Marion Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Medical malpractice cases in Marion involve difficult-to-understand legal and medical issues that require experienced legal representation. Therefore, you need a lawyer to pursue your medical malpractice claim.

After a medical professional causes preventable injuries to you or a loved one, never wait to consult our Marion medical malpractice attorneys at Dihle Law Firm. Call (618) 326-5520 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.

Understanding How We Address Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider's treatment approach does not meet the regular care established in the medical field and, in turn, harms a patient. Therefore, a medical malpractice claim may involve surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, birth injuries, or failure to treat a condition properly.

In Marion, healthcare providers must provide care that meets professional standards.

Our qualified medical malpractice lawyers at Dihle Law Firm in Marion will guide you along the winding road of the legal process, beginning with a thorough evaluation of your case. They will work with medical professionals to review your records, determine if malpractice occurred, and establish how the substandard care you received caused your injuries. We will handle all aspects of your case, from investigation through settlement or trial.

To start the process by learning about your rights, call us at (618) 326-5520 now. You can also drop into our office during normal business hours, located at 4503 West Deyoung Street in Marion, IL.

Initial Case Investigation

At Dihle Law Firm, our medical malpractice lawyers begin by collecting all relevant medical records and performing a detailed review of your treatment history. They will consult medical experts to determine whether your care fell below acceptable standards and whether it caused you direct harm.

This initial investigation assesses the viability of your case.

Expert Testimony Requirements

Illinois law requires medical malpractice cases to be supported by an affidavit of merit from a qualified healthcare professional.

Our attorneys work with specific medical personnel - people who can testify about the standard of care, how it was breached, and how this breach injured you. These experts will play a significant role in establishing liability and charges.

Your lawyer must file the affidavit within 90 days of a defendant’s answer to a complaint. A healthcare professional who teaches or practices medicine in the same area as the defendant must sign the legal document. Do not delay any longer in discussing a possible case with Dihle Law Firm.

Dealing With Healthcare Providers and Insurers

Medical malpractice cases often involve multiple defendants and their insurance companies. Whether your injuries happened at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center, Heartland Regional Medical Center, the Marion VA Medical Center, or even SIH Urgent Care, you don’t want to go up against medical providers or facilities without a lawyer.

When you have Dihle Law Firm on your side, you have a medical malpractice lawyer who will handle all communications with the parties involved in your claim, protecting your interests during negotiations.

We understand insurance company tactics and will work to ensure you receive fair compensation rather than a quick but inadequate settlement.

The Litigation Process

Medical malpractice cases are among the most challenging types of personal injury litigation to pursue. Your attorney will handle all aspects of the court process, including filing the complaint, conducting discovery, deposing, and presenting your case to a judge or jury.

As noted, we will also work with medical professionals to prepare the testimony needed to determine liability and maximize damages.

Understanding Medical Records

Medical records serve as key evidence in malpractice cases. Your attorney will collaborate with medical personnel to review and interpret these records, identifying the notable information that supports your claim.

We will also help gather missing records to adequately preserve and present all relevant documentation.

Proving Causation

One of the most challenging aspects of medical malpractice cases is proving that the healthcare provider's negligence directly caused your injuries.

Our medical malpractice lawyers at Dihle Law Firm will use the information we collect to establish this lynchpin, demonstrating how proper medical care would have led to a different outcome.

Impact on Future Medical Care

Your attorney also considers how the malpractice has affected your future medical needs. They will project future care requirements and costs, ensuring these expenses are included in your compensation claim.

This compensation may cover ongoing treatments and rehabilitation costs, medical equipment, and assistance with daily activities.

A Rundown of the Medical Malpractice Process

Elements of a Medical Malpractice Claim in Illinois

To succeed in a medical malpractice claim in Illinois, your attorney must prove:

• Doctor-Patient Relationship: A professional relationship exists between you and the healthcare provider.
• Breach When Providing Care: The healthcare provider did not follow the protocols to keep you or a loved one medically safe.
• Causation: The breach of care directly caused your injury.
• Damages: You suffered actual harm, such as physical injury, emotional distress, or financial loss, due to the breach.

Damages Recoverable in a Medical Malpractice Claim

• Economic Damages: These expenses represent quantifiable financial losses, including:
  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost income and earning capacity
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Property damage
• Non-Economic Damages: These damages are calculated in accordance with the seriousness of your injury and include:
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment or quality of life
  • Disfigurement or a permanent disability
• Punitive Damages: These are awarded in rare cases to punish the healthcare provider for egregious conduct.

Statute of Limitations in Illinois

• General Rule: The statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in Illinois is two years from when you knew or reasonably should have known about the injury.
• Exceptions:
  • Minors: Depending on the circumstances, the statute of limitations may be extended for minors until they reach the age of 18 or a certain number of years after the injury.
  • Fraudulent Concealment: The statute of limitations may be extended if the healthcare provider fraudulently concealed the injury.

Get in Touch with Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Marion Now

Call a medical malpractice attorney at Dihle Law Firm before proceeding with any part of a medical malpractice claim. Our team can offer the pertinent advice needed for your situation.

Contact a Marion personal injury lawyer, today at (618) 326-5520. Consultations are free, and we are ready to help.