MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ATTORNEY IN NAPERVILLE, IL

When it comes to receiving medical treatment, it can be scary placing your health in the hands of someone else. Most of us assume that when we go to a hospital or physician's office that we'll be receiving the best possible care, and oftentimes we are. Unfortunately, there are a large number of people who fall victim to negligent medical treatment that can result in significant personal injury or even death. When this happens, the doctor, surgeon, physician, hospital, or healthcare facility may be liable for medical malpractice. That means that if you or someone you know has been the victim of medical malpractice, you could be entitled to compensation that can help cover the cost of recovery and for any pain and suffering. That's why it's important to have a basic understanding of the laws surrounding medical malpractice in the state of Illinois, so you can understand what steps you need to take to make sure your rights are being taken care of. At the Law Offices of David Guy Stevens, we've helped countless clients seek justice in the form of a medical malpractice claim that can provide compensation to help assist with their recovery. Unfortunately, medical malpractice lawsuits can often become very complex as insurance companies and healthcare organizations try to fight back against claims of liability. At the Law Offices of David Guy Stevens, our medical malpractice attorneys will work with you every step of the way to help you understand the circumstances you're up against and the options you have at your disposal to seek compensation. With specific state laws that define the statute of limitations on when you can file a lawsuit, as well as what constitutes treatment, it's important to have an experienced medical malpractice attorney working for you to ensure your case is handled swiftly and professionally.

WHAT CONSTITUTES AS MEDICAL TREATMENT?

Typically most people assume that medical treatment exists within the confines of receiving prescribed medication, but the state views medical treatment as a term that encompasses a number of different things -- from surgical procedures and diagnoses to pharmaceutical prescriptions and various forms of physical therapy. This essentially means that virtually any action taken by a licensed physician or medical professional can be considered medical treatment, and if those actions are found to be medically negligent, they can be held liable for medical malpractice.

YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO WAIT

The state of Illinois has outlined a specific statute of limitations for anyone who wishes to file a medical malpractice claim. These statutes are designed to require a person to begin their claim within a certain time frame, otherwise, they will lose their right to file a lawsuit. In the state of Illinois, the current statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits requires that an individual must file their lawsuit against a doctor or healthcare provider within two years of when they become aware of the provider's negligent actions in connection with their medical treatment. The state of Illinois also follows a "statute of repose" which stipulates that regardless of when you discover that you were harmed by the negligent actions of a doctor or healthcare provider, if more than four years have passed since the alleged negligent actions occurred, you will be barred from filing a lawsuit against the provider. This essentially means that if four years have passed since the occurrence of the negligent action, your lawsuit will be dismissed. This statute of repose differs from the statute of limitations in that the timeline is set against when the negligent actions occurred — whereas the statute of limitations is set for two years after you discovered that your provider was negligent in their treatment or care. At the end of the day, these various legal complexities can make or break any individual's medical malpractice claim, and is why you cannot afford to wait to put an experienced medical malpractice attorney on your side. If you or someone you know believes that they are the victim of medical malpractice, contact our office today and find out how we can help you pursue justice.