Holding Negligent Chicago Doctors Accountable

 Posted on September 29, 2023 in Medical Malpractice

Seeking justice after suffering harm due to a doctor’s negligence can feel like an uphill battle. Medical malpractice cases are complex, and physicians often have extensive resources to defend against allegations. 

However, holding negligent doctors accountable is essential to protect patients and induce better care. Understanding your legal rights and working with an experienced Chicago attorney is important.

Proving Medical Malpractice

In Illinois, patients claiming medical malpractice must show that a healthcare provider deviated from the proper standard of care and that this deviation directly caused injury or death. Simply demonstrating that a doctor made a mistake is not enough. 

The care provided must fall below what a reasonable physician would have done under the same circumstances. Securing evidence like medical records and expert testimony is crucial to proving negligence and causation in a malpractice case. An attorney can help patients navigate these legal hurdles.

Overcoming Difficult Defenses

Doctors often rely on powerful defenses against malpractice claims that aim to place blame elsewhere. They may claim the patient had a preexisting condition that caused or contributed to the injury. Doctors may also shift responsibility onto other hospital staff like nurses and argue they performed negligently. Lawyers know how to counter these defenses by thoroughly investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. Building a persuasive argument requires legal experience.

Importance of Good Documentation

Without proper documentation, even the most legitimate malpractice cases can fall apart. That is why keeping detailed records following an incident is imperative. Patients should get copies of their entire medical file, document all communication with healthcare staff, photograph visible injuries, keep a written log of errors and timeline of events, and obtain second opinions on disputed facts. An attorney can help collect and organize documentation necessary to prove negligence.

Illinois Statute of Limitations

The window to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Illinois is limited. Patients generally must initiate claims within two years from the date when the negligent act occurred, or within two years from when it reasonably should have been discovered. Minors injured by malpractice have until age 20 to file.

Contact a Decatur, Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer

The trauma of medical errors makes pursuing justice exceptionally difficult for victims. But holding negligent doctors accountable through malpractice litigation prevents future harm and provides critical closure. Working with a Springfield, IL malpractice attorney levels the playing field and gives injured patients the strongest voice. Call Kanoski Bresney at 888-826-8682 for a free consultation.