When you or someone you love is harmed by a medical professional you trusted, the impact can be devastating. Many victims are left with long term health complications, mounting medical bills, emotional trauma, and uncertainty about what comes next.
If you believe that medical negligence played a role in your injury or the injury of a loved one, an Illinois medical malpractice attorney at Schafer and Schafer LLP can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Schafer and Schafer LLP, we take the time to listen to your story, review what happened, and determine whether medical negligence occurred. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling medical malpractice claims involving catastrophic injuries, birth trauma, surgical errors, misdiagnoses, and preventable infections. You can rely on us to explain the law clearly and guide you through every stage of your case.
What Is Considered Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the level of care that a reasonably qualified provider would offer under similar circumstances. This failure can happen through action, inaction, poor communication, or critical oversight.
Examples include:
- Misreading test results
- Delaying necessary treatment
- Using improper surgical techniques
- Failing to diagnose a serious condition
- Prescribing incorrect medications
- Not monitoring a patient’s status
Not every poor outcome is malpractice. The key question is whether the provider’s actions fell below the accepted standard of care and caused harm. An Illinois medical malpractice attorney can help you determine whether you have a valid claim.
Common Examples of Negligence in Illinois Hospitals and Clinics
Medical negligence can occur in any healthcare setting, from emergency rooms and surgery centers to primary care clinics and nursing homes. Some of the most frequent issues include:
- Diagnostic mistakes
- Equipment errors
- Charting failures
- Communication breakdowns among medical staff
Patients often struggle to identify exactly what went wrong because the medical system can be difficult to navigate. Our team works with medical experts to uncover the truth, examine your records, and determine whether negligence occurred.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle
At Schafer and Schafer LLP, we represent clients across Illinois who have suffered injuries due to a wide range of medical errors. We frequently handle medical malpractice claims such as:
Birth Injury Claims
Birth injuries can result from improper use of delivery tools, delayed response to fetal distress, oxygen deprivation, or failure to perform a timely C section. These injuries may lead to lifelong conditions such as cerebral palsy, nerve damage, or developmental delays. Families deserve support and answers when preventable mistakes harm a newborn.
Surgical Errors
Surgical mistakes can involve wrong site operations, foreign objects left inside the body, anesthesia errors, nerve injuries, or improper post operative care. These errors often lead to severe complications that require additional surgeries and long-term treatment.
Emergency Room Errors
Emergency rooms are fast paced environments where quick decisions are vital. Mistakes may include misdiagnosis, delayed testing, medication errors, or failing to properly triage a patient. When errors occur in the ER, the consequences can be immediate and life threatening.
Misdiagnoses and Delayed Diagnosis
A failure to diagnose a condition promptly can allow an illness to progress to a dangerous or irreversible stage. Missed diagnoses of cancer, heart attacks, strokes, infections, and autoimmune disorders are among the most common causes of malpractice claims.
Infections and Sepsis Due to Negligence
Hospital acquired infections, unsanitary equipment, and improper wound care can lead to severe infections or sepsis. These conditions may become life threatening if not identified and treated quickly. Many of these infections are preventable with proper hygiene and monitoring.
Proving Medical Malpractice in Illinois
To succeed in a medical malpractice case in Illinois, you must prove several critical elements. Schafer and Schafer LLP can guide you through this process by collecting evidence, consulting medical experts, and analyzing the facts.
The Legal Elements You Must Establish
To bring a successful claim, you must show:
- Duty of care: The healthcare provider had a responsibility to treat you according to accepted medical standards.
- Breach of duty: The provider failed to meet those standards through action or inaction.
- Causation: The provider’s breach caused or significantly contributed to your injury.
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm such as medical bills, lost wages, pain, or long-term disability.
These elements must be supported with strong evidence, including expert testimony. Our attorneys understand how to build a compelling case that clearly shows what went wrong and how it affected your life.
Illinois Laws and Deadlines for Medical Malpractice Claims
Illinois has specific laws that govern when and how malpractice claims must be filed. Understanding these rules is essential for preserving your right to compensation.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim
In most cases, a medical malpractice claim must be filed within two years of when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. Some exceptions apply, especially in cases involving minors or concealed negligence. Because these deadlines can be complicated, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Damages Available to Victims
Victims of medical malpractice may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future treatment needs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases
The exact amount depends on the severity of the injury and how it affects your daily life.
Why Choose Schafer and Schafer LLP for Your Illinois Medical Malpractice Case?
Schafer and Schafer LLP brings decades of experience to Illinoisans harmed by medical negligence. Our firm understands that medical malpractice is not just a legal matter but a deeply personal incident. When a trusted medical provider makes a preventable mistake, the physical, emotional, and financial impact can be overwhelming. That is why we focus on communication, transparency, and personalized service from the very first conversation.
When you choose Schafer and Schafer LLP, you gain a dedicated legal team that:
- Investigates your medical records and timeline thoroughly
- Works with leading medical experts to support your claim
- Stands up to hospitals, large insurance companies, and corporate legal teams
- Keeps you informed at every stage
- Pursues the maximum compensation available under Illinois law
Our attorneys handle every case with care, attention, and determination. We know that the stakes are high, especially when injuries lead to long term disability, significant medical treatment, or loss of a loved one. You can rely on us to stay focused on your needs, answer your questions honestly, and build a strong legal path forward.
Contact an Illinois Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
If you believe medical negligence caused your injury or the injury of a loved one, do not wait to seek legal guidance. Schafer and Schafer LLP is ready to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and help you take the next steps toward justice and financial recovery.
Contact us today at 219-947-1911 for your free, confidential consultation. You deserve answers, accountability, and a trusted legal team by your side. Let Schafer and Schafer LLP help you move forward.
