Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer
If you or a loved one experienced an unexpected negative outcome while receiving health care, you may be the victim of medical negligence. Doctors, nurses, and other practitioners have a legal duty to provide a reasonable standard of care. When an injury occurs as a result of substandard care, you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice claim.
Expertise
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Content written by Samuel Meirowitz
- Expertise
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Quick Links
- How Can the Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg Help You?
- Testimonials from our Personal Injury Clients
- Medical Malpractice Laws in Chicago
- Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle
- Who is Liable for Injuries in a Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
- How Do I Prove My Injury Was Due to Medical Malpractice?
- How Much Compensation Can I Receive for My Medical Malpractice Claim?
- Steps to Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Chicago
- Qualities to Look for in a Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer
- Tips for Working with Your Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer
- Chicago Medical Malpractice FAQs
- Contact A Skilled Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney Today!
- Our Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Medical malpractice may occur at a hospital, doctor’s office, pharmacy, testing lab, or any other establishment that provides health care. Low-quality care can lead to serious injuries that result in death or lifelong disabilities.
Our award-winning Chicago medical malpractice lawyers are successful trial lawyers with years of experience standing up to large corporations and recovering millions on behalf of victims of medical malpractice.
How Can the Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg Help You?
Our nationally recognized trial attorneys are dedicated to providing every client with compassionate, skilled representation and aggressive advocacy.
Founding partner Samuel Meirowitz is a former prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office with an impressive trial record who leverages that experience to stand up to large health care corporations on behalf of injured accident victims. He is recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the nation’s top 100 trial attorneys. Founding partner Daniel Wasserberg has more than 15 years of experience standing up to large corporations and is recognized as one of the top civil trial lawyers in the country.
We represent people, not corporations. Our team of 25 talented attorneys has won $360 million in settlements and verdicts on behalf of injured individuals.
Testimonials from our Personal Injury Clients
“The Meirowitz and Wasserberg team utilized exceptional professionalism and unwavering dedication when helping me with my accident case. Their expertise and personalized approach made navigating legal matters effortless and reassuring!” – Jessica Cora
“Working with Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP, was easier than I ever could have imagined. They showed exemplary attention to detail and were thoughtful and thorough when answering all of my personal injury questions.” – Kate Dettra
“I have known the team at Meirowitz & Wasserberg for a few years now. Sam, Dan, and Kush created a welcoming and inviting team when dealing with my case. I felt very comfortable and heard by these individuals and have loved to see their growth and success. It is not often that people express warm feelings towards legal counsel; however, this team cares so deeply for their clientele that you can’t help but feel an almost sense of familiar security when working with them. I give these five stars because they have earned them by not only being the great firm that they are, but because they do not view you as just a case but as a person needing their expertise.” – Kim Madril
Medical Malpractice Laws in Chicago
Chicago medical malpractice claims are complex and must comply with strict laws about when and how such claims can be brought.
Affidavit of Merit
When filing a Chicago medical malpractice lawsuit, your complaint must include an affidavit of merit that verifies that you have “reasonable and meritorious cause” to bring your claim. A medical professional with similar licensing and qualifications as each defendant must provide a written opinion and sign the form.
If the court finds that your claim falls short, it could order you to pay the defendant’s expenses, including attorney fees and the cost of consultants. With our attorneys on your side, you can rest assured that we will retain credible medical experts to complete the affidavit of merit and support your claim in court.
Your Chicago medical malpractice litigation may be based on a legal concept known as “res ipsa loquitur.” Essentially, this means that the negligence in your case is obvious, even to a layperson. Your complaint must specify if your claim asserts res ipsa loquitur, and the reviewing medical expert must state that negligence occurred.
If the basis of your complaint is a failure to inform, the reviewing professional must state that a reasonable health professional would have informed the patient about the risks.
Time Limit to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Chicago, IL
The laws that impose time limits on filing medical malpractice claims are known as statutes of limitations. In Illinois, the medical malpractice statute of limitations is generally two years from the date you could have reasonably discovered the malpractice with a once-and-for-all deadline of four years. The law makes exceptions in the following cases:
Eight years from the date of the negligence but no later than the child’s 22nd birthday
Two years from the date the legal incapacity is removed
Your attorney will need to conduct a full investigation of the incident and your injuries before filing your claim. This can take substantial time. If your case is not filed before the statute of limitations expires, you will lose your right to file a claim forever. Don’t put your claim in jeopardy. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible if you believe you have a valid claim.
Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle
Medical malpractice occurs in numerous forms. We can help no matter what type of medical negligence caused your injury. Common causes of medical malpractice lawsuits include:
- Misdiagnosis
- Failure to diagnose
- Delayed diagnosis
- Diagnostic errors
- Delayed treatment
- Surgical errors
- Anesthesiology errors
- Medication errors
- Birth injuries
- Emergency room negligence
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
Who is Liable for Injuries in a Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
It is possible for multiple health care providers to be liable for your injuries, including:
- Primary care doctors
- Specialists
- Anesthesiologists
- Surgeons
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- Therapists
- Pathologists
- Radiologists
- Pharmacists
- Nurses
- Midwives
- Hospitals
- Laboratories
- Birthing centers
- Nursing homes
How Do I Prove My Injury Was Due to Medical Malpractice?
As the plaintiff in a medical malpractice lawsuit, you must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that all of the following elements of negligence exist:
- Duty of care – The provider owed you a duty to provide a minimum standard of care.
- Breach of duty – The provider did not uphold their duty of care.
- Damages – You suffered an injury that would not otherwise have occurred.
- Causation – The breach of duty caused your injuries and losses.
Proving the elements of medical negligence requires hard evidence, including medical documentation, expert opinions, medical bills, and witness statements. Our experienced medical malpractice lawyers in Chicago are ready to do the legwork for you so you can devote your energy to treatment, recovery, and your family.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive for My Medical Malpractice Claim?
The amount you recover will vary based on how severely you are injured, how much the injury will cost you financially, how the injury affects your quality of life, and how long the injury will last. You may be compensated for the following types of damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of bodily functions
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Disability
If medical malpractice cost you the life of your loved one, our Chicago medical negligence attorneys can pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of your family. You may be eligible for compensation for your loved one’s lost lifetime income, funeral expenses, and medical expenses. You may also be able to recover damages for emotional losses, such as the loss of your loved one’s companionship, guidance, support, love, and affection.
Though Illinois prohibits punitive damages in medical malpractice cases, the state does not cap non-economic damages. This can result in significantly higher compensation.
Steps to Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Chicago
When you have our experienced personal injury lawyers on your side, we will do all the work from start to finish, including:
- Investigating your claim and gathering evidence
- Retaining expert witnesses and obtaining the required Affidavit of Merit
- Filing a claim with the insurance companies of all liable parties
- Handling all communication with the insurance company on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit if the defendant and their insurers refuse to pay full compensation
- Negotiating the settlement you deserve and refusing to accept less
- Presenting a compelling case in court if necessary
We will do everything possible to make the process easy for you. We make home and hospital visits and stay in close contact with every client. We will be available to answer your questions, and we will advise you of your rights and options as your case progresses. We do all of this without charging upfront fees, and you will never owe us anything unless we win.
Qualities to Look for in a Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer
The attorney you choose can have a significant impact on how much compensation you recover. When choosing legal representation for medical malpractice in Chicago, look for a law firm with the following qualities:
- Experience handling medical malpractice cases, including trial experience
- A proven record of successful case results
- A substantial number of positive testimonials from past clients
- Compassion for clients and a personalized approach
- Open communication and accessibility to you at all times
- Free consultations and no upfront fees
Our case results speak for themselves. With over $360 million in successful verdicts and settlements against large corporations, including health care corporations, you can trust the legal team at our Chicago medical malpractice law firm.
Tips for Working with Your Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Our medical malpractice attorneys in Chicago are dedicated to taking all of the pressure off of you while fighting for the compensation you deserve. We will work from the beginning to protect your case and prepare you for any testimony you may be required to give in a deposition or trial. You can help your attorney protect your claim by doing the following:
- Complete your medical treatment and don’t skip any appointments.
- Hold nothing back from your attorney and provide them with copies of your medical bills and any other evidence that could help your claim.
- Avoid posting on social media about your case.
- Don’t sign any documents from the insurance company or talk to its representatives without an attorney present.
Chicago Medical Malpractice FAQs
Do I Have a Medical Malpractice Case?
You may have a medical malpractice case if your doctor strayed from established medical guidelines and you experienced an unexpected negative outcome as a result. This can be difficult to ascertain without the counsel of an experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorney. Our team can review your information and determine whether you have grounds to file a claim during your free consultation.
Who Can File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a Chicago medical malpractice lawsuit if you are one of the following:
- An injured patient
- The parent of a minor or disabled adult who was injured through medical negligence
- The estate representative of someone who died as a result of medical malpractice
The proceeds awarded in a wrongful death claim will be divided among the spouse and surviving children or other next of kin in the absence of a surviving spouse or child.
How Long Does It Take To File a Malpractice Suit in Illinois?
It can take months to investigate a medical claim. It may also be necessary to see how your treatment unfolds and wait until you have reached maximum medical recovery so we can accurately calculate your damages.
Once your lawsuit is filed, it can also take months to work through the system. Cases that go to trial can take over a year. Remember, patience is key. An early resolution of your case does not always mean the best resolution. Moving too quickly can result in significant compensation left on the table.
We are committed to securing the speediest resolutions possible and standing with you for as long as it takes to get the compensation you deserve. We successfully settle most of our cases, but we are always ready to go to court if necessary.
Contact A Skilled Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney Today!
When negligent health care providers harm you through medical malpractice, you are entitled to significant financial compensation. We’re dedicated to fighting for the maximum amount available. Contact us online or call (844) 446-9529 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled Chicago medical malpractice attorney today.
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Practice Areas
- Chicago Personal Injury
- Chicago Car Accidents
- Chicago Truck Accidents
- Chicago Motorcycle Accidents
- Chicago Pedestrian Accidents
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- Chicago Slip and Falls
- Chicago Brain Injuries
- Chicago Spinal Cord Injuries
- Chicago Wrongful Death
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