Suffering from an injury or disability because of a medical professional’s mistake is a heavy burden. Beyond the physical pain, there’s an emotional toll that comes with living with a disability, injury, or illness. Such experiences can leave individuals and families feeling isolated and uncertain about the future. It’s crucial for victims of medical malpractice to understand they don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Partnering with a medical malpractice lawyer in Rockford, IL, can be the first step towards justice. At Crosby Law Firm, our experienced medical malpractice and personal injury attorney is ready to fight for you. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.
Identifying Medical Malpractice in Illinois
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider fails to take necessary action or provides treatment that is below the standard of care, resulting in patient harm, injury, or death.
Some common examples of medical malpractice include:
- Misdiagnosis leading to improper or delayed treatment
- Unwarranted surgery or insufficient postoperative care
- Surgical errors, such as leaving instruments inside a patient
- Failing to consider a patient’s medical history
- Inadequate warnings to patients about significant treatment risks
At Crosby Law Firm, we’re skilled at investigating even the most complicated medical malpractice cases. We’re dedicated to advocating for the rights of victims and fighting to hold medical professionals accountable.
Securing compensation often gives our clients the means and motivation to move forward. Attorney Michael Crosby utilizes every tool at his disposal when investigating medical malpractice cases. He also carefully handles the lengthy legal processes involved in building each case. These include everything from reviewing extensive medical records to negotiating with defendants’ insurance companies.
Understanding Compensation for Victims in Medical Malpractice Suits
Dealing with the aftermath of medical errors can be emotionally and financially overwhelming. Victims of medical malpractice face long-term challenges that impact every aspect of their lives. Legal action can provide a pathway to compensation for:
- Medical Bills: Compensation can cover both current and future medical expenses related to the injury or illness incurred. This can include things like rehab, medication, physical therapy, surgery, etc.
- Lost Wages: Compensation can be sought for lost income and potential future earnings impacted by resulting injuries. For example, if you are permanently disabled, it may be impossible to perform your current job duties. This could lead to significant financial strain alongside reduced earning capacity.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious medical negligence, punitive damages may be paid in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages serve as both a punishment and a means of discouraging similar action in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation can be sought for physical and emotional distress. This type of payment recognizes the anguish and mental turmoil experienced by victims of malpractice.
- Loss of Consortium: Partners and family members of victims are deeply impacted by medical malpractice, too. They may receive compensation for losing benefits once gained from their relationship with the victim. This can include loss of companionship, sexual intimacy, support, guidance, etc.
Our firm has years of experience working on a wide range of medical malpractice cases. If you were harmed by a medical professional’s actions or inactions, Crosby Law Firm can help. We will assist in seeking fair compensation that reflects the full impact of the hardships you’ve suffered.
What To Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice
If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, it’s important to act quickly. Start by gathering any medical records, notes, and documents related to your care. Then, contact our law firm immediately.
When you reach out to us, you can expect compassionate guidance and clear communication. At Crosby Law Firm, we’ll work to understand your situation, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Illinois Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice
In Illinois, the window for filing a medical malpractice claim is 2 years from when the injury was discovered. A medical malpractice lawsuit can’t be filed more than 4 years after the date on which the medical error took place.
In cases where the victim is under 18 years of age at the time of the malpractice incident, the deadline changes. These cases must be filed within 8 years of the date on which malpractice occurred. However, under no circumstances can a lawsuit be filed after the injured party reaches age 22.
These rules emphasize the importance of promptly seeking legal advice when medical malpractice occurs.
Choose Crosby Law Firm
When healthcare professionals fail to provide the expected standard of care, they must be held accountable. In some cases, that means failure to diagnose or provide proper medical care in a timely fashion. Whatever the case may be, victims of medical malpractice need experienced legal advocates on their side.
At Crosby Law Firm, our dedicated Rockford medical malpractice attorney fights to protect clients’ rights at every turn. We have been fighting for those affected by medical malpractice since 1980. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a medical professional’s mistake, our firm is ready to support you.
Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation. Our goal is to put individuals affected by medical errors on the path to justice.