How to Report Medical Malpractice in Illinois

If you believe you or a loved one were the victim of medical malpractice, you may report the incident to your state’s licensing board to file a complaint. The sooner you report the malpractice, the sooner you can begin building a case and potentially seek compensation before the statute of limitations prevents you from doing so.

Why Is It Important to Report Medical Malpractice?

Following any incident involving medical malpractice, it’s critical to report it as soon as possible to the appropriate authorities. These reports can provide proof of the malpractice to the state’s licensing board, which can lead this board to take the necessary action to discipline the liable medical professionals and facilities. Not only can this help you recover total compensation for any injuries resulting from malpractice, but the ensuing disciplinary action could also help prevent future instances of malpractice that might hurt other patients.

Examples of Common Medical Malpractice Cases

There are multiple types of medical malpractice cases that patients may file in Illinois, with some of the most common cases involving:

  • Misdiagnosis — Some cases may involve health care professionals misdiagnosing conditions, which can lead to the wrong treatments that allow the actual condition to worsen.
  • Failure to Diagnose — Medical professionals could fail to diagnose a condition, which could leave the patient without proper treatment as the condition develops into something more serious or even life-threatening.
  • Medication Errors Doctors may prescribe the wrong medication or the wrong dosage of the right medication, which could have adverse health effects.
  • Surgical Errors — Surgeries could involve the wrong part of the body, or doctors may make other surgical errors such as leaving equipment or surgical materials in the patient, any of which instances can cause serious injuries.
  • Anesthesia Errors — Sometimes, anesthesiologists and others may fail to provide patients with sufficient anesthesia or give them too much, either of which case could harm the patient.

Steps to Report Medical Malpractice in Illinois

If you believe you are the victim of medical malpractice, there are some steps you can take to report the incident and begin building a case against the responsible parties involved. These steps include the following:

Gather Evidence

To prove that a medical professional or facility was negligent and that this negligence caused injuries and damages, you must collect sufficient evidence to build your case. This evidence will help detail the medical malpractice facts of the case and show how negligence occurred.

Pieces of evidence in these cases could include medical records, witness testimony, and photos of injuries, among other documentation proving negligence.

Consider Hiring a Medical Malpractice Attorney

Medical malpractice cases are often complicated and involve many elements, which can make it difficult for patients and their loved ones to effectively build a case against liable doctors and other parties. If you want to succeed with a medical malpractice case, it’s often best to consult a medical malpractice lawyer to discuss the nature of your case and potentially receive representation.

A lawyer can answer any questions you might have, from “Can I sue for emergency room malpractice?” to “What kind of compensation can I recover?” If the attorney decides to provide representation, he or she can guide you through the process to help you increase your chances of succeeding with your case.

File a Complaint With the Illinois Medical Board

Once you’re ready to report an instance of medical malpractice, you can do so by filing a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This department is responsible for investigating any reports of injuries to patients resulting from negligent professionals, and the organization also investigates harm resulting from unsafe environments in facilities.

What Victims of Medical Malpractice Should Know

In the event of a medical malpractice incident, it’s important to know how to proceed with a case and potentially recover total compensation. The following are some key items to know if you want to build a case against negligent medical professionals or entities.

The Process for Filing a Complaint

You must know how to report hospital negligence to the proper parties, such as the IDPH. If you want to file a complaint with this department, you can easily do so by completing the complaint form. This form allows you to detail the incident in greater depth, with fields requesting information about the date of the occurrence, the location where the malpractice occurred, the names and details of any witnesses to the occurrence, and other information that can paint a complete picture of the case.

Additional Reporting Options

In addition to filing a complaint with the IDPH, you may want to file a report to the State Medical Disciplinary Board if a doctor was behind the malpractice. You may also file a complaint against a specific doctor with the Illinois Division of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), with these complaints typically directed toward the Division of Professional Regulation more specifically.

Whenever you file a complaint with the IDPH or other parties, you often have the option of either filing a complaint online or by mail, giving you plenty of flexibility to ensure you’re able to successfully report the incident.

You may also get some help with filing a complaint from an attorney who has experience handling these types of cases.

Know How to Report Medical Malpractice

If you know how to report medical malpractice in Illinois, you may be able to build a successful case against negligent medical professionals and facilities if their wrongdoing causes harm to you or a loved one. If you’re not sure how to proceed with a case, you can work with a lawyer who has experience handling cases similar to yours to file complaints with the right departments. He or she may also help collect evidence to prove negligence and the extent of injuries, which may help you recover total compensation.

Chicago personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney Howard Ankin has a passion for justice and a relentless commitment to defending injured victims throughout the Chicagoland area. With decades of experience achieving justice on behalf of the people of Chicago, Howard has earned a reputation as a proven leader in and out of the courtroom. Respected by peers and clients alike, Howard’s multifaceted approach to the law and empathetic nature have secured him a spot as an influential figure in the Illinois legal system.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: Illinois State Bar Association, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois