Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney | Personal Injury Lawyer Chicago | Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish2026-06-05T11:30:16Zhttps://www.sgklawyers.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1605113/2020/06/cropped-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish<![CDATA[What if a seemingly friendly dog bites you in Chicago?]]>https://www.sgklawyers.com/?p=510222026-06-05T11:30:16Z2026-06-05T11:30:16ZMany people assume that a dog with a calm temperament or a friendly reputation would never cause harm. Unfortunately, even well-behaved pets can bite when they feel startled, stressed or protective. If a dog that seemed harmless suddenly bites you, you may wonder whether you have any legal options. In Illinois, the answer is often yes.
Illinois law may protect dog bite victims
Illinois has laws that help protect people injured by dog attacks. Unlike some states that consider a dog's prior behavior, Illinois generally holds dog owners responsible when their dog injures someone who was lawfully present and did not provoke the animal.This means a victim does not necessarily need to prove that the dog had a history of aggression. Even if the owner describes the dog as friendly or insists the animal has never bitten anyone before, the victim may still have grounds to pursue compensation.Dog bite injuries can range from minor puncture wounds to serious physical trauma. Some victims require surgery, rehabilitation or treatment for infections. Children often face an increased risk of severe injuries because of their size and vulnerability.
Important steps after a dog bite
The actions you take after a dog bite can affect both your health and any potential legal claim. If a dog bites you, consider taking the following steps:
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if the injury appears minor.
Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement.
Take photographs of your injuries and the location where the bite occurred.
Gather contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses.
Keep records of medical treatment, expenses and missed time from work.
These steps can help document the incident and preserve important evidence. The circumstances surrounding every dog bite differ, which makes it important to evaluate each situation carefully.
Understanding your options after an injury
A dog bite can happen when you least expect it. Illinois law provides important protections for many victims, but pursuing a claim often requires a careful review of the facts. If you suffered injuries in a dog attack, seeking legal guidance can help you understand your rights and explore the options available to you.
]]>On Behalf of Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish<![CDATA[Why nursing home elopements can be devastating incidents]]>https://www.sgklawyers.com/?p=510212026-05-12T18:08:22Z2026-05-12T18:08:22ZMany hazards may arise during elopement
One of the most serious concerns for older adults who leave a nursing home without permission or prior planning is the inability to access critical medical care. Whether they are on a drug to manage their blood pressure or in the middle of a course of antibiotics to treat a serious infection, they could develop medical complications due to the disruption of their treatment.
Then, there is the hazard of environmental exposure. Being out overnight can leave people vulnerable to unsafe ambient temperatures and potentially dangerous wildlife. If they leave a nursing home during a storm, inclement weather can present even more hazards that could lead to injury or illness.
There are also countless potential sources of traumatic injuries. Older adults who wander away from a nursing home could fall with no one around to help them up or address their injuries. They could wander into traffic and get struck by a vehicle or end up victimized by opportunistic criminals. Any of those scenarios could have devastating consequences for older adults.
Nursing homes can prevent elopement
Typically, nursing homes can prevent older adults from leaving the facility. Placing those dealing with dementia or cognitive decline in a locked ward can limit the likelihood of wandering incidents.
Routine bed checks and similar security measures can also significantly reduce the risk of an older adult leaving without anyone discovering their absence. The failure to document the decline in an older adult’s cognitive function, to follow bed check procedures or to keep secure wards locked appropriately could all be examples of negligent behavior that may have devastating implications.
Connecting an elopement incident to a facility’s failure to recognize support needs or conform to care standards could provide the grounds for a lawsuit. Families can take legal action to seek compensation for medical expenses and other costs generated by preventable elopement incidents.]]>On Behalf of Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish<![CDATA[Why seeing a doctor after a major car crash is so important]]>https://www.sgklawyers.com/?p=510182026-04-14T11:09:49Z2026-04-14T11:09:49ZThe risk of overlooked injuries and progressive conditions
Between the stress response that lessens pain perception and the slow progression of internal injuries, people could easily overlook injuries that could have permanent medical implications. Seeing a doctor to check for brain injuries, stable fractures and internal bleeding can help people avoid the progression of potentially treatable injuries.
Doctors can use modern diagnostic testing to diagnose injuries that might not present concerning symptoms for several more days. Earlier interventions can also improve the injured person's prognosis. Physicians can intervene to prevent the worsening of moderate-to-severe brain injuries and internal bleeding.
The risk of insurance complications
Delays in diagnosis after a car crash can make it more difficult for people to secure compensation. Liability car insurance can pay for care costs and lost wages. However, insurance companies look for any way to reduce their financial exposure.
They may highlight a gap between the crash and the diagnosis to raise questions about whether another incident may have actually caused the injury. Especially if people wait a week or longer to see a physician, they may have a much more challenging time pursuing appropriate compensation from an insurance provider.
Knowing how to handle the aftermath of a serious car crash can help people protect themselves both physically and financially. Proper medical evaluation is critical for the documentation of medical consequences and the protection of the right to seek compensation after a car wreck.]]>On Behalf of Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish<![CDATA[What to do if a Chicago hospital loses your medical records]]>https://www.sgklawyers.com/?p=510152026-03-10T13:53:31Z2026-03-10T13:53:31ZSteps to request and locate missing medical records in Chicago hospitals
Start with the hospital health information department. This office usually handles record requests and patient files. You can begin your search with the following steps:
Request lab results, imaging reports and discharge summaries
Contact referring doctors or clinics for duplicate records
Review insurance claim summaries for treatment details
These actions may help you locate information that the hospital did not initially provide.
Actions to take if a Chicago hospital cannot produce your records
If staff still cannot locate the file, ask the hospital for a written explanation of the search. Confirm that staff reviewed electronic archives and older storage systems. Illinois rules allow extra time in some situations. In that case, the hospital must send a written delay notice within 30 days and provide records no later than 60 days.
You may also contact the hospital patient advocate or risk management office. These departments often review concerns about documentation and communication. Chicago patients may also raise record access concerns with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
What to keep in mind when hospital records remain unavailable
Missing hospital records can affect follow-up care, insurance review and your ability to confirm what occurred during treatment. Because of that risk, document each record request and keep related documents such as bills, prescriptions and appointment summaries. These materials may help rebuild parts of your care history.
If the hospital still cannot produce the file, you may raise the issue with the facility or the Illinois Department of Public Health. In some situations, missing documentation may also raise questions about possible hospital negligence, which is a type of medical malpractice. Illinois often applies a two-year statute of limitations for many medical malpractice claims.]]>On Behalf of Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish<![CDATA[Illinois: Why do you need proof in personal injury cases?]]>https://www.sgklawyers.com/?p=509952026-02-12T08:06:44Z2026-02-12T08:06:44ZIt proves the elements of your claim
Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence system to determine if the defendant in a personal injury case is at fault for your injury. This means that you will need to establish:
Duty of care: The legal obligation to act within reason and avoid harming other people
Breach of duty: Failure to meet that obligation by acting carelessly or unreasonably
Causation: A direct link between the breach of duty and the injury that proves the defendant is at fault for injuring you
Damages: The potential losses you face due to your injury
However, establishing negligence and determining who is at fault can be difficult without gathering relevant proof. Evidence the court may consider for personal injury cases includes:
Photographs and videos of the accident and its aftermath
Eyewitness testimonies
Police reports
Physical evidence such as damaged parts, defective products or torn clothing
Bear in mind that Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injuries, meaning you will need to gather evidence quickly if you want to strengthen your claim. If you are filing a claim against local government entities, you will have even less time, with a deadline of one year from the date of the injury – though this may change from case to case.
It helps you recover damages
In personal injury cases, it is also important to prove what the injury costs you. This does not have to be monetary losses, but also how the injury affects your day-to-day life. If you experience chronic pain or a loss of mobility after an accident, it is important to document your symptoms. Similarly, keep track of your medical records and bills to prove the severity of your injuries to the court, allowing them to determine how much you can recover in damages.
If you have a job, it may also be beneficial to present wage records, tax forms and letters from your employer showing time missed for additional financial compensation. It is worth mentioning that if the court finds you more than 50% responsible for the accident leading to your injuries, you will be barred from recovering any damages.
The significance of evidence
In Illinois, evidence determines the outcomes of personal injury cases. Courts use proof to estimate damages and identify which parties are at fault for an accident. If you gather evidence early, you can strengthen your case and gain leverage in settlement talks and in court. Recovering from an injury can be a stressful endeavor, but by presenting your case, you may be eligible for financial compensation, making up for lost wages and expensive medical bills.]]>On Behalf of Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish<![CDATA[What happens when a surgical ‘never event’ changes your life?]]>https://www.sgklawyers.com/?p=509922026-02-03T20:18:06Z2026-02-03T20:18:06ZThe shock of preventable medical failures
The term "never event" refers to medical errors so severe that they should never occur. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, medical staff can identify and usually prevent these events, which often stem from communication breakdowns or failures to follow safety protocols.
Common examples include:
Performing a procedure on the wrong patient
Operating on the wrong body part or the wrong side of the body
Leaving surgical sponges or metal instruments inside a patient
Administering the wrong type of blood during a transfusion
These errors represent a systemic failure within a health care facility. When a surgical team skips a basic "time-out" to verify your identity, the consequences are often devastating.
Understanding your rights under Illinois law
In many medical malpractice cases, attorneys must debate complex medical standards. However, for "never events," Illinois courts often apply a legal doctrine called “res ipsa loquitur,” Latin for "the thing speaks for itself." This principle allows a jury to infer negligence when the injury is one that typically results from a careless act.
Even when an error seems obvious, Illinois law requires your attorney to file an “affidavit of merit.” A qualified health care professional must review your records and confirm in writing that you have a "reasonable and meritorious" reason to sue. Victims of these errors often face a long road to recovery. You might endure additional surgeries to remove a foreign object or treat a severe infection like sepsis.
Secure a path toward healing
Managing the aftermath of a major surgical error requires a deep understanding of hospital liability and state statutes. A skilled medical malpractice lawyer reviews hospital records and surgical logs to determine where the safety system failed.
An experienced attorney helps ensure that the court hears your voice and protects your family’s future. While no legal action reverses a surgical mistake, holding negligent parties accountable helps prevent similar tragedies from happening to others.]]>On Behalf of Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish<![CDATA[When skin cancer spreads after a missed diagnosis]]>https://www.sgklawyers.com/?p=509912026-01-29T20:50:08Z2026-01-29T20:50:08ZSkin cancer is often highly treatable when caught early, but when a diagnosis is missed or delayed, this otherwise relatively treatable form of cancer can cause real damage, potentially including death.
A failure to recognize or act on warning signs can allow cancer to progress from a localized, manageable condition into an advanced disease that spreads to other parts of the body. When this happens, patients and families are often left asking how an opportunity for early intervention was lost.
Why failures to diagnose occur, and what can be done in their aftermath
Missed skin cancer diagnoses can occur for many reasons, even within the four walls of a single clinic. A suspicious lesion may be dismissed as benign, misidentified as a rash or infection or inadequately biopsied. In some cases, a biopsy is performed but the results are misread or not communicated promptly. Other times, follow-up is delayed or never scheduled, even when pathology reports indicate abnormal or inconclusive findings. Each of these failures can allow cancer cells time to grow and spread.When skin cancer metastasizes, treatment becomes far more aggressive and uncertain. Melanoma, in particular, is known for its ability to spread rapidly to lymph nodes, organs and the brain. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, while often less aggressive, can also cause serious harm if left untreated. Advanced disease may require extensive surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation, all of which carry significant risks and side effects.The human cost of a missed diagnosis can be profound. Patients may endure invasive treatments, prolonged hospitalizations and a drastically altered quality of life as a result of such errors. Prognosis often worsens, and survival rates can drop sharply once cancer spreads. As a result, some missed diagnoses – particularly those that a medical professional should have caught if they had been exercising a reasonable standard of care – are legally actionable.With that said, not every poor outcome constitutes actionable medical malpractice. Medical malpractice involves a failure to meet an accepted standard of care within a particular specialty and under certain circumstances. In skin cancer cases, this may include failing to perform a biopsy when warranted, misinterpreting test results, ignoring patient complaints or delaying referral to a specialist. A key question is whether a reasonably careful provider would have acted differently under similar circumstances and whether earlier diagnosis would likely have changed the outcome.Oftentimes, when skin cancer spreads after a missed diagnosis, patients deserve answers and accountability. While legal action cannot undo a missed diagnosis, it can potentially help affected patients to secure the justice that they deserve. ]]>On Behalf of Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish<![CDATA[3 ways nursing homes can prevent bedsore issues]]>https://www.sgklawyers.com/?p=509892026-01-26T00:58:26Z2026-01-26T00:58:26Zdecubitus ulcers” or “pressure ulcers.” While their development is more common as people age, they are still generally preventable and treatable.
Nursing home workers should take reasonable steps to protect older adults from bedsores and to manage them when they develop. A failure to consistently provide the three services below could constitute negligent nursing home care.
1. Encouraging movement and rotation
Older adults frequently feel anxious about falling and may not move much while alone. Nursing home workers may need to encourage older adults to get out of bed, leave their favorite chair and reposition themselves. In cases involving severe medical limitations, they may need to physically lift a patient or rotate them from one position to another. Doing so alleviates pressure on specific body parts and can prevent the formation or worsening of bedsores.
2. Providing cushioning
There are various cushions of different sizes, shapes and densities that can reduce pressure on different body parts. A foam wedge or a donut cushion can help take pressure off a bedsore that has already begun developing. Workers should monitor bedsores in the early stage of development and should immediately act to prevent them from worsening.
3. Preventing infections
Cleaning bedsores that are in the first stages of development is as important as reducing the pressure on the affected body part. Nursing home employees may need to pay special attention to those who have open bedsores that have already broken the skin. Without consistent support and sanitization, the darkness and warmth generated from being under the body can lead to serious infections. When pressure ulcers develop beyond the initial stages or when they become infected, that can be an indicator of nursing home neglect.
Failing to treat and monitor bedsores is a preventable form of negligence that better nursing home practices are generally empowered to address. As such, concerned families may have grounds to take legal action when negligent care causes suffering and increased medical expenses for their family members.]]>On Behalf of Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish<![CDATA[How do diagnostic errors happen in emergency rooms?]]>https://www.sgklawyers.com/?p=509882025-12-16T21:21:36Z2025-12-16T21:21:36Za recognized problem, especially when they are very busy. Why do so many patients get misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all?
Factors affecting misdiagnoses
Communication can be a significant contributor. In an emergency room setting, everything happens very quickly, including conversations. There could be communication issues between providers. Patients may relate information to one worker who does not communicate with others or update the patient's chart. The patient may assume that workers are aware of their previous statements when they are not. Additionally, in diverse areas like Chicago, there may be issues caused by a language barrier.
Other times, bias can influence diagnostic procedures. Medical workers may be less likely to believe the self-reported symptoms of certain people because of the stereotypes that the staff have internalized. The need to make snap judgments can also result in emergency room workers overlooking key factors that could influence the diagnosis of the patient.
Limited time also can play a role. Emergency departments must prioritize life‑threatening conditions and often arrange follow‑up or outpatient testing when appropriate. Because the diagnostic process can be quite lengthy, there is not enough time to get all the information to make an accurate diagnosis. As such, some non‑immediately‑life‑threatening diagnoses get delayed.
These obstacles can contribute to a wrong or missed diagnosis. However, those who have been harmed by a diagnostic error in the emergency room have options and rights worth protecting. Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit may be an option, depending on the details of a case and the nature of injuries or illnesses.]]>On Behalf of Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish<![CDATA[Hit by a driver you suspect was drunk? What to do]]>https://www.sgklawyers.com/?p=509692025-09-17T11:37:28Z2025-09-17T11:37:28ZCall the police immediately
You should call law enforcement at the scene. Officers gather evidence that holds weight later, and their reports, field sobriety tests or even an arrest record create a foundation you cannot build on your own. When you cooperate fully with officers and ensure they record your account of what happened, you establish a record that shapes how fault and impairment questions unfold.
Get medical care without delay
You need prompt medical treatment. Crash-related injuries often hide beneath the adrenaline of the moment, and if you wait, you not only risk your health but also weaken the connection between the accident and the harm you suffered. Even if you walk away feeling fine, you strengthen your claim when you see a doctor, document injuries early, follow up on delayed symptoms and maintain a consistent medical record.
Preserve evidence from the scene
You should collect as much evidence as you can. Details fade quickly and once they disappear you cannot recover them. Use your phone to take wide and close-up photos, capture the positions of vehicles and any skid marks and note the other driver’s behavior and speech. If anyone saw what happened, get their names and numbers. Witnesses often provide details that support what you already know but cannot prove alone.
Notify your insurance company carefully
You should contact your insurer as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt reporting, but keep your description simple and factual, and avoid guessing about whether the other driver was intoxicated. Let the police investigation establish impairment. By sticking to what you know for certain you prevent inconsistencies that insurers could later use against you.
Take steps to protect your future
You protect your future when you commit to follow-up care, keep every medical bill and record organized and seek legal guidance. The reality is that you often need persistence to hold a negligent driver accountable. When you combine thorough documentation with the right support, you place yourself in the best position to recover what you lost and move forward with greater stability.]]>