Losing a loved one is always heartbreaking, but when that loss stems from hospital negligence, the pain is often accompanied by anger and confusion. In these difficult times, having a compassionate and experienced attorney can make a real difference. They can help your family hold the hospital accountable and guide you through filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
At Gill Ports Hoste LLC, we have seen firsthand how devastating medical malpractice can be. Based in Chicago, our law firm brings over 100 years of collective experience to every case. Each attorney on our team is dedicated to fighting for families affected by negligence. We understand the complexity of these claims and work diligently to help our clients seek justice and fair compensation.
What Is Considered A Wrongful Death Due To Hospital Negligence?
A wrongful death in a hospital occurs when a person dies because of hospital negligence. This is a breach of the standard of care expected of medical staff. The breach can involve surgical errors, medication errors or failure to provide appropriate treatment.
Unlike natural death, where the passing occurs despite proper care, wrongful death is preventable and caused by a medical error.
How Can Hospital Negligence Lead To Wrongful Death?
Here are some situations where a wrongful death lawsuit may be appropriate:
- Misdiagnosis of a serious condition
- Surgical error during or after a procedure
- Medication errors such as wrong dosage or drug
- Lack of patient monitoring, leading to a crisis
When hospitals fail in their duty, families are left to suffer unimaginable losses.
Postoperative Infection Leading To Sepsis And Death
A postoperative infection can be deadly if not identified and treated quickly. Signs to monitor include:
- Fever or chills
- Swelling, redness or pus at the surgical site
- Increased pain
- Rapid heart rate or confusion
Hospitals are responsible for recognizing these symptoms and preventing sepsis. If the infection is ignored or improperly treated, that may be negligence.
Failure To Diagnose A Time-Sensitive Condition
Conditions like pulmonary embolism or aortic dissection require immediate diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms commonly missed:
- Sudden chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness or fainting
Doctors should perform tests such as CT scans, EKGs or ultrasounds when these symptoms are present. A failure to diagnose in time can result in sudden and preventable death, leading to a potential wrongful death lawsuit.
Anesthesia Errors
An anesthesia error happens when a patient receives too much or too little anesthesia or is not properly monitored. These mistakes can lead to brain damage, cardiac arrest or death. Types of anesthesia errors include:
- Incorrect dosage
- Failure to monitor vital signs
- Allergic reactions not addressed
To investigate these incidents, an attorney may need detailed medical records, expert evaluations and testimony to show the link between the error and death.
What Evidence Is Needed To Build A Strong Case?
To pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, we will collect critical evidence that proves the case. Examples of key evidence include:
- Complete medical records
- Testimony from an expert witness
- Proof of causation between the error and death
- Documentation showing a breach in the standard of care
This evidence will be used to negotiate a settlement or support your case during trial.
What Types Of Compensation Are Available In A Wrongful Death Case?
Families who lose a loved one due to medical malpractice may be entitled to various forms of damages. These may include:
- Medical bills from before the death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income and financial support
- Emotional suffering and loss of companionship
In Illinois, there is no fixed cap on damages, but the court considers multiple factors, like the extent of injuries, when awarding settlement amounts or trial verdicts.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations?
In Illinois, the deadline for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of death. However, exceptions may apply.
For instance, under the discovery rule, the clock may start when the family learns that negligence caused the death, not necessarily on the date of death.
We Help Families Seek Justice
If your family has suffered a wrongful death due to hospital negligence in Chicago, Gill Ports Hoste LLC is here to help. Our compassionate and skilled lawyers are ready to fight for the accountability your loved one deserves. Call us at (312) 372-8893 or fill out our online contact form and get started with a free consultation. Hablamos español.