When you visit an emergency room, you expect fast, skilled care. Unfortunately, mistakes can happen in these high-pressure environments. If you or a loved one suffered harm because of emergency room errors in Chicago, you deserve answers and justice. At Phillips Law Offices, our experienced team helps people who have been hurt by medical negligence in emergency rooms. We understand how serious these cases are and are here to help you get the compensation you need to recover.
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Why Choose Phillips Law Offices for Your ER Malpractice Case?
Our law firm has been representing injured patients in Chicago for decades. We have a long track record of winning tough medical malpractice cases, including those involving emergency room mistakes. Our attorneys know how hospitals and insurance companies defend these claims, and we use that knowledge to fight for our clients’ rights.
At Phillips Law Offices, we treat every client with care and respect. We take the time to listen to your story and explain your legal options in plain language. Our team works closely with top medical experts and has the resources to handle even the most complex cases. We are committed to getting you the best possible result, whether through settlement or trial.
What Is Emergency Room Malpractice?
Emergency room malpractice happens when a doctor, nurse, or other ER staff provides care that falls below the accepted standard and causes harm to the patient. Emergency rooms are busy places, but that does not excuse careless mistakes. Even in urgent situations, medical professionals must provide safe and proper care.
ER malpractice can take many forms. Sometimes, it’s a missed diagnosis or the wrong medication. Other times, it’s a failure to treat a patient quickly enough. No matter the cause, if you were hurt because of an error in the ER, you may have a legal case. Our lawyers can review your situation and help you understand if malpractice occurred.
Types of Emergency Room Errors We Handle
There are many ways things can go wrong in an emergency room. Some of the most common errors include:
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
Sometimes, doctors in the emergency room mistake one illness for another or do not recognize a serious problem quickly enough. For example, a heart attack might be confused with heartburn, or a stroke could be mistaken for a migraine. When a condition is missed or found too late, patients may not get the treatment they need in time, which can lead to serious harm or even death.
Medication Errors
Medication mistakes can happen if the wrong drug or dose is given, or if medicines that should not be mixed are used together. This can cause allergic reactions, dangerous side effects, or make the patient’s condition worse. These errors often result from rushed decisions, poor communication, or not checking a patient’s medical history.
Failure to Triage or Improper Triage
Triage is the process of deciding which patients need care first based on how sick or injured they are. If a patient with a life-threatening problem is not seen quickly enough, their condition can get worse. Improper triage can mean someone with a serious illness waits too long while others with less urgent needs are treated first.
Surgical/Procedural Errors
Sometimes, mistakes happen during emergency surgeries or procedures. This might include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical tools inside a patient, or not following the correct steps. These errors can lead to infections, more surgeries, or lasting injuries.
Testing and Diagnostic Imaging Errors
Doctors often rely on tests and scans to figure out what’s wrong. If the wrong test is ordered, if a test is delayed, or if results are read incorrectly, the real problem might be missed. For example, a broken bone might not be seen on an X-ray, or a blood test result could be mixed up with someone else’s.
Improper Discharge
If a patient is sent home from the emergency room too soon or without proper instructions, they might not know how to care for themselves or when to return for help. This can lead to their condition getting worse, and sometimes patients end up back in the hospital with more serious problems.
Communication Failures
Clear communication between doctors, nurses, and patients is very important. If important information is not shared-like allergies, test results, or changes in a patient’s condition-mistakes can happen. Poor communication can lead to wrong treatments or missed warning signs.
Delayed Treatment
In emergencies, every minute counts. If there are delays in getting tests, medicine, or procedures, a patient’s condition can quickly become much worse. Delayed treatment is especially dangerous for conditions like strokes, heart attacks, or severe infections.
Failure to Monitor Important Signs
Patients in the ER need to have their blood pressure, heart rate, and other important signs checked often. If these are not watched closely, changes in a patient’s condition might be missed. Not noticing a drop in blood pressure or a fast heartbeat can mean missing a sign that something is seriously wrong.
Denial of Care
Sometimes, emergency rooms turn away patients who need help, either by mistake or because they think the problem is not serious. Denying care to someone with a real emergency can lead to their condition getting worse or even cause death.
Also, A busy or understaffed emergency room can increase the risk of mistakes. If there are not enough doctors or nurses, or if staff are not properly trained, important steps might be missed. Broken or outdated equipment can also make it harder to diagnose or treat patients correctly.
Who Can Be Held Liable for ER Malpractice?
Liability in emergency room malpractice cases can be complicated. Hospitals are often responsible for the actions of their employees, including nurses and some doctors. In other situations, the individual doctor or another medical professional may be held accountable. Sometimes, more than one party shares the blame.
Other staff members, such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, radiologists, and lab technicians, can also make mistakes that harm patients. Our attorneys will investigate your case thoroughly to identify everyone who may be responsible. This careful approach helps us build strong cases for our clients.
Can You Sue an Emergency Room for Negligence?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit if you were harmed by emergency room negligence. To win your case, you must show that the ER staff owed you a duty of care, failed to meet that duty, and caused you harm as a result. This often requires expert testimony to explain what should have been done differently.
Illinois has strict deadlines for filing medical malpractice claims, known as the statute of limitations. In most cases, you have two years from the date of injury to start your case. Acting quickly is important, as waiting too long can mean losing your right to seek compensation. Our lawyers can help you understand the rules and get your case started on time.
What Compensation Is Available for ER Malpractice Victims?
If you win your case, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. Economic damages cover things like medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of future care. These damages are meant to make up for the financial losses caused by the malpractice.
You may also receive non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If a loved one died because of ER malpractice, certain family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This can help cover funeral expenses and provide for the family’s future needs.
How Phillips Law Offices Can Help After ER Negligence
Our team will start by gathering all the evidence needed to prove your case. This includes medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions. We work with respected emergency medicine specialists who can explain what went wrong and how it should have been handled.
We handle all the legal details, so you can focus on your health and your family. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators and tough in the courtroom. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which often leads to better settlements for our clients. You can trust us to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Statistics Of Chicago Emergency Room Malpractice
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7972370/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have a case for emergency room malpractice?
If you suffered harm because of an ER error, you may have a case. Our lawyers can review your situation and give you honest advice.
Do I need a lawyer for my case?
Medical malpractice cases are complex and require expert knowledge. Having an experienced lawyer greatly improves your chances of success.
Can an ER turn a patient away?
Federal law requires ERs to treat anyone with an emergency medical condition. Turning a patient away can be grounds for a lawsuit.
How much does it cost to hire an ER malpractice lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Can I sue for wrongful death due to ER malpractice?
Yes, if a loved one died because of ER negligence, certain family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
What are the causes of emergency room errors?
Common causes include misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, medication mistakes, poor communication, understaffing, and lack of training.
Our Results and Client Testimonials
“Phillips Law Offices of Chicago, after four (4) long years of litigation and fighting for the rights of a 17 year-old boy who lost his kidneys due to gross negligence of a physician, procured a 25 million dollar settlement for this young man. The settlement agreement was reached just prior to jury selection in a case against a Confidential Chicagoland Hospital.”
“
I was given Mr. Phillips name by my new doctor (another very satisfied former client of his) after I told her that my case was turned down by 2 other VERY WELL KNOWN law firms because the case was too difficult and that no one would ever testify against the previous doctor who permanently injured me. I called, met with Mr. Phillips and some of his staff, and they were willing to handle the case. Through his and his firm’s hard work, we were able to recover a large sum. The money will never bring my health and condition back to where I was before the malpractice, but now at least I can afford to have live-in nursing care.
Meet Our Team Of Emergency Room Malpractice Attorney
Stephen D. Phillips
Stephen D. Phillips is a highly respected Emergency Room Malpractice Attorney based in Chicago, known for achieving record settlements for victims of medical negligence. As the managing partner at Phillips Law Offices, he has decades of experience helping individuals and families secure compensation after serious injuries caused by emergency room errors. Stephen is recognized as one of the top trial lawyers in Illinois, with a reputation for handling complex malpractice cases and fighting for the rights of those harmed by medical mistakes. If you need help with an emergency room malpractice settlement in Chicago, Stephen D. Phillips offers expert, compassionate legal support to guide you through every step of your case.
Stephen J. Phillips
Stephen J. Phillips is a dedicated emergency room malpractice attorney in Chicago, known for helping victims and their families secure justice after medical mistakes. As a partner at Phillips Law Offices, Stephen has played a key role in winning major settlements, including several record-setting cases worth millions of dollars. With years of experience handling complex medical malpractice cases and a strong commitment to protecting the rights of injured patients, Stephen works tirelessly to ensure his clients receive fair settlements and the support they need during difficult times.
Terrence M. Quinn
Terrence M. Quinn is a ER Malpractice Attorney in Chicago and a partner at Phillips Law Offices. With years of experience, he has helped many clients win fair settlements for injuries caused by medical mistakes in emergency rooms. Terry is known for his strong legal skills, thorough preparation, and commitment to getting justice for those harmed by negligence. He has achieved several multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for his clients, making him a trusted advocate for people seeking compensation after serious medical errors.
Contact an Emergency Room Malpractice Attorney in Chicago
If you or a loved one has been hurt by an emergency room error in Chicago, don’t wait to get help. Contact Phillips Law Offices today for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
There is no fee unless we win your case. Call us now (312) 598-0917 or fill out our online contact form to get started. Let our experienced team fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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