The issue of medical malpractice is a complicated one, and many people are confused about what constitutes medical malpractice in Illinois. Not all medical errors or complications are the result of medical malpractice. However, when medical malpractice does occur, the effects can be life-changing, or in some cases, fatal.
What is medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice happens when a health care professional doesn’t provide care that aligns with the accepted standards. Malpractice happens when an act, or omission of an act, injures the patient in some way. Negligence to provide care in a timely manner, such as not ordering proper tests, not prescribing the right medication, or not inquiring about a patient’s medical history can often be considered medical malpractice.
For malpractice to occur, there must be causation and it must be established that the healthcare professional had duty to provide care for the patient. In simple terms, this means that the patient was under the care of the individual who they claim was negligent. In these types of cases, the patient must have been injured in some way to be able to file a lawsuit against the person who they believe to have been negligent in their care.
Seek legal advice when medical malpractice is suspected
When someone is a victim of medical malpractice, they may suffer serious injuries that can lead to loss of work and the inability to enjoy life as they did before the incident. Dealing with medical malpractice injuries is often expensive with the additional medical bills, costs for physical therapy, and other expenses. Those who believe that they are a victim of medical malpractice can benefit from consulting an attorney to see what options they have in seeking compensation against the negligent provider.
