Medical Malpractice Blog

When Surgeons Struggle: The Impact of Alcohol Dependency in the Operating Room

male doctor with alcoholic beverage in hand

A concerning study published in Archives of Surgery revealed that approximately 15 percent of licensed surgeons showed signs of alcohol-related problems. Female surgeons reported these issues at a significantly higher rate than male surgeons. Despite this, surgeons in the United States are not subject to routine alcohol or substance abuse screenings, unlike professionals in other […]
Wrongful Death

How Improved Health Literacy Can Improve Well-Being and Care Outcomes

People studying together at desk in public library

Ninety percent. According to research, that’s the percentage of adults who struggle with proficient health literacy. Health literacy plays a crucial role in helping patients understand their medical conditions and treatments, yet many find it difficult to follow medical instructions accurately. This lack of understanding can lead to medication errors, unnecessary hospitalizations, and preventable health […]
Doctor Errors

Winter Slip-and-Fall Injuries: Can Medical Negligence Make Matters Worse?

caution sign on ice covered sidewalk

Winter brings an increased risk of slip-and-fall accidents due to icy and snowy conditions. While these incidents can cause serious injuries like fractures or concussions, the situation becomes even more concerning when medical negligence occurs during treatment. A failure to properly diagnose or treat winter-related injuries can lead to prolonged pain, costly medical interventions, or […]
Doctor Errors + Misdiagnosis

Flu Season and Medical Malpractice: Can You Sue for a Misdiagnosed Flu?

glass of liquid plus thermometer, lemon, and medicine

During flu season, misdiagnoses are common, but when does a mistake become medical malpractice? A flu misdiagnosis can lead to incorrect treatments, delayed care, and severe complications. For a misdiagnosis to qualify as malpractice, it must be shown that a healthcare provider deviated from the standard level of care that a competent professional would have […]
Misdiagnosis

Medical Malpractice and Childbirth Injuries: Raising Awareness During Birth Injury Prevention Month

Mother holding her newborn baby after labor in a hospital

September, recognized as Birth Injury Prevention Month, serves as an important reminder of the risks associated with medical malpractice during childbirth. Birth injuries—ranging from nerve damage and fractures to conditions like cerebral palsy—can result from medical negligence, improper handling, or failure to monitor complications during labor and delivery. These injuries can have lifelong consequences, impacting […]
Birth Injuries + Medical Malpractice

How Social Media Can Impact a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

two layers looking at phone for analysis

Social media plays a significant role in today’s world, influencing everything from personal connections to legal proceedings—including medical malpractice lawsuits. What patients share online, whether it’s a tweet, Facebook post, or Instagram photo, can directly impact the outcome of their case. Seemingly innocent posts showing physical activity or travel could easily be taken out of […]
Medical Malpractice

Surgical Errors vs. Surgical Complications: Understanding the Difference in Legal Claims

group of doctors in surgery outfits with patient on table

When dealing with medical challenges, understanding the difference between surgical errors and surgical complications is essential—especially when considering legal action. Surgical errors are preventable mistakes that deviate from the accepted standard of care, such as performing surgery on the wrong site or leaving instruments inside a patient. These types of errors often serve as clear […]
Medical Error + Medical Malpractice + Surgical Errors

Does the Fear of Malpractice Impact Patient Care?

female doctor stressed at desk, with light shining through back window

A recent study highlights a concerning trend among primary care physicians: many feel compelled to provide excessive medical care. According to a national survey published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 42% of physicians admit to offering unnecessary treatments or tests. The primary reason? Fear of malpractice lawsuits—76% of doctors cited this as a key […]
Medical Malpractice Reform

Medical Malpractice and Veterans: Understanding Legal Options During Military Appreciation Month

May, recognized as Military Appreciation Month, serves as a reminder of the sacrifices veterans make—including the challenges they face when seeking medical care. Unfortunately, medical malpractice within the VA healthcare system is a serious issue, with veterans experiencing delays in treatment, misdiagnoses, and medication errors that can lead to devastating consequences. Unlike civilian cases, legal […]
Medical Malpractice

Should Patients Have Full Access to Doctors’ Notes? The Ongoing Debate Between Transparency and Medical Judgment

doctor hands on tablet and writing notes in journal

Most patients want access to their doctors’ notes, yet many healthcare professionals hesitate to grant this transparency. Physicians often worry that medical jargon might be misinterpreted, leading to unnecessary anxiety or even an increase in legal claims. On the other hand, patient advocates argue that access to doctor’s notes improves engagement and adherence to treatment […]
Doctor Errors

Lack of Communication Can Lead to Medical Malpractice

female doctor talking to older male patient

The phrase “no news is good news” can be dangerously misleading in healthcare settings, especially when silence masks overlooked details or critical errors. In fact, nearly 40% of medical malpractice claims involve diagnostic mishaps, often tied to failures in communication. Patients must take an active role in their healthcare by insisting on clear communication regarding […]
Medical Error + Patient Safety

Most Hospital Errors Go Unreported: What Patients and Families Need to Know

nurse looking out hospital window hopelessly, with sadness

A recent study published in Health Affairs found that about 90% of hospital errors go unreported by medical staff. This lack of transparency not only leaves patients and their families uninformed, but also raises serious concerns about hospital negligence and accountability. Common Hospital Errors The study identified several types of preventable errors that frequently occur […]
Hospital Negligence

Prioritizing Heart Health: Essential Steps for a Stronger Future

man holding heart with heart monitor graphic over his chest

Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States, but the good news is that many of its risk factors are preventable or manageable with the right lifestyle choices and medical care. Taking proactive steps toward heart health can significantly reduce your risk and improve your overall quality of life. Steps to […]
Patient Safety

Cerebral Palsy: Signs and Symptoms

child with cerebral palsy smiling in chair with toys

Understanding the Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that is present at birth, although its signs may not become evident until a child grows older. Often, parents and caregivers begin to notice potential symptoms when a child fails to reach developmental milestones typically achieved by their peers. These signs commonly […]
Birth Injuries + Pregnancy-Related Injuries

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At Cirignani Heller & Harman, LLP, we represent Illinois clients in Chicago and throughout Cook County, including the cities of Cicero, Elgin, Schaumburg, Oak Park, Maywood, Berwyn, Elmhurst, Evanston, Skokie, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Palatine and Hoffman Estates. We also help clients in DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County, Will County and Winnebago County. If you have been the victim of medical malpractice in Illinois, CHH Law is the law firm with attorneys that can help.

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