Having your trust in healthcare professionals shattered by becoming the victim of medical malpractice can be horrifying. The repercussions of medical malpractice extend beyond physical pain and necessary additional medical treatment. Other repercussions include significant emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and a profound sense of betrayal. If you suspect you were harmed by your healthcare provider’s medical malpractice, you need a skilled medical malpractice lawyer in Danville to pursue an effective medical malpractice claim.

Hiring an experienced medical malpractice attorney in Danville allows you to prioritize your health while your lawyer pursues the compensation you need. The Danville medical malpractice attorneys of Spiros Law, P.C. will be with you throughout your claim. Call our law firm in Danville at (217) 443-4343 for your free consultation.

What Is Medical Malpractice?

In Illinois, medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional or institution fails to provide the applicable standard of care expected by the medical community, and their patient suffers harm or injury. A medical practitioner is expected to provide the same standard of care that a similarly trained practitioner would provide in similar circumstances. If the provider doesn’t perform to this standard, medical malpractice may have occurred. Preserving medical records is crucial in these cases, as they serve as vital evidence to support your claim.

Common Types of Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can take many forms, but some are more common than others, including:

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis – According to one study, missed cancer diagnoses accounted for about 46 percent of primary care diagnostic errors. These errors led to high-severity patient harm, demonstrating the severe risks of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, both of which negatively impact patients.
• Medication Errors – These errors occur when a patient receives the wrong medication or incorrect dosage or suffers from harmful drug interactions if a provider fails to verify what drugs the patient has in their system.
• Surgical Errors – Errors during surgery, such as operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, or causing unintended damage to organs, can have severe consequences.
• Childbirth Injuries – Medical negligence during prenatal care or delivery can result in severe injuries to both the mother and the baby, including brain damage, fractures, and nerve injuries.
• Anesthesia Errors – Mistakes made by anesthesiologists, such as administering too much or too little anesthesia, can lead to severe complications, including brain damage and death.
• Diagnostic Testing Errors – Misinterpreting or reporting incorrect results from diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, can lead to missed conditions. Not ordering necessary diagnostic tests may also prevent proper diagnosis.
• Inadequate Aftercare – Failing to schedule necessary follow-up appointments can delay monitoring a patient’s recovery and progress. Ignoring persistent or new symptoms after treatment can hinder proper investigation and care.

Medical malpractice is a form of personal injury, and it is essential to understand the legal implications and timelines associated with such cases.

Steps to Take After Experiencing Medical Negligence

A poor result from treatment is not the same thing as medical malpractice. Sometimes, conditions don’t respond well to treatment. However, if you believe you have been a victim of medical malpractice, take the following steps to protect your rights and strengthen your case:

• Seek Medical Attention – If you are still experiencing health issues or worsening symptoms, prioritize your well-being by seeking immediate medical attention from a different provider. Address any new or ongoing health concerns and request thorough documentation of your current condition and treatment.
• Document Everything – Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, medical records, communications with healthcare providers, and any expenses incurred due to the malpractice. Photographs, emails, and written notes can all serve as evidence.
• Consult a Lawyer – Contact and hire an experienced medical malpractice attorney in Danville, IL, as soon as possible. They will evaluate your case, advise you on the best course of action, and begin gathering evidence.
• Seek a Second Opinion – Consider seeking a second opinion from another healthcare provider to confirm that medical negligence took place and to understand its impact on your health. A supporting second opinion can also provide additional evidence for your case.
• Avoid Social Media – It may be tempting to warn others about your negative experiences, but avoid discussing your case on social media. Opposing parties can use your public statements or posts against you, so you should discuss your case only with your attorney.

Available Compensation for Medical Malpractice

You might suffer various losses due to medical malpractice, and you can pursue compensation to cover these losses in your claim:

• Medical Expenses – This includes compensation for current and future medical costs related to the injury, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages – This covers reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work due to the effects of the malpractice on your health.
• Loss of Future Earning Capacity – This encompasses compensation for potential future income losses if the injury affects career advancement or your ability to make the same wages you earned pre-injury.
• Pain and Suffering – The physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury and the suffering experienced during recovery are intangible losses that have value.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life – You can obtain compensation for your decreased quality of life, including the inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities or hobbies.
• Wrongful Death – If medical malpractice results in the death of a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation for wrongful death, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice in Danville, Illinois?

The general statute of limitations for filing medical malpractice lawsuits in Illinois is two years from the date you discover or should have discovered the malpractice. The maximum time limit to file is four years from the discovery date. Still, there are some exceptions to this rule, including:

• Minors – If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations extends. The child’s parent or guardian must file a lawsuit within eight years of the discovery date, or the child must file their lawsuit once they become an adult but before their 22nd birthday.
• Fraudulent Concealment – The statute of limitations extends if a healthcare provider fraudulently conceals their negligence. You must file the claim within two years of the date you discovered or should have discovered the fraudulent concealment.

Similar to other personal injury cases, medical malpractice claims must be filed within specific timeframes to be considered valid. Filing after the statute of limitations expires can result in losing your ability to pursue compensation for your losses in court. Hire a Danville medical malpractice lawyer to help your case.

Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney in Danville Today

You don’t have to suffer in silence about the consequences of medical malpractice. You can pursue justice and compensation for your losses. At Spiros Law, P.C., our experienced medical malpractice lawyers in Danville, Illinois, can address your concerns, answer questions, and fight for the justice you deserve. We’ll handle your medical malpractice claim from start to finish, leaving you to focus on your health and recovery.

Call our law firm at (217) 443-4343 or contact us online to get started with your free consultation today.