Every day millions of Americans rely on the advice and treatment of medical professionals to look after their health. From the medications we take to the activities in which we can participate, our health is placed squarely in the hands of our doctors. Unfortunately, this means that a missed diagnosis or an incorrect prescription is often beyond our ability to control. When our healthcare professionals make an error in judgment, it is our health that pays the price.
What is medical malpractice?
All healthcare providers in Illinois owe a duty to their patients to act within the standard of care. When that duty is breached and an injury results, the patient has a claim for medical malpractice. The “standard of care” is a legal term that refers to the generally accepted methods and practices for healthcare professionals treating patients in similar situations. What is generally accepted depends on how, where, when, and by whom a patient is treated. Courts will use a variety of factors to determine the standard of care that is appropriate for each specific case.
What do you need to prove?
Understanding the specific standard of care applicable to your case is essential to bringing a successful claim. This requires an in depth understanding of medicine to assess whether the doctor has acted in accordance with the standard of care. Knowing the generally accepted practices for your individual case is the first step in identifying the severity of the error made by your healthcare provider.
Do you need an attorney?
At Woodruff Johnson & Palermo, our team of Naperville medical malpractice professionals has recovered for clients who have suffered from various types of malpractice. From surgery errors to birth injuries, emergency room mistakes to failure to diagnose, our team understands the intricacies of the medical profession. If you have been injured by a physician and need a Naperville medical malpractice lawyer to advocate for your rights, contact us today to schedule your consultation.
