An experienced Illinois medical malpractice lawyer understands that each case presents different facts and circumstances that may affect the strategy of a case and its ultimate outcome. That is why flexibility is essential when helping victims of these medical errors navigate the legal system in their quest for accountability. It is vital that a medical malpractice attorney be willing to act as a zealous advocate at all times and remain committed to the best interest of the clients at no matter what develops.
This professional requirement means that the lawyer must be willing to take a case all the way to trial if justice requires or accept a fair settlement if presented and approved by the client. By keeping all options open, a victim is best positioned to reach a positive outcome no matter what issues arise as the case develops. However, it is true that in more cases than not a settlement is reached between the parties before a case goes to trial. Experienced medical malpractice attorneys are well aware of the frequent benefit for all involved in time, expense, and stress in avoiding a trial and reaching agreement that provides and accountability and justice between the two sides.
For example, yesterday the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin reported on the $17.7 million settlement that our attorneys negotiated on behalf of a client injured by medical error. The case was led by our founding partner Steve Levin and our associate attorney Margaret P. Battersby. It involved a former police officer who suffered permanent and debilitating injuries caused by the medical negligence of nurses in the neurosurgical intensive care unit a Chicago hospital. The victim was left a quadriplegic as a result of the errors. He is in a “locked in” state, meaning that he can understand what is going on around him but cannot communicate.
The man was brought to the hospital after suffering a string of head injuries after being hurt while responding to an emergency call while on duty. Unfortunately, staff members at the hospital failed to properly monitor the man’s intracranial pressure and it rose to dangerous levels. Nurses failed to notify his physician of these increases, and as a result he suffered significant brain damage. The brother of the victim eventually field suit on the man’s behalf. Just as the case was about to go to trial, both sides reached this settlement agreement in the amount of $17.7 million. As occasionally happens, some probate issues needed to be ironed out before the settlement could be officially submitted to the judge for approval. In this case that approval was finally received by the judge this month.
All of our Illinois medical malpractice lawyers are proud to work on behalf of these victims of medical errors. We understand the uniqueness of each case and are committed to doing everything necessary to ensure each client’s interests are vigorously defended. Please give our office a call, send us an email, or contact us online if you or a loved one has been injured because of a medical mistake.
