Chicago Hospital Errors Lawyer

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founder, Joseph Conboy who has years of legal experience. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

Last updated on: April 27, 2025

Joseph Conboy | April 25, 2025
Chicago Hospital Errors Lawyer

Mistakes in hospitals can lead to serious injury or death. Patients expect safe, careful treatment. But sometimes, errors happen that never should. These mistakes can be life-changing.

Conboy Law Injury & Malpractice Lawyers helps victims of hospital errors across Chicago. We focus on medical malpractice and medical negligence. Our team holds hospitals and healthcare providers accountable. If a doctor, nurse, or staff member makes a serious mistake, we’re ready to help. We know how to investigate medical malpractice cases and fight for fair compensation.

If you or someone you love has been hurt by a hospital’s mistake, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. These include surgical errors, wrong medications, missed diagnoses, and more. You deserve answers. You deserve justice.

What Are Hospital Errors?

Hospital errors are preventable mistakes made during treatment. These mistakes can happen at any stage of care — before, during, or after treatment. They often involve miscommunication, poor training, or system failures. In many cases, they are signs of medical negligence.

Common medical errors include surgical mistakes, wrong medications, infections, or delayed care. These errors may cause new injuries or make existing conditions worse. When a hospital mistake leads to harm, the patient may be able to file a medical malpractice claim.

Not every bad outcome is malpractice. But if a healthcare provider acted carelessly or broke safety rules, you may have a strong case. Medical malpractice lawyers can review your records and find out what went wrong.

In Chicago, many medical malpractice lawsuits start with hospital errors. You have the right to hold hospitals accountable if their actions caused harm.

Contact Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers For Your Hospital Errors Case

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Difference Between Medical Malpractice and General Negligence

Medical MalpracticeGeneral Negligence
Involves healthcare providersCan involve anyone
Based on medical standardsBased on regular safety rules
Must prove a medical duty of care was violatedMust prove basic duty of care was broken
Usually requires expert testimonyOften does not require medical experts
Examples: surgical errors, misdiagnosisExamples: slips, falls, car crashes

Common Types of Hospital Errors in Chicago

Common Types of Hospital Errors in Chicago
  • Surgical Errors
    Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving tools inside the patient.
  • Medication Mistakes
    Giving the wrong drug, wrong dose, or failing to check for allergies.
  • Delayed Diagnosis
    Failing to detect or treat a condition in time, leading to worse outcomes.
  • Infections from Poor Hygiene
    Patients getting infections due to unsanitary tools or rooms.
  • Failure to Monitor
    Ignoring vital signs or missing signs of distress during recovery.
  • Miscommunication Between Staff
    Doctors and nurses failing to share key patient information.
  • Improper Discharge
    Sending patients home too early or without proper instructions.

How to Prove a Hospital Error Claim in Illinois

To win a medical malpractice case in Illinois, you need strong evidence. You must show the hospital made a serious mistake and that the mistake caused harm.

Establish That a Duty of Care Existed

Every hospital has a duty to care for its patients. This means doctors, nurses, and staff must follow accepted medical standards. When you are admitted or treated, the hospital takes legal responsibility for your safety.

This duty of care applies to every stage of your care, from tests and treatment to surgery and aftercare. If a healthcare provider fails to meet this duty, it may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. Your medical malpractice attorneys will show that the hospital agreed to treat you and was responsible for your care. Once that duty is clear, the next step is proving the hospital broke it.

Show That the Hospital Breached That Duty Through Negligence

A hospital breach means someone failed to do their job safely. This can include staff ignoring symptoms, using dirty equipment, or failing to respond to problems. These actions are forms of medical negligence.

To prove a breach, you must compare what the hospital did to what a reasonable provider would have done. If the hospital acted differently from what is standard in the medical field, that may be enough to show negligence.

Experienced medical malpractice attorneys can use expert opinions and records to prove the breach. They know what to look for and how to prove the hospital failed in its duty.

Prove That the Error Directly Caused Harm or Death

A successful medical malpractice claim must show the hospital’s mistake caused the injury or made the condition worse. It is not enough to prove a mistake happened. You must connect the error to the harm. This is called “causation.”

For example, if a patient suffers organ damage because of a surgical error, the connection is clear. But in other cases, this link may be harder to prove. Medical experts are often needed to explain how the mistake caused harm. Conboy Law Injury & Malpractice Lawyers works with trusted experts who can build your case.

Demonstrate Measurable Damages (Medical, Financial, Emotional)

You must show the error caused real losses. These may include added medical bills, lost income, or emotional pain. Measurable damages help set the value of your medical malpractice lawsuit. Records, receipts, and testimony help prove your losses. Emotional distress and trauma can also be part of the claim.

Medical malpractice victims often face long recoveries. Some never fully heal. A strong case will include both short-term and long-term damages. Conboy Law Injury & Malpractice Lawyers fights to recover full compensation for all losses caused by hospital malpractice.

What to Do If You Suspect a Hospital Error

What to Do If You Suspect a Hospital Error

If you think a hospital made a mistake, act fast. What you do next can protect your health and your legal rights.

Request Medical Records and Document All Treatment

Start by requesting your full medical records. You have the right to review all notes, test results, and treatment plans. Write down what happened and when. List your symptoms and who treated you. If possible, ask someone you trust to help with this process.

Keep track of every visit, test, and prescription. These records can support your medical malpractice claim and help medical malpractice lawyers understand your case.

Get a Second Medical Opinion

If something feels wrong, ask another doctor to review your condition. A second opinion may confirm your suspicion of a hospital error. Some issues may not show up right away. Another provider may spot problems with your diagnosis, treatment, or surgery.

This step is also helpful if you plan to file a medical malpractice suit. A new doctor’s notes and tests may show what the hospital missed. This could be a turning point in your case.

Speak With a Chicago Hospital Errors Lawyer Promptly

Do not wait to talk with a lawyer. Medical malpractice cases are time-sensitive. Acting quickly gives your attorney time to gather records and speak with experts. Conboy Law Injury & Malpractice Lawyers offers free consultations.

We review hospital malpractice cases and explain your legal options clearly. You don’t need to know the medical terms; we will help you understand what happened and what can be done. Your first call can protect your rights.

Avoid Signing Any Settlement or Release Without Legal Advice

Hospitals or insurance companies may offer a quick payout. Do not sign anything until a lawyer reviews it. These early offers often fall short of covering medical expenses or long-term damage. Once you sign, you may lose the right to seek more money.

A medical malpractice attorney will tell you what your case is truly worth. Let a professional review all documents before you agree to anything.

Why Choose Our Chicago Hospital Errors Law Firm?

Why Choose Our Chicago Hospital Errors Law Firm_

Not all law firms handle hospital malpractice. You need someone with the right experience, resources, and results.

Extensive Experience With Medical Malpractice and Hospital Negligence Cases

Our team focuses on medical malpractice cases, including hospital negligence. We know how to investigate complex medical issues and find the truth. We’ve handled cases involving surgical errors, misdiagnoses, and other serious mistakes.

This experience helps us build strong cases that hold hospitals accountable. When you work with our team, you get a law firm that knows how to win.

Relationships With Medical Experts and Investigators

Medical malpractice claims require strong proof. That’s why we work with top medical professionals, investigators, and expert witnesses. These experts help show what went wrong and how it caused harm. They are a key part of building a solid case. With the right team, your case has the support it needs to succeed.

Proven Track Record of High-Value Settlements and Verdicts

Our results speak for themselves. We have secured major verdicts and settlements for medical malpractice victims across Chicago. Each case is different. But our goal is always the same — full and fair compensation for every client. We fight for justice, no matter how big the hospital or insurance company.

No Fees Unless We Win Your Case

We believe everyone deserves quality legal help. That’s why we work on a contingency basis. You don’t pay unless we win. You have enough to worry about. Let us take the legal stress off your plate. If you have a strong case, we’ll take it and fight hard.

Injured? Our Chicago accident lawyer is here to help you.

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FAQs

They can review your medical records, consult experts, and build a strong case. Chicago medical malpractice attorneys know how to prove negligence and fight for full compensation.

Yes. Even if the hospital admits the mistake, you still need legal help to recover damages. Chicago medical malpractice lawyers can protect your rights and make sure you get fair compensation.

Speak with a lawyer. Chicago medical malpractice attorneys can investigate the situation and find out if malpractice occurred.

Yes. In some cases, both may be legally responsible. Chicago medical malpractice lawyers can help identify all parties involved.

Most work on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing unless they win your case.

Contact a Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Contact a Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you believe a hospital error caused harm to you or someone you love, don’t wait. You may have a legal right to seek compensation. Hospital mistakes can lead to high medical bills, emotional stress, and lasting injuries.

At Conboy Law Injury & Malpractice Lawyers, our team is here to help. Our experienced Chicago medical malpractice lawyers understand how complex these cases can be. We work hard to uncover the truth and fight for your rights. Whether your case involves surgical errors, delayed treatment, or another form of medical negligence, we are ready.

We offer free consultations. You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Our Chicago medical malpractice attorneys will listen, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way.

Call today to speak with a trusted lawyer. We’re ready to help you move forward.

Joseph Conboy
Founding Attorney

Joseph M. Conboy, founder of Conboy Law, represents victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, securing numerous multi-million-dollar results. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019–2022), he is a member of the American Association for Justice and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Conboy earned his J.D. from DePaul University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado.

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