What to Do If You Are Victim of Medical Error

by | Dec 8, 2014 | Uncategorized

8943758_s-200x300 (1).jpgAs we have reported, preventable medical error is the third leading cause of death, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), just behind heart disease and cancer. The latest reports estimate that between 210,000 and 440,000 patients die each year due to some type of preventable medical error. Although a medical error does not always amount to medical malpractice, there are certain things that you should do if you are the victim of a medical error in order to protect your rights, such as the following:

  • Get proper medical treatment. You should promptly get the medical attention that you need in order to prevent further exacerbation of your injuries or medical condition.
  • Retain medical records and bills. If you get a second opinion or need additional medical treatment to remedy a medical error, make sure to get complete medical reports that document the medical treatment needed to c0rrect the medical error. You should also save all medical bills.
  • Consult with a medical malpractice attorney. In to pursue a medical malpractice claim, you must show the following: (1) the defendant had a duty to provide the appropriate medical care; (2) the defendant failed to provide the appropriate medical care; and (3) the defendant’s deviation from the appropriate standard of care caused you to sustain injuries or damages. A medical malpractice attorney can help you understand whether you have a viable cause of action, get you the medical treatment that you need, and advise you on the next steps.

It is important that you contact a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible since there are time limits on when you can file a medical malpractice lawsuit. In Illinois, a medical malpractice lawsuit without death must be filed within two years of the date of that the patient became aware of, or should have become aware of, the medical negligence. If the patient dies, however, the wrongful death medical malpractice lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the patient’s death. The Chicago medical malpractice law firm at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish is committed to helping the victims of medical malpractice obtain maximum financial recovery. If successful in proving liability, you may be able to recover money damages for the following: past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future income, household services, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, and disfigurement. If you have been the victim of medical negligence, contact the Chicago medical malpractice lawyers at Steinberg, Goodman & Kalish to schedule a free consultation to learn more about what to do following a medical error.   Additional Information:

  • Most Common Medical Errors
  • How to Know If You Might Have Been the Victim of Medical Malpractice
  • 10 Facts about Medical Malpractice
  • Are Medical Errors the Same as Medical Malpractice?

    Steinberg Goodman & Kalish  (www.sgklawyers.com) is dedicated to protecting victims and their families.  We handle medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, professional negligence, birth trauma, and railroad law matters. Contact us at (888) 325-7299 or (312) 445-9084.

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$950,000 – Birth Injury Malpractice
$5,860,000 Medical Malpractice – Wrongful Death
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$950,000 – Birth Injury Malpractice
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