Morrissey Legal Group, LLC 2026-05-29T14:52:57Z https://www.morrisseylegalgroup.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1503770/2023/10/cropped-site-icon-1-32x32.png On Behalf of Morrissey Legal Group, LLC <![CDATA[How long do you have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit?]]> https://www.morrisseylegalgroup.com/?p=56975 2026-05-06T11:29:18Z 2026-05-06T11:29:18Z Understanding the statute of limitations Illinois law generally gives you two years from the date you knew or should have known about the injury to file a medical malpractice claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. The deadline generally starts when you discover the harm, not necessarily when the medical error occurred. This discovery rule recognizes that some injuries may not become apparent immediately. However, there is also an absolute deadline called the statute of repose. No matter when you discover the injury, you generally cannot file a lawsuit more than four years after the act or omission that caused harm occurred.

Important exceptions to consider

Certain circumstances could extend these deadlines. For instance, if a foreign object was left in your body during surgery, you might have additional time to file. Cases involving minors typically also follow different rules. In Illinois, if you are under 18 at the time of the malpractice, you may file the lawsuit within 8 years of the incident, but no later than your 22nd birthday. Additionally, if a healthcare provider fraudulently conceals their negligence, Illinois law provides a specific extension. You must generally file your lawsuit within 5 years of the date you discovered malpractice.

The importance of acting quickly

Even though you may have up to two years to file your claim, waiting too long could lead to complications. Evidence might disappear, witnesses' memories may fade and medical records could become harder to obtain. If you believe you have been a victim of medical malpractice in Illinois, consider reaching out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. They can evaluate your situation, determine which deadlines apply to your specific case and help protect your legal rights. Taking prompt action ensures you preserve your ability to seek the compensation you may deserve for your injuries.

Protecting your right to compensation

The time you have to pursue justice for medical negligence is generally very limited. By acting quickly, you might preserve critical evidence and give yourself the best chance at a fair outcome. Your decision to seek legal guidance today could protect your ability to pursue the compensation you deserve in the future.]]> On Behalf of Morrissey Legal Group, LLC <![CDATA[Birth injury or birth complication? How to tell the difference]]> https://www.morrisseylegalgroup.com/?p=56957 2026-04-07T10:28:32Z 2026-04-07T10:28:32Z How these situations are viewed in medical care Not every difficult birth points to a problem in care. The difference often comes down to how the team responded as events unfolded. A birth complication refers to a medical challenge that can arise even when care meets accepted standards, such as breech position or issues with the umbilical cord. In these situations, providers monitor the condition and adjust care based on how the delivery progresses. A birth injury involves harm linked to delayed action or missed warning signs, such as oxygen loss, trauma from delivery tools or a delay in moving to a C-section. In these cases, the key question becomes whether the response matched the situation. This distinction often turns on preventability. A complication may occur despite appropriate care, while an injury raises questions about timing, judgment and whether different decisions could have led to a different outcome.

The importance of medical records

After a delivery, the medical record serves as the primary source of detail. It shows what the care team observed and how they responded over time. Timing plays a central role, especially when a gap appears between a warning sign and the response. At the same time, some records read as incomplete or difficult to interpret, and medical language can obscure how events unfolded without added context. A careful review of the records can help reconstruct the sequence of events and assess whether the response aligned with what the situation required.

When it may help to take a closer look

Questions about the delivery often develop over time, especially as certain concerns begin to stand out:
  • Concerns raised during labor did not prompt a clear response
  • The timeline feels inconsistent or does not match what you were told
  • An emergency decision, such as a C-section, occurred after a delay
  • Ongoing medical issues affect the birthing parent or the child and link back to the delivery
These situations do not always point to a problem in care, but they often lead families to examine the sequence of events more closely.

What this difference can mean

A difficult birth does not always mean that care fell short. Some outcomes reflect known risks that arise even with appropriate management. Others raise questions about whether different decisions could have changed the result. Looking at the difference between a complication and an injury can help you better understand what happened and consider what steps may come next.  ]]> On Behalf of Morrissey Legal Group, LLC <![CDATA[Could ignoring placental abruption warning signs cost a life?]]> https://www.morrisseylegalgroup.com/?p=56944 2026-02-26T13:59:57Z 2026-02-26T13:59:57Z Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy emergency. It occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus too early, before the baby is born. The placenta gives the baby oxygen and nutrients. When it separates too soon, both the mother and baby can face danger. In Chicago hospitals, doctors and nurses train to watch for the warning signs. When staff miss or ignore those signs, tragic results can follow.

What is placental abruption?

Placental abruption may cause heavy vaginal bleeding, severe stomach pain, back pain or constant contractions. Some women feel a firm or tender belly. Others notice that the baby is not moving as much as before. Doctors diagnose this by checking symptoms, monitoring the baby's heart rate and using ultrasound imaging. If the baby shows signs of distress, medical teams must deliver the baby quickly. In Illinois, hospitals like Northwestern Memorial often follow a 30-minute rule for emergency C-sections, though doctors often need to act even faster to prevent brain injury or stillbirth.

What happens when warning signs are ignored?

When medical staff do not respond quickly, the placenta can continue to separate. This reduces oxygen to the baby. A lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage or conditions like cerebral palsy. The mother may also suffer severe bleeding. When providers ignore signs like abnormal fetal heart rates, they delay lifesaving treatment.

Why speaking with an attorney may help

When a birth injury happens, families often feel overwhelmed. In Illinois, medical malpractice laws are strict. To start a case, the law requires a qualified doctor to review the records and sign a Certificate of Merit. This step shows the case has a legal basis. An attorney who handles medical malpractice in Chicago can help coordinate this medical review. Families must act quickly because Illinois enforces a Statute of Repose. While some birth injury claims have longer windows, waiting too long can block a claim. Speaking with a lawyer gives families the information they need to make informed decisions about their child's future.]]> On Behalf of Morrissey Legal Group, LLC <![CDATA[Complications during or after surgery: Are they surgical errors?]]> https://www.morrisseylegalgroup.com/?p=56892 2026-01-26T08:11:42Z 2026-01-26T08:09:42Z What does it take for a complication to become malpractice? Illinois defines medical malpractice as a breach of contract based on the health care services a medical professional provides to their patients. Thus, the state can potentially treat surgical errors as medical malpractice claims. However, not every complication that arises during or after surgery is an error. Many risks come with surgery, and oftentimes the process of surgery itself results in painful side effects. For any complications or surgical errors to be considered medical malpractice, they must meet the following criteria:
  • There is a duty of care between the surgeon and the patient.
  • The surgeon did not meet the accepted standard of care.
  • There is evidence that suggests the surgeon’s negligence is responsible for the injury.
  • The patient is suffering physical, emotional or financial harm as a result of the error.
An example of a surgical error that falls under malpractice includes a doctor leaving medical instruments inside a patient’s body after surgery. On the other hand, this is not the case if a patient experiences pain in the area after a successful surgery, as pain is an expected part of the recovery process.

What should one do if they suspect a delayed complication?

If a patient suspects that their health care provider’s inability to act when complications arose led to more serious problems, they may be eligible for compensation. This can happen if a doctor downplays, ignores or fails to spot problems like pain, bleeding or infections during and after a surgical process. Under Illinois law, many malpractice claims must go through an extensive medical review panel process before the case goes to court. The panel reviews all the evidence a provided and delivers an opinion about whether or not a health care provider breached their standard of care. By being aware of when a health care provider fails to meet applicable standards, people can receive financial compensation. With some peace of mind, they can focus on taking the next steps towards recovering from any medical complications.]]> On Behalf of Morrissey Legal Group, LLC <![CDATA[3 birth injury scenarios involving prolonged labor]]> https://www.morrisseylegalgroup.com/?p=56887 2026-01-05T04:49:55Z 2026-01-05T04:48:58Z Extended pushing periods with changes in the baby's heart monitoring During extended pushing, care teams track heart patterns to watch how your baby responds. These patterns may change gradually rather than all at once. You might notice notes about added monitoring, position changes or closer observation. Clinicians often use this information to guide care decisions as labor continues. Reviewing the timing and sequence of these entries may help you follow how staff assessed your baby during longer pushing phases.

Delivery assistance methods after labor lasts longer than expected

When labor continues beyond expected time frames, providers may add delivery assistance to help complete the birth. Illinois hospitals permit these methods when clinical judgment supports their use, but documentation remains important. Pay close attention to records that describe the following:
  • Reason assistance entered the plan
  • Type of support used during birth
  • Point in labor when this change occurred
You may find these details across progress notes, consent forms and delivery summaries.

Delayed symptoms seen in newborns following a lengthy birth

Some concerns may appear days later after you return home. Feeding difficulty, stiffness or breathing changes might lead you to contact a pediatric provider. In some situations, early symptoms prompt families to review newborn exams, discharge notes and follow-up instructions for added context.

Areas that may deserve closer attention

If questions linger after a long delivery, you do not need to settle them all at once. You can start by gathering records, timelines and follow-up notes while details still feel fresh. From there, you may choose to seek clarification about decisions made during labor or observations noted after birth. This step can bring context about a possible birth injury case and help you decide whether any concerns warrant deeper review or professional guidance.]]> On Behalf of Morrissey Legal Group, LLC <![CDATA[What every mother needs to know about fetal distress in Chicago]]> https://www.morrisseylegalgroup.com/?p=56875 2025-12-05T14:28:31Z 2025-12-05T14:28:31Z Imagine your labor progressing normally until your baby's heart rate suddenly drops. The hospital staff scrambles to prepare for an emergency C-section, but precious minutes slip away. By the time doctors deliver your baby, he has already suffered oxygen deprivation that medical professionals could have prevented. This tragic result happens when healthcare workers miss or respond too slowly to obvious signs of a medical emergency. When healthcare providers fail to respond appropriately, both you and your baby can suffer devastating consequences. But you have the right to hold them accountable. Thus, understanding what fetal distress means can help you recognize when something goes wrong during your delivery.

What is fetal distress?

Fetal distress is a condition where a baby isn't getting sufficient oxygen during labor and delivery. Health professionals often refer to it as non-reassuring fetal status. If healthcare providers don't address this lack of oxygen promptly, it can result in brain damage, cerebral palsy or even stillbirth.  This is why it is crucial for hospital staff to continuously monitor the baby's heart rate throughout labor. Delays in performing necessary C-sections, inadequate monitoring or ignoring obvious distress signals may lead to medical malpractice. Hence, understanding what symptoms to look for can help you advocate for your baby's safety during delivery.

Critical warning signs you need to recognize

While medical staff monitor your baby throughout labor, you should also understand the key warning signs of fetal distress. Several symptoms can indicate your baby is in trouble. These critical warning signs include:
  • Abnormal heart rate patterns: Your baby's heartbeat may become unusually fast, slow or irregular.
  • Decreased fetal movement: You might notice your baby moving less as labor continues.
  • Discolored amniotic fluid: The amniotic fluid may appear greenish or brownish instead of clear.
  • Prolonged or unusual contractions: Labor that stalls or contractions that become too frequent can stress your baby during delivery.
Doctors and nurses typically use electronic fetal monitoring to keep an eye on these signs all the time. If the monitor shows something worrying, they need to act quickly. Moreover, you can always ask about your baby's condition whenever you want. If medical staff dismissed your concerns or failed to act on obvious warning signs, you may have grounds for legal claim.

Suspecting harm from fetal distress

If you suspect your baby was harmed due to a slow response or insufficient monitoring, it's important to seek answers. Medical records can show if the staff noticed distress signals and acted accordingly.  Additionally, it may be helpful to speak with a birth injury lawyer familiar with these intricate situations. They can examine your medical records and help you understand what happened. You shouldn't have to deal with the emotional and financial strain by yourself when preventable harm happens during childbirth.]]> On Behalf of Morrissey Legal Group, LLC <![CDATA[Medical risks of due date miscalculation in a post-term pregnancy]]> https://www.morrisseylegalgroup.com/?p=56855 2025-11-12T08:12:03Z 2025-11-12T08:12:03Z You’ve marked your calendar. You’ve prepared the nursery. Your due date is one of the most exciting aspects of your pregnancy, but what happens when that date is wrong? Unfortunately, due date miscalculations happen more often than you think in Chicago. When healthcare providers get this calculation wrong, the consequences affect both you and your baby. Thus, understanding these risks helps you advocate for accurate calculation and proper prenatal care. 

Why having accurate due dates are important 

Your due date serves as more than just a target on the calendar. It guides every decision your family and healthcare provider makes during your pregnancy.  For example, your doctor uses this to schedule critical tests and ultrasounds to monitor your baby’s growth and development. An accurate calculation helps doctors decide when to induce labor if you are overdue.  When your due date is wrong, all these decisions become problematic. Your doctor might classify your pregnancy as post-term when you’re actually on time. Moreover, they might also wait too long for labor to begin naturally when your baby is already overdue. 

How due dates are miscalculated

Healthcare professionals usually calculate your baby’s due date using your last menstrual period. However, this method relies on the fact that you have a regular cycle. But in reality, many women don’t.  If your menstrual cycles are irregular, this calculation then becomes unreliable. If you can’t remember your last period accurately, an error could occur. Similarly, if your doctor fails to adjust your due date even when screening tests and ultrasound results show otherwise, that is also an error on their end. 

Health effects of post-term pregnancy 

Medical oversight often leads to miscalculations that put both you and your baby at risk. A post-term pregnancy happens when you go past your due date. This can lead to significant health risks such as:
  • Post-maturity syndrome: If your baby stays in your womb too long, their placenta becomes less effective at providing them nutrients and oxygen. 
  • Increased risk for C-section: This happens if your baby keeps growing inside you after 42 weeks. Larger babies make normal delivery more difficult. 
  • Low-amniotic fluid: This condition reduces oxygen flow to your baby causing fetal stress or stillbirth. 
  • Post-partum bleeding: You face the risk of hemorrhaging if you deliver larger babies resulting in extended labor. 
  • Vaginal tearing: Delivering larger babies can also cause tearing that can affect the speed of your recovery or future pregnancies. 
A miscalculated due date not only aggravates your delivery but also poses life threatening risks to you and your baby. Thus, recognizing when these risks stem from medical malpractice becomes essential in safeguarding your family. 

When should you get legal advice

When your due date miscalculation leads to harm, determining who bears responsibility becomes important for your recovery and your baby’s future. If it is found that a healthcare provider bears this responsibility, then they may owe you compensation for your medical expenses, ongoing care needs and the suffering you experienced.  This is where having legal counsel can be helpful. Your main priority should be your recovery and caring for your newborn. A lawyer experienced in medical malpractice cases can help take this off your hands and manage the complex process of seeking compensation.]]> On Behalf of Morrissey Legal Group, LLC <![CDATA[When stroke misdiagnosis becomes a medical malpractice]]> https://www.morrisseylegalgroup.com/?p=56833 2025-10-03T16:23:08Z 2025-10-03T16:22:42Z Why stroke misdiagnosis happens Stroke symptoms can appear suddenly and may be mistaken for other conditions. Common errors include:
  • Dismissing dizziness, confusion or headaches as minor issues.
  • Failing to order brain scans or imaging in time.
  • Misinterpreting test results or ignoring abnormal findings.
  • Not recognizing “mini-strokes” (Transient Ischemic Attacks or TIAs) that serve as red flags.
These mistakes often lead to delays in giving clot-busting drugs or surgical treatment that could prevent brain damage.

When liability applies

A doctor or hospital may be liable if the care you received fell below accepted medical standards. Liability may exist if:
  • Physicians failed to recognize clear signs of a stroke.
  • Diagnostic tools such as CT scans or MRIs were not used correctly.
  • Treatment was delayed because of poor staff communication.
  • Patients were discharged without proper follow-up despite warning signs.
Hospitals may also share responsibility if systems or staffing shortages contribute to errors.

How liability is determined

Proving liability in a stroke misdiagnosis case means showing the error directly caused harm. Key evidence includes medical records that reveal missed opportunities for testing or treatment, expert testimony explaining how a competent doctor would have acted differently and detailed timelines that demonstrate how delays worsened the outcome. This evidence collectively establishes the healthcare provider’s breach of the standard of care and the resulting damages, which are essential to holding doctors or hospitals responsible for their mistakes.

Holding providers accountable

Medical providers have a legal duty to act fast, follow protocols and treat stroke symptoms as emergencies. When they fail to meet these obligations, the law offers a way to hold them accountable for the life-altering consequences that may follow. This accountability is key to ensuring better outcomes and preventing similar mistakes.]]> On Behalf of Morrissey Legal Group, LLC <![CDATA[How getting a second opinion helps you avoid malpractice]]> https://www.morrisseylegalgroup.com/?p=56828 2025-09-16T15:36:27Z 2025-09-16T15:36:27Z Why second opinions matter A second opinion lets you compare one doctor’s judgment with another, forcing inconsistencies and potential errors to surface before they can harm you. This process protects you from blindly accepting a single opinion that may not account for all your symptoms, test results or medical history. It also gives you the confidence that the care you receive is the right one for your circumstances.

How second opinions prevent errors

Another doctor may interpret your tests differently, spot details the first one overlooked or recommend a safer and more effective treatment. Medical mistakes often happen when one perspective goes unchallenged. But when you ask another doctor to weigh in, you create a safeguard that can catch misdiagnosis, wrong medications or procedures you never truly needed. This reduces the chance of becoming a malpractice victim.

When to ask for a second opinion

You should get a second opinion if you receive a serious diagnosis, face surgery or feel uncertain about the treatment recommended. These moments carry higher risks of mistakes. Even when your doctor is confident, you gain peace of mind by making sure that another qualified professional agrees with the plan. If they do not, you have the information you need to make a better decision before it is too late.

Take charge of your health decisions

No one has more at stake in the outcome than you, and while a second opinion lowers the chance of malpractice, it cannot remove the risk entirely. If a medical error does happen, seeking legal guidance can help you understand your rights, recover what you’ve lost and hold the system accountable. You have a way forward when trust in your care has been shaken.]]> On Behalf of Morrissey Legal Group, LLC <![CDATA[Are you safe from medical errors in Chicago hospitals?]]> https://www.morrisseylegalgroup.com/?p=56826 2025-09-11T12:43:27Z 2025-09-12T12:42:37Z When you step into one of Chicago’s top hospitals, you expect expert care. Shiny facilities and national rankings can feel reassuring, yet medical errors still happen. For many patients, the shock comes when they realize mistakes occur even at the city’s most respected institutions.

Why rankings don’t equal safety

Hospital scores highlight technology, specialty programs, and overall patient satisfaction. What they leave out is how often serious mistakes happen. Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and preventable infections are not tracked the same way. Even in hospitals known for innovation, busy emergency rooms and packed surgical floors create situations where errors are more likely.

Mistakes you should know about

Some errors are seen more often than others, and knowing them helps you watch for warning signs.
  • Misdiagnosis: Missing key symptoms or ordering the wrong test can lead to delayed treatment.
  • Infections: Poor hygiene or improper equipment care may cause severe complications.
  • Birth injuries: High stress during labor can result in mistakes with lifelong consequences.
These problems show that even the best hospitals are not free from risk. When they occur, the damage can be life changing for you and your family.

How Illinois law protects you

Under the Illinois Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations, you generally have two years from the date you knew or should have known about the injury to file a claim. In no case can you file more than four years from the date of the malpractice. For children, the law allows claims up to eight years after the malpractice, but not after their 22nd birthday. These deadlines make it critical to act quickly once you suspect an error.

Why your rights matter

If you experience a medical error in a Chicago hospital, you deserve answers. Speaking with an attorney can help you learn if malpractice may have been involved. Legal guidance gives you a chance to protect your future while also helping prevent harm to other patients.]]>