Mr Thomas Walker Latham, Partner

Medical Negligence Types of Damages By Hon. James M. McGing (ret.) Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the appropriate standard of care, resulting in harm or injury to a patient. In Illinois, like in other states, victims of medical malpractice have the right to seek compensation for the damages they have suffered. These damages can be categorized into several types, each with its own considerations and legal principles. 1. Economic Damages: Economic damages refer to the financial losses incurred by the victim as a result of the medical malpractice. These damages are quantifiable and can be easily calculated. They include: - Medical expenses: This includes all the costs related to the victim's medical treatment, such as hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy. - Lost wages: If the victim is unable to work due to the injuries caused by medical malpractice, they may be entitled to compensation for the wages they have lost during their recovery period. - Future earning capacity: In cases where the victim's injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, they may be awarded damages to compensate for the loss of future earning capacity. - Cost of home modifications and assistive devices: If the victim requires modifications to their home or the use of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or prosthetics, they may be entitled to compensation for these expenses.

Nursing Home Liability for Residents’ Abuse or Neglect. Under the Nursing Home Care Act, long-term care facilities can be held liable for the abuse or neglect of persons under their care. “Facility" or "long-term care facility" means a private home, institution, building, residence, or any other place, whether operated for profit or not, or a county home for the infirm and chronically ill or any similar institution operated by a political subdivision of the State of Illinois, which provides, through its ownership or management, personal care, sheltered care or nursing for 3 or more persons, not related to the applicant or owner by blood or marriage. It includes skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities as those terms are defined in the federal Social Security Act. It also includes homes, institutions, or other places operated by or under the authority of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. What is Abuse and what is Neglect under Illinois Law? “Abuse” means any physical or mental injury or sexual assault inflicted on a resident other than by accidental means in a facility. “Neglect” means a facility's failure to provide, or willful withholding of, adequate medical care, mental health treatment, psychiatric rehabilitation, personal care, or assistance with activities of daily living that is necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or mental illness of a resident. If you suspect a family member or other person has been abused or neglected, call Former Judge James M. McGing (773) 467-8000 and speak to him today. Former Judge James M. McGing served as a Supervising Judge in the Law Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County and is a partner in the Miller & McGing Law Firm.

Workers Continue to Develop Mesothelioma in the U.S. Plain and simple, mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos. According to the Mayo Clinic, Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs (mesothelium) often becoming trapped in our lungs. Approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the United States, It often takes decades for the exposure to turn into mesothelioma. Asbestos consist of naturally occurring minerals made up of heat-resistant fibers. It was used in thousands of consumer products both before and after the dangers of asbestos were known. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other cancers. All mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos. Who can be held liable? Asbestos manufacturers knew asbestos was deadly and many failed to protect workers and their loved ones. Asbestos exposure commonly occurs when working with the deadly mineral, but companies are liable for secondhand exposure as well and can be held liable to victims and their family members who also became exposed to asbestos that was brought home on work clothing, etc. If you or loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, contact our office today and speak with former Judge James M. McGing at (773) 467-8000.