Which Medical Professionals Can Be Sued for Malpractice in Illinois?

 Posted on June 30, 2023 in Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is commonly thought of as something doctors are sued for when they make a serious mistake that harms a patient. However, medical doctors are not the only people or parties who can be sued for medical malpractice. In Illinois, almost any licensed healthcare provider can be held liable for causing harm to a patient through medical malpractice litigation. When you seek healthcare, there are likely to be a lot of professionals other than just a physician involved in treating you. A nurse or nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant may be involved in your care.

It is also important to know that health care for the purpose of medical malpractice litigation entails more than strictly medical care for physical health conditions. Mental health providers and dental care providers are also important members of the healthcare profession. If you believe that you have been harmed because any type of licensed healthcare provider made a mistake, it is important to speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice is quite strict.

Healthcare Providers Who Can Be Subject to a Medical Malpractice Suit

Most people you go to see for medical, mental health, or dental care can be sued for medical malpractice if they make a careless mistake and cause you harm. Types of licensed healthcare professionals you may be able to sue for malpractice include:

• Doctors - It is well-known that doctors can be held liable for malpractice. This includes primary care providers, surgeons, and specialists like neurologists or gastroenterologists.
• Dentists - Dentists are essentially highly specialized doctors. As licensed professionals, they are held to a higher standard of professional care. If a dentist makes a careless mistake, like extracting the wrong teeth or allowing an anesthesia-related injury to happen to a patient, they can likely be sued for malpractice.
• Nurses - While nurses are required to practice under a doctor’s supervision and authority, nurses can and do make mistakes that can be considered medical malpractice. For example, if a nurse administers the wrong medicine and the patient suffers harm because of it, the nurse may be liable.
• Nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants - Nurse practitioners and PAs occupy an odd middle ground between doctor and nurse. They may make mistakes similar to those made by doctors and can be liable for malpractice.
• Institutions - In some cases, a healthcare institution like a hospital or clinic can be held liable as a whole.
• Mental health providers - Both prescribers and therapists are licensed professionals and can be held accountable if they cause physical or emotional harm to a patient.

This is not an exclusive list of healthcare providers who can be held liable under medical malpractice laws. If your provider holds a license, it is likely that they can be sued should they make an unreasonable error.

Contact a Rockford Medical Malpractice Attorney

Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, is experienced in helping patients who have been harmed by a healthcare provider’s errors. Our skilled Rockford medical malpractice lawyers can offer you a complimentary consultation and case evaluation. To speak with a lawyer, contact us at 815-215-7561.

Source: https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050K13-212.htm