While to “err is human,” making an error during surgery can bear significant consequences. 

A mistake during surgery may result in a patient having to live with a long-term disability - so much so that an estimated 7 million people experience surgical complications each year, with one million patients succumbing to their injuries.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a surgical error, look no further than our Rockford medical malpractice attorney.

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide the standard of care expected in their field, resulting in harm or injury to a patient. In some cases, medical malpractice can lead to the wrongful death of a patient, causing immense grief and emotional pain for their loved ones, as well as significant financial difficulties. If you believe that your loved one's death was caused by medical negligence, it is important to understand how you can seek justice for your loss.

Understanding Medical Malpractice

Medical professionals have an obligation to follow certain standards when providing healthcare services to patients. When they fail to meet these standards due to negligence, carelessness, lack of training, or errors, their actions may be considered medical malpractice. To establish a claim for wrongful death due to medical malpractice, certain elements must be proven:

• The existence of a doctor-patient relationship

  It must be established that there was a professional relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider who caused their injury or death.

  ...

Medication errors can have serious consequences for patients, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening situations. When these errors occur, it is important to determine who is responsible. In the state of Illinois, medical professionals can be held accountable for medication errors in certain circumstances. By understanding when medication errors can be addressed through medical malpractice claims, patients who have experienced these issues can make sure they will be able to address the harm they have suffered due to the negligence of medical professionals.

Incorrect Dosages

One common type of medication error is the administration of drugs at the wrong dosages. This can occur when a healthcare provider prescribes a drug at the wrong dose, a pharmacist dispenses the wrong amount of a drug, or a nurse administers a medication incorrectly. A dose that is too high may result in serious side effects or other health issues, while a dose that is too low may not adequately address a person’s medical issues. If a patient suffers harm as a result of receiving an incorrect dosage, the medical professional responsible may be held liable for the error.

Medical professionals have a duty of care to their patients, which includes prescribing and administering medications correctly. When a healthcare provider fails to meet this duty, and a patient is harmed as a result, they may be considered negligent. In cases of incorrect dosages, negligence can be established if it can be proven that the medical professional deviated from the standard of care expected in their field.

Joint replacement surgeries have become increasingly common in recent years, providing relief for individuals who experience chronic pain and limited mobility. While these procedures can be very beneficial, there is a risk of errors occurring during surgery that can have significant consequences for the patient. Understanding how surgical errors can affect patients and the steps that can be taken to address these issues can be crucial, and an attorney can help determine the best course of action to take in these situations. 

Types of Errors During Joint Replacement Surgeries

Mistakes during joint replacement surgeries can occur due to various factors, including surgical negligence, lack of experience, or equipment failure. Some common types of errors include:

• Implant misalignment or incorrect sizing

  ...

Medical malpractice is commonly thought of as something doctors are sued for when they make a serious mistake that harms a patient. However, medical doctors are not the only people or parties who can be sued for medical malpractice. In Illinois, almost any licensed healthcare provider can be held liable for causing harm to a patient through medical malpractice litigation. When you seek healthcare, there are likely to be a lot of professionals other than just a physician involved in treating you. A nurse or nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant may be involved in your care.

It is also important to know that health care for the purpose of medical malpractice litigation entails more than strictly medical care for physical health conditions. Mental health providers and dental care providers are also important members of the healthcare profession. If you believe that you have been harmed because any type of licensed healthcare provider made a mistake, it is important to speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice is quite strict.

Healthcare Providers Who Can Be Subject to a Medical Malpractice Suit

Most people you go to see for medical, mental health, or dental care can be sued for medical malpractice if they make a careless mistake and cause you harm. Types of licensed healthcare professionals you may be able to sue for malpractice include: