malpractice Law in Illinois?
Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, hospital, or other health care provider fails to adhere to the standard of care and a patient is injured or dies as a result. Each state has its own laws regarding medical malpractice, but in Illinois, a plaintiff must show the following in order to assert a medical malpractice claim:(1) the standard of care in the medical community by which the physician's treatment was measured (i.e. duty);
(2) that the physician deviated from the standard of care (i.e. breach of duty); and
(3) that a resulting injury was proximately caused by the deviation from the standard of care.
Types of Illinois Medical Malpractice Claims
Medical malpractice involves any deviation from the standard of care that a doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider owes to a patient. Some of the most common types of medical malpractice claims include:- Birth Injuries and Obstetrical Negligence
- Emergency Room Malpractice
- Hospital Malpractice
- Surgical Errors
- Diagnostic Errors
- Anesthesia Errors
- Medication Errors
- Unauthorized Treatment
- Breaches of Doctor-Patient Confidentiality
- Unnecessary medical treatment or procedures
Damages for Medical Malpractice Claims in Illinois
If the plaintiff succeeds in proving that the defendant is liable for medical malpractice, he or she may be able to collect money damages for: medical expenses, lost wages, household services, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and disfigurement. Some states place damage caps on noneconomic damages (like pain and suffering), but Illinois does not have any damage caps on medical malpractice damage awards. Although Illinois legislatures have adopted tort reform legislation that included caps on non-economic damages for medical malpractice claims two times in the past, both laws were declared unconstitutional and are not enforced.Illinois Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims
The statute of limitations to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Illinois is generally two years from the date the claimant knew or reasonably should have known of the injury. If the patient was under the age of eighteen when the alleged medical malpractice occurred, the statute of limitation extends to eight years from the date of the alleged act or omission, but an action may not be filed after the minor claimant's 22nd birthday. If the claimant is mentally incompetent, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the disability is removed.If medical malpractice results in death, the wrongful death two-year statute of limitations period begins to run on the date of the decedent's death.
Liability Issues Involved in Illinois Medical Malpractice Claims
Illinois follows a form of modified comparative negligence, whereby a medical malpractice action is barred only if the claimant's contributory fault is more than 50 percent of the proximate cause of the injury or damage for which recovery is sought. If the claimant is less than 50 percent at fault for the injuries, he or she may still pursue a claim, but the financial recovery is reduced in proportion to the claimant's percentage of fault.
Defendants in an Illinois medical malpractice action are jointly and severally liable for all damages. In other words, if there is more than one negligent party (such as a doctor and a hospital), the plaintiff may file a medical malpractice claim seeking full recovery from any defendant.
Because the legal issues involved with an Illinois medical malpractice lawsuit are complex and involve a comprehensive factual investigation, it is important to consult with a skilled Illinois medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.
Medical Malpractice IL - Know Your Rights!
- An Overview of Medical Malpractice in Illinois
If you, or someone you know, have/has suffered an injury during medical treatment, you or they may have a claim for medical malpractice. Illinois malpractice law dictates a number of requirements for bringing these types of claims as a lawsuit, including how much time an injured patient has to file that lawsuit.
- Common Types of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is when a healthcare professional breaches their duty of care to a patient, resulting in injury or death.
- Could a Doctor Be So Negligent That it is Considered Murder?
Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when the loss could have been avoided. Often in cases of medical malpractice, those who are left behind after a loved one's passing wonder why the doctor is not going to jail for murder.
- Medical Malpractice and Lack of Informed Consent
Every day across America, millions of medical procedures take place without incidence. In fact, for the most part, the United States is one of the safest places in the world to have a medical procedure done. However, once in a while, something goes wrong.
- When Can the Hospital Be Sued for Malpractice?
When a person is injured while in the hospital, he or she may consult a personal injury attorney who focuses on medical malpractice claims. One of the first questions that an attorney of this nature will try to answer is who may be sued. In addition to surgeons or other healthcare staff, hospitals may also be sued in some cases for malpractice.
Medical Malpractice Lawyers IL
- Illinois Medical Malpractice Lawyers and Law Firms
Find a Medical Malpractice lawyer in Illinois to help you with your case.