Who Can Be Liable for Medical Malpractice in Illinois Besides Doctors?
In Illinois, besides doctors, various healthcare professionals and entities may be held liable for medical malpractice. The specific individuals or entities that can be potentially liable in Illinois medical malpractice claims include:
Hospitals
Hospitals can be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employees, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. Additionally, hospitals may be directly liable for issues such as inadequate staffing, negligent hiring, or failure to maintain proper protocols.
To prove liability against hospitals, your law firm may file a medical malpractice action and demonstrate inadequate staffing levels, insufficient training, or a lack of proper care and supervision protocols. Detailed documentation of the hospital’s policies and procedures, along with expert testimony, can be instrumental in showing how the hospital’s actions or omissions led to the patient’s injuries.
Nurses
In many medical malpractice cases, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and other nursing staff can face an Illinois medical malpractice lawsuit if their actions or omissions deviate from the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient.
To prove liability in a nursing malpractice case, a medical malpractice claim attorney may present evidence showing that the nurse failed to follow established protocols, made medication errors, or neglected critical patient assessments.
Surgeons
Surgeons, including general surgeons and specialists, can be held liable in a medical malpractice claim if their actions during surgery or postoperative care fall below the standard of care and result in harm to the patient.
In cases involving surgical malpractice, your medical malpractice lawyer may collect evidence of surgical errors, improper technique, or inadequate postoperative care to build a strong case for damages. Medical records, expert testimony from other surgeons, and possibly even video evidence from the operating room can contribute to establishing liability in a medical malpractice case.
Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists and members of the anesthesia team are responsible for administering anesthesia during a surgical or medical procedure. Errors or medical negligence in administering anesthesia can lead to serious complications, and anesthesiologists may be held liable for resulting injuries.
Proving liability against an anesthesiologist typically involves demonstrating errors or negligence in administering anesthesia. If medical malpractice occurs, your attorney may find evidence of dosage mistakes, failure to monitor the patient’s vital signs, or inadequate preoperative assessments.
Pharmacists
In addition to medical professionals, pharmacists can be held liable in a medical malpractice case if they dispense the wrong medication, provide incorrect dosage instructions, or fail to identify potential drug interactions, leading to harm to the patient.
To establish liability in a pharmacist malpractice case, your medical malpractice attorney may collect evidence of dispensing errors, mislabeling medications, or failing to identify potential drug interactions. Expert testimony from pharmacology professionals can help establish the pharmacist’s negligence and its connection to the patient’s injuries.
Radiologists
Radiologists, including the assistant medical professional team in the radiology department, who perform and interpret medical imaging such as x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, can be held liable under Illinois medical malpractice law if their negligence results in harm to the patient.
Proving liability in a radiology malpractice case requires evidence of improper radiology examination, misread x-rays, misdiagnosed conditions, or failure to communicate critical findings. Expert testimony from radiology specialists in a medical malpractice lawsuit may help in establishing the radiologist’s deviation from the standard of care.
Midwives
Certified nurse-midwives and other midwifery practitioners can be held liable for medical malpractice under Illinois law if their care or medical treatment during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum deviates from the accepted standard, resulting in harm to the mother or child.
To prove liability in a midwifery malpractice case, your lawyer will collect evidence of inadequate prenatal care, errors during childbirth, or failure to recognize and address complications.
Nursing Homes
Apart from a negligent medical professional, nursing homes and long-term care facilities can be held liable in Illinois medical malpractice cases if they fail to provide the standard of care expected in the treatment of residents, leading to harm or injury.
Evidence of neglect, abuse, or inadequate medical attention is critical to establish liability in these medical malpractice lawsuits. Detailed records of the resident’s condition, witness statements, details of medical expenses, and expert testimony from a healthcare professional can support your case.
Get Strong Legal Representation for Your Medical Malpractice Claims
At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, our Belleville medical malpractice lawyers are relentless in their pursuit of accountability of the negligent parties. With a stellar 99% success rate and accolades from Super Lawyers® Rising Stars and Avvo, our team has what it takes to obtain the largest possible compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Call us at 618-617-6320 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
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