Surgical errors can lead to serious medical complications, long-term disabilities, or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a surgical mistake in Elizabethtown, IL, Chicago Injury Lawyer is here to fight for your rights. Our experienced legal team is committed to holding negligent medical professionals accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.
Call us now at 312-261-5656 for a free, no-obligation consultation, available 24/7. With our no-fee-unless-we-win policy, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
Why Choose Chicago Injury Lawyer?
- Proven Success in Malpractice Cases: Our firm has successfully litigated surgical malpractice cases, achieving significant settlements for our clients.
- Familiarity with Local Hospitals: We represent clients affected by negligence at facilities such as Hardin County General Hospital – 333 S Main St, Rosiclare, IL 62982.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Common Types of Surgical Errors in Elizabethtown
- Wrong-Site Surgery: Performing a procedure on the wrong body part can result in severe complications and require additional corrective procedures.
- Anesthesia Errors: Administering too much or too little anesthesia can cause brain damage, oxygen deprivation, or fatal complications.
- Retained Surgical Instruments: Leaving tools inside a patient can lead to infections, pain, and further medical interventions.
- Organ or Nerve Damage: A minor mistake in surgery can result in permanent disabilities, chronic pain, or organ failure.
- Post-Surgical Negligence: Failing to properly monitor a patient after surgery can lead to undiagnosed complications such as internal bleeding or infections.
How Surgical Errors Occur
- Failure to Follow Standard Medical Protocols: Hospitals and surgical teams must adhere to strict safety regulations to prevent avoidable mistakes.
- Lack of Preoperative Planning: Surgeons must thoroughly review a patient’s medical history and plan the procedure carefully.
- Miscommunication Among Medical Staff: Poor coordination between doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologists can result in critical surgical errors.
- Surgeon Fatigue or Inexperience: Overworked or inexperienced surgeons are more prone to making preventable mistakes.
- Negligent Post-Surgical Care: Patients require careful monitoring after surgery to detect complications early and prevent severe harm.
Legal Rights of Surgical Malpractice Victims in Elizabethtown
- Illinois Medical Malpractice Laws: Victims have two years from the date of injury or discovery to file a malpractice claim.
- Statute of Limitations Exceptions: Minors and cases involving concealed malpractice may qualify for extended deadlines.
- Proving Medical Negligence: A malpractice claim must establish that a healthcare provider deviated from standard medical practices, directly causing harm.
- Compensation for Victims: Patients may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages.
Steps to Take After a Surgical Error in Elizabethtown
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Visit Hardin County General Hospital – 333 S Main St, Rosiclare, IL 62982, for further evaluation and corrective care.
- Obtain Your Medical Records: Request surgical documentation and post-operative reports to support your claim.
- File a Complaint with Authorities: Report malpractice to the Illinois Department of Public Health for an official investigation.
- Consult a Surgical Malpractice Attorney: Contact Chicago Injury Lawyer to discuss your legal options and determine the next steps.
- Document Your Recovery and Financial Losses: Keep records of additional treatments, lost income, and ongoing pain and suffering.
Filing a Surgical Malpractice Lawsuit in Elizabethtown
- Jurisdiction & Court Proceedings: Malpractice cases in Elizabethtown, IL, are typically filed in the Hardin County Courthouse – 1 Courthouse Hill, Elizabethtown, IL 62931.
- Expert Medical Testimony: Our firm collaborates with leading medical professionals to provide evidence supporting your malpractice claim.
- Settlement vs. Trial Representation: While many cases settle before trial, we are fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary.
Resources for Surgical Malpractice Victims in Elizabethtown
- Illinois Department of Public Health – File complaints and access patient advocacy services.
- Legal Aid Chicago – Free or low-cost legal assistance for victims who qualify.
- Hardin County General Hospital – 333 S Main St, Rosiclare, IL 62982 – Seek follow-up treatment for malpractice-related injuries.
- Hardin County Sheriff’s Office – 1 Courthouse Hill, Elizabethtown, IL 62931 – Law enforcement assistance for victims.
Get Directions to Our Law Office
Visit us in Chicago for a free consultation
- Address: 101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 100B, Chicago, IL 60606 Get Directions
- Driving Directions: If you’re traveling from The Loop, head north on Wacker Drive. Our office is between Lake and Randolph Streets, easily accessible from I-90 and I-94.
- Parking Options: Convenient parking is available at nearby garages, such as the Wacker & Monroe Garage, and there are metered spaces along N Wacker Drive.
- Landmarks Nearby: Our office is just steps from the Chicago Riverwalk and close to The Loop, making it a convenient location for visitors.
Contact Us
Chicago Injury Lawyers
101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 100B
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 261-5656
Email: contact@chicagoinjurylawyer.com
Hours: 24/7
FAQs
What should I do if I believe I was harmed by a surgical error?
Seek immediate medical attention and request copies of your surgical records. Then, consult a malpractice attorney to review your case and discuss your legal options.
How long do I have to file a malpractice lawsuit in Illinois?
Illinois law generally allows two years from the date of injury or discovery to file a malpractice claim. Certain exceptions apply, such as cases involving minors.
Can I sue both the surgeon and the hospital for malpractice?
Yes. If the surgeon was employed by the hospital, both may be held liable. If the surgeon was an independent contractor, a separate claim may be necessary.
What types of damages can I recover in a malpractice case?
Victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and, in severe cases, punitive damages.
How much does it cost to hire a malpractice lawyer?
At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fees are only collected if we win your case.
