Which Medical Specialties Have the Most Malpractice Suits?

 Posted on May 07, 2025 in Medical Malpractice

Anyone can make a mistake. In many cases, those errors do not have severe repercussions. However, when a medical provider makes mistakes, patients can be harmed. General surgeons and obstetricians/gynecologists are the most likely to be sued for medical negligence. In fact, more than 63 percent of physicians in those specialties have had at least one claim filed against them.

Not every kind of adverse patient event results from medical malpractice. If you suffered harm from a preventable medical error, our skilled Cook County, IL medical malpractice attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.

What Is the Difference Between a Simple Medical Mistake and Medical Negligence?

Not all medical treatments are successful. Sometimes, a medical professional does everything right, but there are still adverse effects. For example, a patient could have an unexpected allergic reaction to a medication that is commonly prescribed for her ailment. A treatment plan that follows care standards might not produce the desired effect. While unfortunate, a simple mistake does not usually indicate medical negligence.

Doctors, nurses, and other medical providers are expected to meet accepted care standards. Medical negligence is doing something that a reasonably careful provider with similar qualifications would not have done, with that action or failure to act directly harming the patient.

What Are Examples of Medical Negligence by Surgeons and OBGYNs?

Various types of harm can result from surgical and OBGYN errors. Common surgical errors include wrong-site or wrong-patient surgeries and leaving medical tools or other foreign objects inside the patient unintentionally. Negligence in these and other medical malpractice cases could also include:

• Failing to obtain a patient’s full medical history
• Failing to order or misreading appropriate diagnostic tests
• Misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or failure to diagnose
• Delaying or failing to perform a necessary procedure or surgery
• Failing to monitor the patient’s condition closely
• Treating a patient while intoxicated or otherwise impaired

Patients can suffer long-term consequences from medical negligence. Birth injuries, such as cerebral palsy, and maternal injuries, like uterine rupture, can result from OBGYN mistakes. In some cases, patients die due to preventable medical errors.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Medical Malpractice Case?

To obtain compensation through a medical malpractice claim, you must prove that the provider’s negligence was the direct cause of the harm. That requires evidence, such as medical records, expert opinions, and eyewitness accounts. Experts need to explain the standard of care that should have been provided and how the medical professional deviated from that standard. Medical evidence is complex and confusing, and it takes an experienced investigator to locate and preserve it. We have the experience, focused knowledge, and resources to handle every part of your case.

Your damages could include pain and suffering, lost income, medical expenses, and more. Even with overwhelming evidence to support your claim, that does not mean the liable medical malpractice insurance company will pay you fairly. In fact, the opposite is usually the case. Insurers use several tactics to reduce payouts. Without a competent attorney who is a skilled negotiator, you may not even realize the settlement amount you accept is lower than it should be. We will fight for every penny you are entitled to.

Call Our Trusted Rolling Meadows, IL Medical Malpractice Attorney

When medical professionals cause harm through preventable errors, our determined Arlington Heights, IL personal injury lawyer can help you hold them accountable. Call Adler Law Offices, LTD at 312-236-2700 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.