Medical Malpractice Blog

Heart attacks remain one of the most time-sensitive medical emergencies physicians encounter. When symptoms are recognized quickly and treated promptly, patients often recover with minimal long-term damage. When warning signs are missed or treatment is delayed, however, the consequences can be devastating. Heart attack symptoms can vary widely. Patients may experience chest pain or pressure, […]
Failure to Diagnose + Medical Malpractice

Sepsis contributes to roughly one in three hospital deaths in the United States, according to research published in JAMA Network Open. [JAMA] Despite its prevalence and severity, healthcare providers often fail to recognize sepsis in its early stages, thereby allowing it to progress and wreak havoc on a person’s body. Sepsis occurs when the body’s […]
Hospital Negligence + Wrongful Death

For many families, Mother’s Day is a celebration of care, protection, and the deep bond between parent and child. When a child is seriously harmed by medical negligence, however, families are often left searching for answers about what went wrong and whether the injury could have been prevented. Medical errors involving children can occur in […]
Medical Malpractice

Modern hospitals rely on complex systems involving physicians, nurses, specialists, diagnostic laboratories, and electronic medical records. While these systems are intended to improve patient care, failures in communication can sometimes lead to serious medical mistakes. Communication breakdowns are a well-documented cause of preventable medical harm. Important test results may not be shared with the appropriate […]
Hospital Negligence + Patient Safety

Medications play a critical role in modern healthcare, helping patients manage chronic conditions, treat infections, and recover from serious illness. However, when medications are prescribed, dispensed, or administered incorrectly, the consequences can be severe. Medication errors are among the most common types of preventable medical mistakes. These errors may occur at several points in the […]
Medication Errors + Medications and Overdose

“Emergency rooms are designed to treat the most urgent medical problems, but when critical symptoms are overlooked or patients are discharged too quickly, the consequences can be devastating,” says CHH Lead Attorney Dan Pylman. Emergency departments operate under intense pressure. Physicians and nurses must evaluate patients quickly, often with limited information, while managing high patient […]
Doctor Errors + Hospital Negligence + Surgical Errors

Surgery always carries inherent risk, but certain errors are considered preventable and may constitute medical malpractice. Patients trust surgical teams to follow established protocols designed to minimize risk and promote patient safety. When those protocols are not followed, patients may be seriously injured or even killed. Common surgical errors include operating on the wrong site, […]
Hospital Negligence + Surgical Errors

Labor and delivery are among the most critical moments in healthcare. Providers must closely monitor both mother and baby and respond quickly to signs of distress. When errors occur during this process, the consequences can affect a family for a lifetime. Birth injuries can result from a range of medical mistakes. Common causes include delayed […]
Birth Injuries + Hospital Negligence

Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in healthcare to assist with diagnosing conditions, analyzing imaging, and supporting treatment decisions. While these tools promise efficiency and improved outcomes, they also introduce new risks when relied upon improperly. When technology fails or is misused, patients can be seriously harmed. “Technology can be helpful, but it does not remove […]
Doctor Errors + Medical Research + Standard of Care

A delayed diagnosis can be just as dangerous as a wrong one. When a serious medical condition is not identified within a reasonable period of time, patients may lose access to treatments that could have slowed progression, reduced complications, or improved recovery. Often, patients are seriously harmed not by the illness itself, but by the […]
Failure to Diagnose + Medical Malpractice

A new year often brings reflection – and for some patients and families, difficult questions about medical care that didn’t go as expected. If you or a loved one experienced a medical injury, understanding your rights and options under Illinois law is an important first step. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to […]
Medical Malpractice + Patient Safety + Standard of Care

Winter weather doesn’t just impact travel and daily routines; it can also place added strain on hospitals and healthcare providers. During colder months, hospitals often experience higher patient volumes due to seasonal illnesses, weather-related injuries, and exacerbations of chronic conditions. These pressures can stretch staff, resources, and systems, increasing the risk of medical errors. Staffing […]
Hospital Negligence + Standard of Care

Medication errors in pharmacies can come in many forms, ranging from incorrect dosages to dispensing the wrong drug entirely. These mistakes can lead to severe health complications and, in some cases, may constitute medical malpractice. A critical factor in determining liability is whether the error constitutes a deviation from the standard of care expected in […]
Medication Errors

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

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 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

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

Giving birth to a child is certainly one of the most joyous and memorable experiences a mother can have. However, many women will also attest that it can be one of the most painful experiences. For this reason, many women in Chicago and throughout the entire U.S. may elect to have an epidural during labor […]
Birth Injuries

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

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