Types of Medical Malpractice Cases in Chicago
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
When a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a condition correctly or takes too long to make a diagnosis, it can result in delayed treatment and worsen the patient’s condition.
Surgical Errors
Mistakes during surgery can lead to severe complications or even death, such as operating on the wrong site, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, or causing unintended damage to organs or tissues.
Medication Errors
This occurs when a patient is prescribed the wrong medication, given an incorrect dosage, or suffers from dangerous drug interactions due to improper management of their prescriptions.
Birth Injuries
Errors during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can lead to serious injuries for both the mother and the baby, such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or other lifelong complications.
Anesthesia Mistakes
Improper administration of anesthesia can result in serious complications, including brain damage, stroke, or death. This can occur due to incorrect dosage, failure to monitor the patient, or allergic reactions.
Failure to Treat
When a doctor correctly diagnoses a condition but fails to treat it properly or promptly, the patient’s condition can worsen. This can happen due to inadequate follow-up care or premature discharge.
Emergency Room Errors
In the fast-paced environment of an emergency room, mistakes such as misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or overlooking symptoms can lead to serious harm.
Informed Consent Violations
Patients have the right to be informed about the risks and benefits of a treatment or procedure. Failure to obtain informed consent before treatment can be considered malpractice.
Hospital-Acquired Infections
Poor hygiene practices, inadequate sterilization of equipment, or failure to follow infection control protocols can result in serious infections that may have been preventable.
Nursing Negligence
Nurses play a critical role in patient care, and mistakes such as failing to monitor a patient’s condition, administering the wrong medication, or neglecting to follow a doctor’s orders can cause significant harm.
Diagnostic Testing Errors
Errors in ordering, conducting, or interpreting diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, or lab work, can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.
Radiology Errors
Mistakes made in radiology, such as X-rays or MRIs, can result in missed diagnoses or incorrect treatment plans.
Wrongful Death
When medical malpractice results in a patient’s death, the surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation for their loss.
Dental Malpractice
Dental procedures can also result in malpractice claims if a dentist fails to diagnose oral diseases, performs unnecessary procedures, or causes injury during treatment.
Psychiatric Malpractice
Mental health professionals can also be held liable for malpractice if they fail to properly diagnose or treat psychiatric conditions that lead to patient harm.
