Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Fighting for Maximum Compensation After Serious Medical Mistakes Resulting in Injury

If you or a loved one suffered because of poor care, an experienced Chicago medical malpractice lawyer from Chicago Injury Center is ready to stand up for patients harmed by medical negligence across the city. We are dedicated to holding hospitals, doctors, and healthcare providers across the city accountable for serious medical mistakes.

From surgery errors at major hospitals to medication mistakes in local clinics, our law firm has the background and resources to hold medical professionals accountable. We understand how overwhelming it is to deal with unexpected medical bills, lost wages, and long-term health issues caused by someone else’s mistake. We work relentlessly to help clients recover compensation after preventable medical errors.

Medical Malpractice Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago

$12,000,000 Settlement – Post-Surgical Mistakes Lead to Brain Damage and Amputation

After undergoing cardiothoracic surgery at a prominent Chicago hospital, Marcus suffered a catastrophic brain injury and a below-the-knee amputation due to surgery error and delayed intervention. The severity of his injuries, lifelong care needs, and the hospital’s failure to act quickly drove the case’s high value.

$9,000,000 Settlement – ER Discharge Ends in Fatal Heart Attack

Charles, 63, visited a Chicago ER with chest pain but was discharged without proper cardiac testing. Hours later, he died from a heart attack at home. His family’s wrongful death claim focused on the physician’s failure to follow standard emergency protocols and properly evaluate a high-risk patient.

$7,500,000 Settlement – Maternal Death Following Ignored Labor Complications

During childbirth at a Chicago-area hospital, 34-year-old Denise died due to untreated hemorrhaging. Her OB-GYN and nurses failed to recognize the signs of maternal bleeding. The settlement reflected her young age, the preventable nature of the loss, and the emotional and financial impact on her husband and newborn.

$5,000,000 Settlement – Delayed Lung Cancer Diagnosis After Missed X-Ray Signs

Lisa, 55, had a two-year history of abnormal chest x-rays while under care at a Chicago clinic. Doctors failed to flag the findings, delaying her lung cancer diagnosis until it was terminal. Her case focused on repeated oversight by multiple providers and the lost chance of early treatment.

$4,250,000 Settlement – Fatal Head Injury After Preventable Hospital Fall

Evelyn was recovering from surgery at a Chicago hospital when she attempted to walk to the bathroom unassisted. Despite needing help per her care plan, no staff responded. She fell, suffered a subdural hematoma, and died days later. The hospital’s failure to follow fall prevention protocols proved fatal.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

Chicago Injury Center has a strong track record of securing life-changing results for injured patients and families. We have recovered millions for victims of medical negligence, including some of the largest settlements in Illinois. We’re consistently recognized as the best medical malpractice attorneys in Chicago, known for taking on complex cases involving major hospitals, doctors, and other medical professionals across the city.

Recognized by Super Lawyers and holding a 10/10 rating on Avvo, our legal team combines deep experience with personal attention to every case. View more awards and client reviews. If you need a top medical malpractice lawyer who delivers results, we’re ready to fight for your rights.

Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle in Chicago

The experienced attorneys at our Chicago law firm represent clients in a wide range of medical malpractice cases. These errors can happen in hospitals, clinics, emergency rooms, or even nursing homes. Whether caused by a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional, we help patients and families file a medical malpractice lawsuit and seek financial compensation for the harm they’ve suffered. Below are some of the most common case types we handle:

Surgical Errors

Mistakes during surgery can result in devastating outcomes such as internal bleeding, organ damage, infection, or amputation. We handle medical malpractice lawsuits involving wrong-site surgery, retained surgical instruments, and post-operative complications at Chicago hospitals. These cases often require reviewing medical records, consulting with expert witnesses, and proving that a medical professional taking part in the procedure failed to meet the standard of care.

Birth Injuries

A birth injury can occur when doctors or nurses fail to monitor the baby or mother, delay a C-section, or use excessive force during delivery. We represent families dealing with preventable trauma, including cerebral palsy, shoulder dystocia, and brain injuries. These cases often lead to lifelong medical care and medical costs. Our top-rated birth injury attorneys work with families to hold negligent health care providers accountable and seek justice for newborns injured at birth.

Medication Errors

Administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, and specific drug interactions can have dangerous—even fatal—results. These medical malpractice claims may involve physicians, nurses, or pharmacists. We’ve represented clients who suffered seizures, organ failure, or other severe health complications due to avoidable drug-related medical mistakes. Our personal injury lawyers carefully investigate medical records and treatment protocols to identify who was responsible and help clients recover compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and other losses.

Anesthesia Errors

Errors involving anesthesia can quickly turn a routine medical procedure into a life-threatening event. Too much anesthesia can cause brain damage or even death, while too little can result in a patient experiencing awareness during surgery. Common errors include dosage miscalculations, failure to monitor vital signs, or ignoring medical history. Our Chicago anesthesia error attorneys pursue claims against anesthesiologists and hospitals whose negligence led to severe injury, often requiring lifelong medical care or long-term rehabilitation.

Delayed or Misdiagnosis

A missed or delayed diagnosis can prevent a patient from receiving timely treatment and often leads to more severe health complications. We handle cases involving cancer, stroke, infections, and other severe conditions that went untreated due to misread test results, ignored symptoms, or poor communication between health care providers. Our experienced attorneys work to show how earlier diagnosis could have changed the patient’s medical condition and fight to secure full financial compensation.

Emergency Room Mistakes

ER teams are trained to act fast under pressure, but shortcuts and miscommunication often lead to serious injuries. In busy emergency departments, patients are sometimes discharged too soon or left waiting too long. We’ve represented families after a heart attack was mistaken for indigestion or a stroke went undiagnosed until it was too late. These medical malpractice claims often involve ER physicians, nurses, and triage staff at busy Chicago hospitals.

Nursing Home Negligence

Many victims are elderly residents in nursing homes. We represent individuals harmed by neglect, including medication errors, untreated infections, preventable falls, and pressure sores. These medical negligence cases often reflect systemic failures in staffing, training, or supervision. Our team holds nursing facilities accountable and fights for the dignity and safety of every resident harmed by medical negligence.

Hospital-Acquired Infections

Some patients leave the hospital worse than when they arrived. Infections like sepsis, MRSA, and pneumonia are often caused by contaminated equipment, poor sanitation, or delayed treatment. We represent patients whose conditions worsened due to preventable exposure inside medical centers in Chicago. Our Chicago infection attorneys investigate whether hospital staff followed protocols to protect patients from avoidable infections that lead to prolonged illness.

Wrongful Death

We represent surviving family members in wrongful death lawsuits involving fatal diagnostic errors, childbirth complications, surgery errors, and medication mistakes. These cases focus on financial compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the emotional devastation of losing a loved one. Our top Chicago wrongful death attorneys handle each case with care, determination, and respect.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Medical Malpractice in Chicago?

Medical malpractice claims often arise from a breakdown in basic standards of care. One of the most frequent causes is physician negligence, such as failing to diagnose a serious condition, overlooking key symptoms, or ignoring a patient’s medical history. Many cases also involve poor communication between health care providers or delays caused by understaffed hospitals. In high-volume settings, rushed decisions can result in medication mistakes, missed diagnoses, or incomplete treatment.

Equipment malfunctions, such as the use of outdated technology or unsanitized surgical tools, can also lead to serious injury or preventable complications. In some cases, hospitals fail to enforce safety protocols or ensure staff follow current medical guidelines. Our medical malpractice lawyers focus on identifying exactly where things went wrong and who should be held responsible.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Associated With Medical Treatment Malpractice?

When medical professionals make serious errors, the consequences can be life-altering. Brain injuries often occur due to anesthesia mistakes, surgical complications, or lack of oxygen during labor and delivery. These injuries may lead to permanent cognitive or physical impairment.

Spinal cord injuries can result from misplaced injections, surgical errors, or trauma during hospital care, often leading to partial or complete paralysis. Birth trauma is another concern, with forceful delivery or delayed C-sections causing conditions like cerebral palsy or nerve damage. In many cases, patients also suffer organ damage due to errors during surgery or failure to treat internal conditions.

Severe infections, including sepsis and hospital-acquired illnesses, can become life-threatening if not addressed quickly. Some medical errors lead to amputation, particularly when blood flow is restricted or infections go untreated. The most tragic cases involve wrongful death, leaving families without a loved one due to preventable mistakes.

What Medical Malpractice Damages Are Available in Chicago?

In Chicago, medical malpractice victims can pursue a wide range of damages, depending on how the injury has affected their health, finances, and daily life.

Economic damages aim to cover the financial burden caused by a medical professional taking actions that resulted in harm. These include all out-of-pocket losses, such as medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, and lost wages. These costs can quickly escalate, especially when the injury leads to long-term disability, loss of employment, or a need for lifelong medical care.

Victims may also recover non-economic damages, which account for the personal impact of an injury—physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and in some cases, loss of consortium—the harm to a spouse or family relationship caused by the injury. For families pursuing a wrongful death claim, damages may also include grief, funeral costs, and loss of financial support.

In 2010, the Illinois Supreme Court removed the cap on non-economic damages in Illinois medical malpractice cases. That means there’s no legal limit on what victims can receive for suffering and other intangible losses. Every case is different, but our attorneys focus on building strong claims that reflect the full extent of what you’ve lost, and what you’ll need moving forward.

What Is the Average Payout for Medical Malpractice in Chicago?

According to Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average payout in a medical malpractice case in Chica is $6,278,493, with awards ranging from $85,000 to $55,500,000. The median payout sits at $2,543,653, showing that while some cases settle for lower amounts, others result in significant compensation—especially when the harm is permanent or life-threatening.

Payouts vary widely based on several key factors:

• Severity of injury: Cases involving brain trauma, birth trauma, or wrongful death often result in higher awards due to the lasting impact on the patient and their family.
• Long-term care needs: If the victim requires ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or lifelong support, damages will typically include future medical expenses and lost income.
• Strength of liability: The clearer the evidence of medical negligence, the more likely a successful medical malpractice claim will yield a higher settlement or verdict.

Our leading medical malpractice lawyers work to maximize compensation by building strong cases that reflect the full impact of the injury—both financially and emotionally.

Example Medical Negligence Cases in Cook County

$53 Million Verdict – Delayed C-Section Results in Cerebral Palsy

Isaiah Ewing was born with severe hypoxic brain damage at the UChicago Medical Center after a 12-hour delay in performing a cesarean section despite clear signs of fetal distress. His mother, Lisa, was induced with Cervidil against medical guidelines. Isaiah now lives with cerebral palsy and requires 24/7 care. The jury found that earlier delivery would have prevented the injury and awarded $53 million in damages to cover medical needs, lost earning capacity, and suffering.

$49.25 Million Verdict – Bowel Necrosis After Delayed Surgery

Joseph Browning, a machinist, suffered sepsis, multiple organ failure, and bowel necrosis after doctors failed to timely diagnose and treat a Peterson’s hernia following gallbladder surgery. Over several surgeries, he lost his small and large intestines and part of his stomach. He now requires transplant care, takes over 70 pills daily, and faces progressive health issues, including kidney failure. A jury awarded Browning and his wife $49.25 million for his catastrophic injuries and emotional suffering.

$42.4 Million Verdict – Hospital Delay Causes Fatal Baclofen Withdrawal

Scott Wilcox, a quadriplegic, died from complications of baclofen withdrawal at Advocate Condell Medical Center. The hospital failed to timely provide his required medication and pump for replacement, leading to respiratory arrest, hypoxia, and multi-organ failure. The lawsuit claimed systemic communication failures between departments delayed treatment. Wilcox’s estate was awarded $42.4 million for lost income and the emotional impact on his wife and children, who were left without their husband and father.

$35 Million Settlement – Botched Intubation Causes Brain Injury

Neveen Morkos suffered a catastrophic brain injury after an anesthesiologist failed to secure her breathing tube during an appendectomy at Oak Forest Hospital. The resulting oxygen deprivation left her with severe anoxic encephalopathy. Although she later regained some cognitive ability, she remains dependent on others for all daily needs. The case settled for $35 million, including funds from Cook County and excess insurance providers, covering her lifelong care and significant pain and suffering.

$32 Million Settlement – Missed Septic Arthritis Leads to Quadruple Amputation

Eight-year-old Ashanti Norals was brought to the UChicago Medical Center with clear signs of septic arthritis, but doctors failed to start antibiotics in time. She developed septic shock and suffered cardiac arrest after being given Precedex. As a result, she required amputations of both legs and arms. Her mother sued the hospital for medical negligence, and the case settled for $32 million to cover future medical expenses, lifelong disability care, and emotional damages.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer Specialized in Medical Negligence

Medical malpractice cases are among the most challenging types of personal injury claims.

To succeed, you must prove that a medical professional failed to meet the accepted standard of care, and that this breach of duty directly caused your injury. This requires extensive review of medical records, expert analysis, and clear evidence that links the provider’s actions to your condition. Hospitals and healthcare providers often have large legal teams and insurance companies focused on minimizing payouts, making it difficult for injured patients to recover fair compensation without legal help.

A skilled medical malpractice attorney knows how to secure expert testimony, challenge defense tactics, and present complex medical information clearly in court. At Chicago Injury Center, our top-rated medical malpractice lawyers are prepared to take on even the most powerful institutions. We help clients prove medical negligence and fight for the financial compensation they need to move forward.

How Common Are Medical Malpractice Claims in Illinois?

In 2024, Illinois ranked among the top states for medical malpractice, with 434 reports and a total payout of $283.51 million, according to ConsumerShield. That averages to about $650,000 per report, reflecting the serious nature of many Illinois medical malpractice claims.

According to the American Medical Association, 1 in 3 clinicians will face a malpractice lawsuit at some point in their careers.

According to a twenty-year-long research study, medical malpractice outcomes tend to align with the actual quality of care, as judged by other physicians. In cases where evidence of medical negligence is weak, doctors win 80% to 90% of jury trials. Even in trials with strong evidence, providers still prevail about half the time.

For medical malpractice victims, this highlights how difficult it is to win without unmistakable, well-supported claims. Borderline cases see defense wins about 70% of the time, and claims judged as defensible are dropped or dismissed without payment in 80% to 90% of situations. Settlement values also decrease when the patient’s evidence is less compelling.

Where Do Medical Malpractice Incidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Cases frequently involve prominent hospitals like Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and the UChicago Medical Center. These institutions handle thousands of emergency visits, surgeries, births, and specialized procedures every year, creating more opportunities for medical errors, communication breakdowns, and diagnostic mistakes.

Other major hospitals and teaching facilities in the area face similar risks, particularly in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and intensive care units. While many of these institutions provide excellent care, the volume and pace can lead to avoidable harm.

Our medical malpractice lawyers have experience pursuing claims against major facilities across the city and understand the local systems and standards that impact these cases.

What Laws Govern Medical Malpractice Claims in Chicago?

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-622, anyone filing a medical malpractice lawsuit must include an affidavit of merit. This document confirms that a qualified medical expert has reviewed the case and believes there is a reasonable basis to proceed. This requirement helps filter out unsupported claims and underscores the importance of substantial medical evidence. Our medical malpractice lawyers work with trusted experts to ensure compliance and build solid cases from the start.

The Illinois Medical Patient Rights Act (410 ILCS 50/) protects patients by requiring that doctors and healthcare providers obtain informed consent before performing any procedure, except in emergencies. Patients have the right to understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to treatment. Violating this standard can lead to a medical negligence claim. If you weren’t fully informed or consented to a procedure you didn’t understand, our medical malpractice attorneys can help you explore your legal options.

Under the Res Ipsa Loquitur Doctrine, a medical malpractice claim may proceed even without direct evidence of negligence if the injury would not ordinarily occur without someone’s failure to provide proper care. It’s commonly used in cases involving surgery errors, such as retained surgical instruments and anesthesia mistakes. This doctrine shifts the burden to the defendant to explain the incident. Our experienced malpractice lawyers know how to apply this legal principle to strengthen claims where clear proof may be difficult to obtain.

Hospitals operating within Chicago are subject to specific local regulations under Article XVII of the Chicago Municipal Code. This section outlines licensing requirements for all hospitals and mandates compliance with state and federal standards of care, emergency response protocols, patient safety rules, and facility oversight. Hospitals must maintain proper staffing, sanitary conditions, and respond appropriately to complaints or incidents involving patient harm.

In Lebron v. Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, 237 Ill. 2d 217 (2010), the Illinois Supreme Court struck down a law that capped non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. The court ruled that damage caps violated the Illinois Constitution’s separation of powers doctrine. As a result, victims in Chicago can now seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of normal life without being limited by arbitrary statutory caps. This ruling significantly strengthened patient rights in Illinois.

How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Chicago?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-212, most medical malpractice lawsuits in Chicago must be filed within two years of when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence. However, there’s a strict four-year limit from the date the malpractice occurred, regardless of discovery. For minors, the deadline is extended: lawsuits must be filed by their eighth birthday or within eight years of the incident, whichever comes first. Timing is critical as missing the deadline can bar your claim.

Who Is Legally Liable for Medical Malpractice in Illinois?

In Illinois, medical malpractice liability can extend to a wide range of individuals and entities. Physicians, surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists may be held accountable for errors in judgment, missed diagnoses, or improper treatment. Hospitals, nursing facilities, and urgent care centers can also be liable for understaffing, poor protocols, or failing to supervise their medical staff. In some cases, multiple medical providers may share responsibility. Our Chicago attorneys investigate every angle to hold the right parties accountable.

Common Defenses in Medical Malpractice Cases in Chicago

In medical malpractice cases, defendants often raise several key defenses to avoid responsibility. One of the most common is arguing that there was no breach of the standard of care, claiming that the treatment provided was appropriate, even if the outcome was unfavorable.

Another frequent defense involves pre-existing conditions, suggesting that the injury was caused by an underlying health issue, not medical negligence. Defendants may also assert comparative negligence, alleging that the patient contributed to the harm by ignoring medical advice or delaying treatment. Additionally, some providers claim assumption of risk, arguing the patient was aware of and accepted known risks associated with the medical procedure.

Our experienced Chicago medical malpractice lawyers are prepared to counter these defenses. We work with expert witnesses to prove that your care fell below accepted standards and that the injury wouldn’t have occurred without negligence. We also use detailed medical records, testimony, and evidence to connect your harm to the provider’s actions.

How to Strengthen Your Medical Malpractice Case in Chicago

If you believe you’ve been harmed by medical negligence, it’s essential to act quickly. First, secure copies of all medical records related to your diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Keep a personal record of your symptoms, changes in your condition, and any disruptions to daily life. A second opinion from another medical professional can help confirm errors in your care. Most importantly, contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to review your case.

How Our Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyers Can Help

At Chicago Injury Center, our experienced medical malpractice attorneys take a comprehensive approach to every case. We begin by thoroughly investigating your treatment records and history to identify errors and prove negligence. We work closely with expert witnesses who can clearly explain how the standard of care was violated.

Our personal injury lawyers carefully calculate all medical costs, lost income, and the long-term care needs in cases of severe injury or disability. We negotiate aggressively with insurers and hospital defense teams and are fully prepared to take your case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve.

FAQs

Consult a Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney Near You!

If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, don’t wait to get answers. At Chicago Injury Center, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek compensation for any damages you’ve suffered.

We offer a free consultation to review your case and explain your legal options. Whether your case involves surgery errors, birth injuries, misdiagnosis, or wrongful death, we’re ready to fight for your rights. Contact us to schedule your free consultation with a top-rated Chicago medical malpractice lawyer.