When you go to the emergency room or a scheduled appointment with your doctor, you expect to receive a certain standard of care. You expect to receive an accurate diagnosis, and you expect to receive treatment that is designed to give you the best chance of making a full and speedy recovery.
While we trust doctors and medical facilities with our health – and, in many cases, our lives – experience has shown that this trust is too often misplaced. In 2016, Johns Hopkins University released the results of a shocking study which revealed that medical mistakes were the third-leading cause of death in the United States. Even with this alarming statistic, we know that far more instances of medical malpractice go unreported, and that non-fatal medical mistakes are, unfortunately, a routine occurrence.
If you are concerned about a possible medical mistake, it is important that you seek help. You need to receive an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, and you need to speak with a lawyer about filing a claim for medical malpractice. At Jackowiak Law Offices, we can help you with both. We can refer you to a physician who we have trusted for years, and we can help you understand your legal rights in a free and confidential consultation. If it appears that you have a claim, we will use our decades of experience to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Your Rights After a Medical Mistake in Illinois
Under Illinois law, physicians and other medical professionals have a legal obligation to treat patients using, “the same degree of knowledge, skill and ability as an ordinarily careful professional would exercise under similar circumstances.” In other words, doctors must provide treatment that is consistent with the level of treatment that other doctors provide throughout Illinois. If the quality of your medical treatment fell below the ordinary standard of care and you suffered harm as a result, you are entitled to financial compensation for medical malpractice.
How do we know what an “ordinarily careful professional” would have done under similar circumstances? The answer is simple: expert testimony. When evaluating your case, we will rely on trusted medical experts to assess the quality of your treatment; and, if your case goes to court, we will have these experts to testify as to the unprofessional and harmful nature of your care.
Depending upon the consequences of your medical provider’s malpractice, you could be entitled to significant financial compensation. This includes not only coverage for your outstanding medical bills and future medical expenses, but for any loss of income and earning capacity, out-of-pocket expenses, and non-financial losses (such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress) as well. The same types of compensation are available for medical errors involving childbirth, delivery and pediatric care; and, if you have lost a loved one due to medical negligence, we can help your family seek financial compensation for wrongful death.
Experienced Legal Representation for All Forms of Medical Malpractice in Chicago, IL
Since 1996, we have represented countless individuals and families in the Chicago area who have suffered unnecessary consequences due to medical malpractice. We have experience in cases involving virtually all forms of medical negligence, and we have handled claims against physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, dentists, nurses, hospitals, and other medical facilities and professionals. Our practice includes representing clients in cases involving:
What to Do if You Suspect Medical Malpractice
If you suspect that you, your spouse, your child or an aging loved one may be a victim of medical malpractice, there are some steps you should try to take as soon as possible. These include:
1. Seek Diagnosis and Treatment from a Trustworthy Medical Professional
We understand that it may be difficult to trust another doctor given what you have gone through, but it is important that you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment as soon as possible. If you do not receive treatment, your condition could worsen, and this is something that you need to try to avoid.
2. Follow Your New Doctor’s Treatment Plan
Once you see your new doctor, you need to follow his or her treatment plan. This is important not only for your health, but also for your medical malpractice claim. If you do not do what your doctor says, the insurance companies will likely try to claim that you are responsible for your own illness or injury.
3. Keep Copies of Your Medical Records and Hospital Bills
Your medical records and hospital bills will be key evidence in your claim for financial compensation. While it is possible to obtain these later, it will be helpful if you keep copies as often as you can.
4. Try to Keep Detailed Notes
Try to take notes on a daily basis. How severe is your pain? How have your symptoms changed? Did you miss work, a school function or another event as a result of your medical condition? These are all factors that can impact your claim for financial compensation.
5. Avoid Speaking with Anyone from the Insurance Companies
When you have a claim for medical malpractice, you should not speak with anyone from the insurance companies. They will try to use your own words against you, and the safest thing you can do is let your attorney deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.
6. Avoid Other Mistakes that Could Jeopardize Your Claim
In addition to avoiding the insurance companies, there are other mistakes you will want to try to avoid as well. These include things like returning to work too soon, exercising when you should be resting and talking about your case on social media.
7. Contact Us for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation
The best way to avoid critical mistakes is to engage an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. If you think you may have a claim – or if you are not sure and would like to find out – we encourage you to contact us promptly for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Schedule Your Free Consultation at Jackowiak Law Offices
To schedule your free consultation at Jackowiak Law Offices, please call (312) 795-9595 or contact us online. It costs you nothing to speak with one of our attorneys, and we do not charge any legal fees or costs until we win just compensation.
