The consequences of medical professionals’ errors can be devastating. Incompetent care can lead to permanent injury, worsened illness, delayed healing, or even death. Patients should know how to recognize the warning signs of medical incompetence in Chicago and understand the legal protections available to them so they can more effectively take informed action to protect their health, their rights, and their future.
Medical Incompetence and the Standard of Care
What is medical incompetence? Medical incompetence occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, which reflects what a reasonably careful professional would do under similar circumstances. When a healthcare provider’s actions fall below this threshold and cause harm, Illinois law grants patients the right to hold them legally accountable for medical malpractice.
Warning Signs of Medical Incompetence
While medical incompetence is not always obvious, especially in complex cases, certain warning signs of medical incompetence may point to a medical provider who is not meeting professional standards. Recognizing these signs of medical malpractice early is crucial to protect your health and legal rights. Patients should stay alert to the following signs that may justify a second opinion or legal consultation:
- Frequent misdiagnoses or failure to diagnose treatable conditions
- Delayed or incorrect treatment plans
- New or worsening symptoms after medical intervention, as these may indicate medical errors or substandard care
- Prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosing, or other medication errors, which can occur at multiple stages, such as prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications
- Ignoring or misinterpreting test results
- Performing unnecessary procedures
- Inattentiveness during exams or surgeries
- Surgical mistakes, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving instruments inside the body
- Poor hygiene or unsafe clinical practices
- Dismissive or disrespectful responses to patient concerns
- Miscommunication among medical staff, which can contribute to errors and is often a factor in medical malpractice cases
- Failure to obtain informed consent
- A history of complaints, license issues, or malpractice claims
If you suspect medical malpractice, it is essential to act quickly to prevent further harm.
Patient Rights Under Illinois Law
Patients have the right to , professional medical care. If a healthcare provider’s carelessness injures a patient, the patient may pursue a medical malpractice claim to seek compensation for their financial and personal losses. Patient rights in Illinois also include access to their medical records and the right to file complaints with regulatory agencies. However, Illinois imposes a strict two-year deadline on most medical malpractice claims, so patients must act promptly if they suspect medical incompetence caused their injury.
The Legal Process for Medical Malpractice Claims in Cook County
Filing a medical malpractice claim in Illinois requires you to take a series of procedural steps, each of which you must approach carefully to preserve your claim and build the strongest case possible. Work with a Chicago medical negligence lawyer who can:
- Gather your medical records to review your treatment details and outcomes
- Secure a certificate of merit from a medical expert supporting the claim
- File the complaint in the Circuit Court of Cook County
- Proceed through discovery, including depositions and expert evaluations
- Negotiate a settlement, if appropriate
- Prepare for trial if negotiation or mediation does not resolve the case
Why Retain Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
Your choice of a Chicago medical negligence lawyer may be one of the most consequential decisions you face in the aftermath of a medical incompetence injury. With over $3 billion recovered for those injured throughout Illinois, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has a reputation for aggressively taking on powerful healthcare providers and their insurers, with a strong track record to back it up. Contact us to begin your free consultation.
