How can I know if I have been the victim of medical malpractice?

Doctors are liable for medical malpractice if they are negligent and cause you to suffer harm. The law in Illinois outlines specific criteria necessary to hold a doctor accountable for malpractice.

The Illinois civil jury instructions on professional negligence explain the physician’s professional obligation.

In most cases, all medical records associated with your treatment must be obtained to assess whether mistakes were made that give rise to a malpractice claim. Attorneys who focus on medical malpractice cases in Chicago can assist you in securing copies of treatment records. Witnesses to the treatment may also be subpoenaed and interviewed.

Medical records and statements must be evaluated by expert medical professionals to assess whether the care was reasonable or the physician was negligent. You may also need to undergo a medical examination to determine the impact of your treatment on your current health status.

The opinion of the expert witness is essential evidence in a medical malpractice case. See Illinois Law section 8-2501 to view the standard for expert witnesses in the state.