When people come in for treatment, they trust doctors and hospitals with their lives. But what if that trust is violated? Each year in Chicago, patients suffer serious injuries because of medical mistakes that could have been prevented.
These mistakes are not only tragic but could be a case of medical malpractice and result in permanent injury, emotional terror, or death.
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care, resulting in the patient’s injury.
Below are some common ways malpractice occurs in the Chicago medical system, from hospitals to private clinics.
1. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
Misdiagnosis or late diagnosis is one of the most common and harmful forms of malpractice. This occurs when a doctor fails to diagnose a patient’s condition, or when the right diagnosis is not made in a timely manner.
As a result, treatment is either delayed or completely misguided. This kind of malpractice is particularly concerning in emergency rooms and urgent care centers in Chicago, where quick decisions are routinely made under pressure.
Illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, and infections, demand fast and precise diagnosis; when that does not happen, patients may lose the chance at effective treatment.
In such situations, consulting a highly rated Chicago med mal lawyer can help victims and their families understand their rights and pursue compensation for the harm caused by medical negligence.
2. Surgical Errors
Surgical malpractice is also a disturbingly prevalent type of malpractice that can result in significant injury or even death. These errors include everything from doing the wrong procedure to operating on the wrong body part or leaving sponges and other surgical tools in the body.
In a busy urban medical culture like Chicago’s, the high volume of surgeries and complex hospital systems make these errors more likely.
These are not slip-up accidents, but they often reflect failures in communication, sterilization procedures, or attention to pre-operative detail.
3. Failure to Treat
Even when a diagnosis is accurate, a doctor may not give the correct treatment. That can involve failing to send a patient to a specialist, not following up after receiving test results or releasing a patient prematurely.
In Chicago, where some hospital systems are feeling the strain and patient loads are high, non-treatment can be particularly hazardous in low-income or underserved communities.
4. Medication Errors
Medication errors are also common at Chicago hospitals and pharmacies. These can occur when a doctor prescribes the wrong medication, a nurse gives too much or too little, or a pharmacist fills the prescription incorrectly.
Thus, serious side effects, allergic reactions, or even aggravating the underlying condition of a patient can stem from medication errors.
5. Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are heartbreaking examples of malpractice that can change the future of an entire family. They happen when physicians and nurses botch labor and delivery, don’t monitor a baby in distress, or delay necessary surgical intervention.
In Chicago, medical malpractice cases arising from birth injuries frequently deal with lifelong injuries, such as cerebral palsy or shoulder dystocia. Many of these are avoidable with the right level of oversight and care.
Final Thoughts
Medical malpractice can be life-altering, and unfortunately, it’s more common than many people realize. Chicago’s large and complex health care system has a great capacity for errors—and so is the chance for accountability.
If you or a family member has experienced negligent care, you have a right to full compensation for any losses, including personal loss or lost wages.
By educating themselves and recognizing the signs, patients can help protect themselves and demand the care they deserve.
