Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer
When you or a loved one places trust in a healthcare professional, you expect competence, care, and compassion. Unfortunately, medical malpractice occurs when that trust is broken, leaving patients to endure physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Whether it’s a misdiagnosis, surgical error, medication mistake, or negligent aftercare, the consequences can be life-altering.
At Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, we understand the pain and frustration you’re facing, and we’re here to stand by your side. Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Chicago are dedicated to fighting tirelessly for your rights, holding negligent parties accountable, and securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been harmed by a healthcare provider’s negligence, don’t face this battle alone—let us represent you. Call our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers today at (312) 586-1700 or fill out our online contact form for a free, compassionate case evaluation.
Why Choose Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman to Represent You?
- Proven Results: Our Chicago personal injury law firm has a strong track record of success in medical malpractice cases, recovering substantial compensation for clients harmed by negligent healthcare providers. We are committed to advocating aggressively for your maximum recovery.
- Decades of Experience: Our medical malpractice attorneys have decades of experience in handling complex medical malpractice claims. We leverage our extensive knowledge and skill to build a compelling case on your behalf and protect your rights.
- We Take Care of You: Suffering from a medical error can be overwhelming. Our team will manage every aspect of your medical malpractice claim, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Meet Our Founding Medical Malpractice Accident Attorneys
The founding trial lawyers, Marc Taxman, Bradley Pollock, and Gerald Bekkerman, bring decades of experience and a shared commitment to justice. Together, they’ve secured numerous record-setting recoveries. Their collective work has shaped legal precedent, earned statewide and national recognition, and established the firm as a trusted advocate for the seriously injured.
What Our Clients Have to Say
The work accomplished with this firm was outstanding…The attention to detail, responsiveness, and guidance by the attorneys at this firm were exceptional…I would highly recommend this firm!
Riley L. | Google Review
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Our Awards
Our Case Results
The Chicago medical malpractice attorneys at Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, LLC are dedicated to fighting for your maximum compensation. Here are some of the life-changing outcomes we’ve secured for our clients:
$18 Million Dollar Settlement
A medical malpractice settlement for a family whose child was injured during labor and delivery.
$9.1 Million Dollar Settlement
Awarded in a Federal Civil Rights settlement for Delnor Hospital Nurse Hostages.
$5.7 Million Dollar Settlement
Awarded in DuPage County for a spinal cord injury following spinal surgery.
$3 Million Dollar Settlement
Obtained during a jury trial for the estate of a 70-year-old hospital patient who suffocated to death after his tracheostomy tube became dislodged.
View More Case Results
Table of Contents
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- What Is Medical Malpractice?
- Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle in Chicago
- Key Elements to Prove Medical Negligence in Illinois
- Who Can Be Sued for Medical Malpractice?
- Steps to Take If You Were Injured by a Medical Professional
- How Does a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Work?
- How Long Will a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Take?
- How Is Compensation Determined in a Medical Malpractice Case?
- How Long Do You Have to File a Medical Malpractice Suit in Chicago?
- FAQs About Medical Malpractice in Chicago
- Contact Our Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice happens when a health care provider or professional fails to take appropriate medical action, neglects to provide appropriate treatment, or delivers unsatisfactory treatment that injures or kills the patient. The mistake could occur in any of the following areas: diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, health management, and medication dosage.
Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle in Chicago
At Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, our experienced Chicago med mal attorneys are dedicated to fighting for those harmed by negligence. We’ve handled a wide range of cases, including:
- Birth injuries
- Surgical and diagnostic errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Emergency room errors
- Misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or failure to diagnose
- Medication errors and medical device failures
- Nursing home neglect
- Brain damage, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms
In cases where medical negligence results in a patient’s death, families may need to work with a Chicago wrongful death lawyer to pursue compensation for their devastating loss. If your specific situation isn’t listed, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Every case is unique, and we’re here to evaluate your circumstances and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers today to discuss your case—you don’t have to face this alone.
Key Elements to Prove Medical Negligence in Illinois
Not every negative medical outcome qualifies as malpractice. To determine if your case meets the legal criteria, consulting with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Chicago is an essential first step. Medical malpractice claims must meet specific standards, which typically include the following elements:
- A violation of the standard of care: The standard of care refers to the degree of prudence, caution, and attentiveness that a reasonable physician under the circumstances would exercise. The patient and his/her medical malpractice legal team may hold the health care provider or staff liable for not delivering care that is consistent with the standard of care.
- Harm caused by negligence: The malpractice victim needs to prove that the negligence of the health professional caused injury.
- An injury that led to specific damages: The aggrieved party must demonstrate that the injury resulted in significant medical issues and can claim, as a result, past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disability.
Who Can Be Sued for Medical Malpractice?
When individuals think of medical malpractice claims, their mind often goes right to a doctor. Yes, the vast majority of claims are indeed filed against a medical doctor, but there are certainly other types of medical professionals that can face malpractice claims as well. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Anesthesiologists
- Chiropractors
- Dentists
- Nurse aides
- Nurses
- Ophthalmologists
- Optometrists
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy technicians
- Physical therapists
- Physician assistants
- Surgeons
- Whole health practitioners
- And others
Entire health care systems or agencies could also face medical malpractice lawsuits as well. This is particularly true for medical agencies or facilities that knew or should have known about specific dangers related to a medical professional under their auspices.
To properly understand who could face a medical malpractice claim for your particular injury or illness case, we strongly encourage you to reach out to a skilled Chicago medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. Our team will address common types of malpractice, including issues with informed consent.
Steps to Take If You Were Injured by a Medical Professional
If you sustain an injury caused by the careless or negligent actions of a medical professional in Chicago, there are various steps that you can take to help ensure you have the best chance of recovering compensation for your losses.
- Seek a Second Opinion: Visit another medical professional or facility to address your injuries and confirm your suspicions. Your health and well-being come first.
- Consult a Medical Malpractice Lawyer: These cases are complex, and having an experienced attorney by your side is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve.
- Gather Medical Records: Collect and secure all documents related to your treatment. Your lawyer can help you obtain these if needed—they’re essential to building your case.
- Document the Impact: Keep a journal detailing how the injury has affected your daily life, including pain, emotional distress, and any inability to work or perform routine activities.
How Does a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Work?
Navigating a medical malpractice claim can be overwhelming, which is why your first step should be to consult an experienced Chicago med mal lawyer. These cases are highly complex, and having a skilled lawyer by your side is essential to building a strong case.
Your attorney will begin with a preliminary investigation to determine if your claim has merit. If it does, they’ll conduct a deeper investigation, reviewing medical records, consulting experts, and gathering evidence to support your case.
1. Obtaining a Certificate of Merit
Unlike other personal injury claims, medical malpractice cases require a certificate of merit. This is an affidavit from a medical professional in the same field, confirming that the healthcare professional’s actions fell below the accepted standard of care.
2. Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Before filing a lawsuit, your medical malpractice lawyer will negotiate with the medical professional’s insurance company to seek a fair settlement. If the insurer offers a low settlement or denies the claim, your lawyer will advise on the next steps.
3. Filing the Lawsuit
If negotiations fail, your Chicago attorney will file a lawsuit in civil court. The defendant will respond, and the case will enter the discovery phase, where both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and prepare for trial.
4. Pre-Trial Mediation
Before going to trial, the case may go through mediation, where a neutral mediator helps both parties reach a resolution. Many cases are settled during this stage.
5. Going to Trial
If mediation doesn’t result in a settlement, the case will proceed to trial. Both sides will present evidence, question lay or expert witnesses, and make their case to a jury, which will ultimately decide the outcome.
Throughout this process, your medical malpractice attorney in Chicago will guide you every step of the way, fighting to secure the compensation you deserve.
How Long Does a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Take?
The length of a medical malpractice lawsuit can vary widely, but most cases take anywhere from one to three years to resolve. The timeline depends on several factors, including:
- Jurisdiction where the case is filed
- Complexity and strength of the case
- Type of medical procedures involved
- Nature of the injuries
- Whether the case is settled out of court of process to trial
The process generally begins with an investigation and the filing of a lawsuit, followed by a discovery phase where evidence is exchanged. If settlement negotiations fail, the case may go to trial, which can add several months or even years to the timeline.
How Is Compensation Determined in a Medical Malpractice Case?
Determining compensation in a medical malpractice case can be complex, as no two cases are the same. Your medical malpractice lawyer will work with medical and economic experts to calculate your damages, which typically fall into two categories:
Economic Damages: These cover tangible losses, such as:
- Medical expenses to correct the error and treat related injuries
- Lost wages if you’re unable to work
- Loss of future earnings due to a permanent disability
- Out-of-pocket costs caused by the mistake
Non-Economic Damages: These address intangible losses, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Loss of quality of life or enjoyment
- Loss of consortium for spouses or family members
The total compensation depends on factors like the severity of the injury, the extent of the error, and the time needed for recovery. While there’s no set amount of compensation paid to malpractice victims, your Chicago medical malpractice lawyer will fight to ensure you’re fully compensated for your losses.
How Long Do You Have to File a Medical Malpractice Suit in Chicago?
In Illinois, under 735 ILCS 5/13-212(a), an individual has a time limit of two years from the date the person discovers or should have discovered their injuries or illness that resulted from medical malpractice. If an individual fails to file a lawsuit within this two-year time frame, they will likely lose the ability to recover the compensation they are entitled to.
Exceptions to the Illinois Statute of Limitations
There are certainly exceptions to the statute of limitations that you need to be aware of.
Minors Under 18
If a minor is harmed by medical malpractice, they have up to eight years after the incident to file a claim. However, the claim must be filed before their 22nd birthday, regardless of when the mistake was discovered.
Fraud or Concealment by a Medical Professional
If a healthcare provider or agency intentionally hides information to conceal negligence, the statute of limitations extends to five years from the date the injury or illness is discovered.
Legal Disability or Incapacity
If a patient is incapacitated and unable to file a claim, the statute of limitations is paused until the disability is resolved, and they can proceed with the lawsuit.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
At Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, our trial lawyers bring unparalleled expertise to medical malpractice cases. Our attorneys have not only tried complex cases to verdict but have also authored publications on medical negligence and taught other lawyers in this field. We work closely with medical experts to analyze the nuances of each case, ensuring the strongest possible outcome for our clients.
When you choose our firm, you gain a team that knows how to gather critical evidence, navigate Illinois medical malpractice laws, and fight tirelessly for the justice you deserve. Don’t wait—your time to take action is limited. Contact a Chicago medical malpractice attorney today via our online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Let us stand by your side and fight for the compensation and closure you need.
FAQs About Medical Malpractice in Chicago
How do I know if I have a Chicago medical malpractice case?
You may have a case if a healthcare provider’s negligence caused you harm that wouldn’t have occurred with proper care. Key indicators include a diagnosis being missed or delayed, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or injuries during childbirth. The best way to know for certain is to consult with an experienced Chicago med mal attorney who can evaluate the specific facts of your situation.
What’s the difference between medical malpractice and a bad outcome?
Not every bad medical outcome is malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s negligence or failure to meet the standard of care causes harm, whereas a bad outcome can happen even when proper care is provided. To qualify as malpractice, you must prove the provider deviated from accepted medical standards and that deviation directly caused your injury.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers offer free, no-obligation consultations for medical malpractice cases. During your consultation, we’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options. Contact us today at (312) 586-1700 or through our online contact form to schedule your free case evaluation.
How much does it cost to hire a medical malpractice lawyer in Chicago?
It costs nothing upfront to hire a Chicago medical malpractice attorney at Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to you when seeking legal representation.
Do I have to pay up front for legal representation?
No, you don’t have to pay anything up front. Our firm handles medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning all costs are covered by our firm during the case. You only pay legal fees if we successfully recover compensation for you.
What is a contingency fee?
A contingency fee means your attorney’s payment depends on winning your case. Instead of paying hourly fees or upfront costs, your medical malpractice lawyer receives a percentage of your settlement or court award only if you win. This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without financial risk, as you pay nothing if your case is unsuccessful.
How much is my Chicago medical malpractice case worth?
The value of your case depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and impact on your quality of life. Each case is unique, and there’s no set formula for determining compensation. Our medical malpractice lawyers in Chicago work with medical and economic experts to calculate your full damages and fight for maximum recovery.
What is the average settlement for medical malpractice in Chicago?
There is no “average” settlement because every medical malpractice case is different. Settlements can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of injuries, long-term medical needs, and degree of negligence involved. Our firm has secured settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to over $18 million for our clients, and we’ll work to maximize your specific recovery.
Why should I choose Taxman, Pollock, & Bekkerman for my Chicago medical malpractice case?
Our firm brings decades of experience, a proven track record of substantial recoveries, and deep expertise in complex medical malpractice litigation. We’ve secured over $750 million for clients, including record-setting verdicts and settlements, and our personal injury attorneys in Chicago have even taught other lawyers about medical negligence law. We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery while we fight aggressively for the justice and compensation you deserve.