medical malpractice

How Patient-Doctor Confidentiality Conflicts with the Law

March 15, 2021/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Patient-physician confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of medical ethics. Patients entrust their doctors with personal information, and it is considered medical malpractice when information to a third-party is disclosed without the patients consent.

What is Patient-Doctor Confidentiality?

Patient-doctor confidentiality is the notion that a person should not be worried or concerned about seeking medical treatment out of fear that his or her condition will be disclosed to another party. The objective of the confidential relationship is so that patients can entrust their private information will be kept with their doctor or medical provider. Disclosing all information allows doctors to make an accurate diagnosis to provide the patient with the best possible medical care.

Principle IV of the American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics states, “[a] physician shall safeguard patient confidences and privacy within the constraints of the law” [1]. This duty of confidentiality has certain exceptions such as a patient’s threat to inflict serious physical harm on a specific, identified person when there is reasonable probability to believe the patient will carry out that threat [2].

The second part of Principle IV states, “within the constraints of the law” often justifies physician’s decision to disclose confidential information. In most states, physicians are required by state law to disclose evidence of child abuse which can be obtained through a physical examination or discussion with the minor [3]. Similarly, the law tells physicians to disclose information that indicates that a crime has occurred or may occur [3].

What is Covered by Patient-Doctor Confidentiality?

Confidentiality covers all medical records of the patient, including medical history, pre-existing medical conditions, x-rays, lab reports, etc.), as well as all communications between the patient and doctor. Generally, this includes the nurses and staff that work with the doctor.

What Constitutes as a Breach in Patient-Doctor Confidentiality?

A breach of patient-doctor confidentiality occurs when a patient’s private information is disclosed to a third party without their consent, and most of the time knowledge. However, there are certain exceptions to disclosure of information to state health officials and court orders that require medical records to be produced. These rules apply to both physicians and psychotherapists.

Patient confidentiality is protected under state law. When this is violated, the patient may have a cause of action against their doctor, medical providers, medical institution, among others for medical malpractice.

What Are the Privilege and Waiver Rules?

The patient-doctor privilege belongs to the patient. The patient has the right to decide whether or not information is disclosed. In most cases, the doctor has no discretion as to whether or not the information can be disclosed.

A patient waives their privilege by initiating a lawsuit in which the patient’s health is the issue, so long as the interactions between the doctor and patient are relevant to the lawsuit. A patient may also initiate a lawsuit for personal injury; however, the patient-doctor relationship must be relevant to the medical issues provided in the lawsuit in order for the privilege to be waived. For example, if a patient files a personal injury lawsuit, the release of their medical records would be relevant to the case.

Patient-doctor confidentiality relationships also protect observations, not just words. A doctor’s observation during an examination are considered a part of communication, which is privileged as a result. However, a doctor can disclose very basic details about the examination without breaching patient-doctor confidentiality.

When a third party assists with the provision of a patients healthcare, the rules of confidentiality will often prevent disclosure of the information by the doctor or the third party.

How Long Does Doctor-Patient Confidentiality Last?

According to the American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics, the duty of confidentiality continues even after a patient has stopped being seen or treated by that particular doctor, even surviving death of a patient.

Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit for Breaching Confidentiality with a Chicago, IL Lawyer

If a doctor breaches the confidential relationship with their patient by disclosing protected information, the patient may be entitled to file a lawsuit. A patient may recover compensatory damages which includes emotional suffering and damage to a patient’s reputation resulting from the disclosure.

Doctors may also be subject to sanctions by state medical boards for violating confidentiality rules. Although these sanctions don’t help the patient, it reduces the likelihood of future breaches of confidentiality.

If you or a loved one’s confidential information has been disclosed to a third party without your consent, please contact one of our skilled medical malpractice attorneys at Dinizulu Law Group. Our experienced attorney’s have the extensive knowledge and resources to seek justice for you or your loved one. Call our office today for a free consultation at (312) 384-1920 or visit our website for additional information.

Reflections in 2020

December 29, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

2020 is certainly a Year of Reflections. While all of us have had to make sacrifices this year, it’s always important to reflect on the past its meaning and the future. First and foremost, I pray that your families are healthy and well and have not been harmed during this pandemic. Personally, knowing many of you, I know that some of you have lost family members and loved ones. We must collectively reflect on life’s highs and lows and look forward to better days – living out our purpose. In reflecting on life’s promise and living out my purpose, I conclude I have much to be thankful for. I owe it all to you who have supported me throughout the decades and especially this last year.

I began 2020 trying a medical malpractice case against a local hospital for a beautiful little girl who was not timely diagnosed with meningitis. After a nearly 5-week trial, we were able to get justice for baby Ahlanie and her family on March 6, 2020. I can’t thank enough the parents of our client who entrusted their case with us so we could fight for the justice she deserved. I’m also thankful to my internal staff and trial team who put in countless hours, and are pictured here:

(As seen left to right: Gregg Luther, Edward Washington II, Yao O. Dinizulu, Don Keenan & Craig Sandberg)

Within 7-days of our trial completing, Illinois was shut down and placed on a stay-at-home order. With the state shut down to only essential workers, much of our office was influx as we learned to navigate this new world that we currently find ourselves in. When speaking to several of my colleagues, I learned many firms shut down because they were no longer receiving the business they once were. However, we persevered because we continued to receive your unwavering support as your Advocates for Justice. Not only did we maintain our stability, but we added to the foundation of our firm and have been able to continue to provide our community the results your loved ones deserve.

During this year, our attorneys were asked to speak at several seminars and conducted numerous presentations. Our Associate Brian Orozco was asked to speak as a panelist at his alma matter DePaul University for the 17^th Annual Latino Forum. Brian had the opportunity to speak to current law students about his experience in law and offer his advice based on his experience as a practicing attorney.

(Pictured: Associate Attorney Brian Orozco)

In July, Attorney Dinizulu was asked to present to a national audience on trying a medical malpractice case and the sophisticated techniques used to receive a favorable resolution.

In October, Mr. Dinizulu moderated a panel on Race and the Law. He was joined by esteemed panelists Plaintiff’s Attorney/Registered Nurse (RN) Vivian Tarver-Varnado, General Counsel and soon-to-be Deputy Mayor of Gary Indiana Trent McCain, and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago Dr. Sonya Dinizulu. The participants discussed how race has affected the practice of law. The discussion ranged from appellate practice, to jury selection, trial teams, expert witnesses, and the treatment of people of color by medical experts.

(As seen from left to right: Vivian Tarver-Varnado, Trent McCain, and Sonya Dinizulu)

Major protests were sparked at the end of May following the death of George Floyd.

Black Lives Matter and supporters went on to organize protests around the world including an estimated 15 to 26 million people in the United States participating in demonstrations over the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, Botham Jean, and countless others in the following weeks and months. The fight is not over.

These efforts for equality and civil rights for people of color would make recent protests the largest movement in U.S. history. Mr. Dinizulu participated in a protest with his family arranged by Jack & Jill in solidarity to end police brutality and systemic racism.

(Pictured below: Attorney Yao O. Dinizulu marching with his family in a Jack & Jill protest in June)

With 2020 coming to a close, the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. would like to thank you for all of your unwavering support. We hope you and your family have a safe and healthy New Year.

Remember to VOTE Georgia Blue for Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the upcoming senatorial elections on January 5.

Doctors Concerned About Lack of Cancer Screening During COVID-19 Pandemic

October 9, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – The COVID-19 pandemic has created medical problems beyond itself. Both doctors and non-profit leaders are concerned about the lack of cancer screenings and patient funding since the pandemic began in March.

Dr. Heather Greenwood, a University of California – San Francisco radiologist, told ABC 11, “We’re very, very worried. While there’s, unfortunately, a lot of patients struggling with COVID, the number of patients with cancer is not going away either.”

The National Cancer Institute has published numerous models that suggest breast cancer and colon cancer alone, for the next decade, there will be more than 10,000 deaths because people are not being screened as they normally would.

Most breast imaging appointments – mammograms and ultrasounds – were canceled in accordance with lock down guidelines. Volume has picked back up at some hospitals; however, doctors say they are still concerned.

The founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen’s San Francisco branch mentioned she delayed her mammogram for several months and is now going in October. “Everything is down.” Horning mentioned how this impacts women who are underinsured and underserved.

The pandemic has forced several fundraising events, such as the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk to move to a virtual event. As a result, donations and registration are down. These funds help patients who are in need of chemotherapy, pain medication, transportation to and from their treatment center, or childcare or psychosocial services.

Medical Malpractice: Claim Requirements and How to Prove a Claim

September 10, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Medical malpractice occurs when a patient is harmed by a medical professional, or doctor, who fails to competently perform his/her medical duties. State rules about medical malpractice differ in terms of how long you have to bring forth your lawsuit to notifying your doctor of a lawsuit; however, there are some general requirements to file a malpractice claim.

Basic Requirements for a Medical Malpractice Claim

To prove that medical malpractice occurred, you must be able to prove the following:

A doctor-patient relationship existed. You must show that you and your doctor established a doctor-patient relationship – this means, you hired the doctor and the doctor agreed to have you as a patient. If a doctor began to see you and treat you as a patient, it’s relatively easy to prove a physician-patient relationship existed.
The doctor was negligent. The doctor must have been negligent when diagnosing you or in your treatment. To sue for malpractice, you have to prove that your doctor harmed you in a way that a competent doctor, under the same circumstances, would not have. It’s important to note that the doctor’s care is not required to be the best possible, but rather “reasonably skillful and careful.” Nearly every state requires the patient presents a medical expert to discuss the appropriate standard of care and show how the doctor deviated from the standard of care.
The doctor’s negligence caused the injury. Because many malpractice cases involve patients that were already sick or injured, the question that often arises is whether what the doctor did, negligent or not, actually caused the patient harm. A patient must show that it was more likely than not that the doctor’s incompetence directly caused their injury. Normally, the patient must have a medical expert testify that the doctor’s negligence directly caused further harm.
The injury led to specific damages. Even if it’s clear that your doctor performed below the standard of care, the patient cannot sue a doctor if they didn’t suffer any harm. Some examples of the types of harm patients can sue for are:

- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Additional medical bills
- Lost work and lost earnings

Common Types of Medical Malpractice

There is a wide variety of situations that can lead to a medical malpractice claim; however, most malpractice claims fall into one of these categories:

Improper treatment. If a doctor fails to follow the standard of care and treats the patient in a way that no other doctor would, the patient could have a medical malpractice claim. It could also be a malpractice claim if the doctor were to select the appropriate treatment, but administers it incompletely.
Failure to diagnose. If a competent doctor would have discovered the patient’s illness or made a different diagnosis, which could have led to a better outcome, the patient may have a medical malpractice claim.
Failure to warn a patient of known risks. Doctors are responsible for warning patients of known risks of a procedures or a course of treatment, known as the duty of informed consent. If a patient, once properly informed of all possible risks, would have elected not to go through with the procedure, the doctor may be held liable for hurting their patient if they were injured by the procedure.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is a strict amount of time you have to get your case started in the state’s civil court system; however, this differs from state to state. Illinois has a statute of limitations that directly applies to medical malpractice cases. That law requires the lawsuits to be filed within two years of the date in which the plaintiff knew, or should’ve known, about the injury that was caused by the healthcare professional’s malpractice.

In the event that this is not discovered right away, the Illinois medical malpractice statute of limitations goes on to set a larger deadline in which a malpractice claim can be brought more than four years after the date the medical error occurred. You can learn more about this here.

If the plaintiff is under the age of 18, there is a specific filing deadline for a lawsuit filed on behalf of them. These cases must be filed within eight years of the date on which the malpractice occurred, but in no event can the case be brought beyond the person’s twenty-second birthday.

Getting Help

Medical malpractice law is highly complex that differs from state to state, so it’s important to get advice or representation by a lawyer.

The medical malpractice attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group are highly experienced and have the resources to properly handle your medical malpractice claim. If you have been harmed or suffered an injury due to your healthcare providers negligence, please contact our office at (312) 384-1920 for a free consultation.

The “Big Three” Misdiagnoses

July 7, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – When you visit a doctor’s office or a hospital with a concern, you trust that your healthcare provider is doing everything possible to help you find what’s wrong and address any concerns you may have. Unfortunately, misdiagnoses are more common than what many people realize.

A recent study by The John Hopkins University found that one in 10 people have who have a “Big Three” disease are initially misdiagnosed. Over half of the patients who were given an incorrect or delayed diagnosis developed a severe disability or died. These misdiagnoses can result in medical malpractice and those who have been affected by them have the right to seek compensation for their healthcare provider’s negligence.

The “Big Three” diseases are vascular events such as myocardial infarction and strokes, infections such as sepsis, and cancers because they are the most likely to cause harm in a patient who are misdiagnosed. Researchers selected these illnesses because they are the diseases most commonly referenced in medical misdiagnosis lawsuits.

A misdiagnosis can have catastrophic results. A large number of medical malpractice lawsuits stem from the misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a medical condition, illness, or injury. Delaying treatment for vascular events such as a heart attack or stroke by a matter of minutes can be the difference between life or death. Other diseases like cancer develop at a slower pace. It may take months or years to adversely affect the patient’s health. When doctor’s misdiagnosis cancer, they allow the illness to become extremely severe, and therefore, difficult to treat.

In general, doctors tend to misdiagnosis less common diseases more often than common ones. This may bebecause physicians may have a lack of available screening tests; however, it can be caused by a doctor’s lack of training. Negligent doctors may be unwilling to pursue a diagnosis of a less common disease because of how unlikely it may seem that the patient would have it.

If you have been seriously harmed or have lost a family due to a healthcare providers negligence or misdiagnosis, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The dedicated attorneys at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. have decades of experience successfully handling medical misdiagnosis cases. Our law firm has the resources to call on expert witnesses who can help us gain an even deeper understanding of the details of your situation. Our firm has the knowledge and skills needed to take your case to trial if a full and fair medical malpractice settlement cannot be reached.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted medical malpractice attorney or visit our website for more information.

Surgery is the 2nd Most Common Reason for Medical Malpractice Claims

March 9, 2020/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – According to a new report from medical liability insurer Coverys, surgery is the second most common cause for medial malpractice claims against doctors. Surgery not only puts the patient at risk, but it also poses a risk to doctors in terms of medical malpractice claims.

Coverys analyzed closed medical malpractice claims from 2014 to 2018 and found surgery-related claims accounted for nearly 25 percent of cases. Diagnosis-related claims accounted for 32 percent, which resulted in more malpractice cases.

Surgeons are a Major Factor in Malpractice Claims

The majority of malpractice claims showed 78 percent, or 2,579 surgery-related claims due to practitioner performance during surgery. All phases of the surgical process, including the care and decision making leading up to and following the surgery, can lead to a malpractice case, according to the report.

Top claims included general surgery (22 percent), orthopedic surgery (17 percent) and neurosurgery (8 percent), making up nearly the 50 percent threshold of surgery-related claims.

29 percent of injuries sustained from surgery were considered “permanent significant,” and 9 percent resulted in a patient’s death. Nearly 39 percent of claims alleged a lack of technical skill of the surgeon; furthermore, 27 percent allege a failure in clinical judgement and/or communication.

Before a surgery begins, physicians have the responsibility to ensure a patient’s participation and understanding of shared decision making. Surgeons are required to document informed content discussions in medical records; however, some physicians require to meet this standard.

Surgeons and insurance companies want to prevent medical malpractice claims because it will cost money, do damage to their reputation, and cause harm to a patient. These concerns are minor compared to the burden a patient must bear after suffering an injury during surgery.

Preventing Surgery Related Malpractice Claims

Coverys offers recommendations to healthcare systems and how they can improve outcomes that prevent surgical mistakes that can be catastrophic, and in some instances, deadly, including:

Physicians should work with patients to develop an understanding of why certain decisions are made by medical professionals and risks involved in certain decisions and procedures.
Surgeons should document informed consent with patients in their medical records. The patients response and any questions should also be included.
Operating rooms should be distraction-free including limited conversation, turning cell phone ringers off, no music, and banning visitors or observers while a procedure is taking place.
Hospitals should adopt similar guidelines to the aviation industry that mandates pilots that pilots cannot perform non-essential duties during high-risk activities.

There is a predominant issue in the medical field that involves distractions in operating rooms, which could furthermore lead to a surgical mistakes or death.

Are You a Victim of a Surgical Error?

There is no doubt that any surgery comes with risks; however, the risks should not include carelessness, distraction, or negligence. Many surgical errors are preventable, but hospitals and doctors must do everything they can to eliminate distractions and communicate to the best of their ability.

Failure to adhere to the standard of care is a violation of your rights of a patient. If you suffer from harm as a result of medical malpractice, you should contact an attorney immediately about your rights and options to pursue compensation. At Dinizulu Law Group, we work regularly with clients who have had to endure pain and suffering and catastrophic injuries due to a surgeon or hospital error. We help victims who are suffering from the negligent behavior of nurses, doctors, surgeons, and hospital healthcare systems.

If you have concerns regarding the care you received or the outcome of a surgical procedure, we can help. At Dinizulu Law group, our team of legal and medical professionals will review your situation and help determine if you have a medical malpractice claim. To get started, request a free consultation by calling us at (312) 384-1920.

Army Veteran Dying of Cancer Delivers Emotional Statement to Congress on Medical Malpractice

July 10, 2019/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Richard Stayskal testified before Congress an emotional statement regarding medical malpractice in the military. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill heard testimony about allegations of medical malpractice by Defense Department medical professionals as Congress considers overturning the Feres Doctrine, a legal doctrine prohibiting people who are injured as a result of military services from suing the federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act for injuries and negligence (Cornell Law).

Stayskal delivered an emotional opening statement to lawmakers explaining a misdiagnosis and inadequate medical care involving a tumor in his lungs that he suffered with for months. Medical professionals brushed off symptoms of walking pneumonia, even though he was on the verge of death throwing up pools of blood.

According to Newsweek, Staksyal was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in January 2018 – something U.S. Army doctors overlooked or ignored. Over time, his cancer spread to his lymph nodes in his neck, spleen, liver, and ilium crest, which forms a hipbone, along with his spine and right hip.

Lung cancer is the leading form of cancer in both men and women and account for nearly 25 percent of cancer deaths. A five-year survival rate for those diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer is less than ten percent (American Lung Association).

“I want to say that this does affect me obviously, but my children are the true victims,” Stayskal, 37, said. “They will now grow up without a father. Someone that will teach them how to drive, walk them down the aisle when they get married. They seek counseling and special treatment at school. One of the biggest things they try and understand is how this happened.

As Skayskal’s case shows, a failure to diagnose frequently involves medical professionals mistaking symptoms of one disease for another. A misdiagnosis can lead to unresolved treatment needed to prevent symptoms from worsening or becoming terminal.

If you have experienced a misdiagnoses by a doctor for your medical condition, under the breach of standard care, you may potentially seek damages through civil litigation. The Feres Doctrine is a unique consideration that applies only to members of the military.

If your doctor has failed to accurately diagnose a medical condition that has led to serious problems, the attorneys at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. are ready to assist you with a malpractice claim. Our attorney’s have experience, resources, and a network of medical professional to build a strong case on your behalf. Please call (312) 384-1920 or go online to schedule a consultation.

Doctors Must Treat Bacterial Illnesses Differently From Viral Illnesses

July 13, 2018/in Blog, Medical malpractice, Medical negligence/by Yao Dinizulu

The medical community has agreed upon standards that doctors must abide by when they treat a patient for a bacterial infection vs. treating them for a viral one.

While most viral infections are allowed to run their course, bacterial infections are treated with prescribed antibiotics. When you go to the doctor with certain symptoms, a good doctor will take all the necessary precautions while evaluating your illness. He or she must first rule out the worst possible illnesses that you may have contracted. Diseases like sepsis and meningitis are life-threatening conditions that are easily preventable if a doctor does his or her due diligence.

There are various ways to do this. The doctor might ask you further questions about your symptoms, examine your nose, throat, temperature, or may even order additional testing or lab work.

The doctor must take all the necessary steps to get to the root cause of your illness. Only after following all the necessary precautions is a doctor able to properly diagnose you. Through years of medical school and training, medical doctors are properly trained to thoroughly follow this process when examining their patients. What happens if a doctor fails to follow the steps and misdiagnoses a patient?

The results can be disastrous, especially for young children and our elderly loved ones, who may need antibiotics right away before a minor bacterial infection can turn into something life-threatening, like sepsis or meningitis. Meningitis can cause irreversible brain damage that a young child who may have their whole life ahead of them would be unable to recover from.

A good doctor understands the responsibility they have to their patient and their family members. As a Medical Malpractice Trial Attorney, it’s unfortunate how many cases I see where a doctor has caused irreparable harm simply because he or she simply didn’t follow the needed precautions.

When we go to the doctor we expect we will be treated with diligence and respect. If you believe a doctor has misdiagnosed you or your loved one and caused harm, there’s help. Contact the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at 1-800-693-1LAW or 1-312-384-1920 or by email. With over 50 years of combined experience and millions recovered in verdicts and settlements we are here for you.

What is a Day In The Life Video?

July 10, 2017/in Blog, Medical malpractice, Medical negligence, Personal injury claim, Personal injury law/by Yao Dinizulu

In personal injury lawsuits for severely injured victims, a Day-in-the-Life Video is shown to the jury during trial to offer a visual account of the injured victim’s day-to-day challenges. It captures footage from the moment the injured person wakes up to the time they go to bed. It crunches what an entire day is for an injured person to a 15-30 min time frame that can be shown in court.

The Day-in-the-Life Video may show how the injured person gets out of bed. Is he or she able to do it alone? Does an assisted living professional need to be present? Can the person go to the bathroom or shower self-sufficiently? From the Day-in-the-Life Video the jury will be able to see the full extent of the victim’s injuries. They will see the injured person’s face, read their facial expressions, and hear their voice. This lets the jury know firsthand the emotional and physical challenges the victim is facing. Watch the video to learn more.

The Day-in-the-Life Video also captures footage of the injured person in their home, in what used to be a comfortable setting. In the aftermath of an injury, the setting of the home may have become extremely difficult to maneuver around in. A video can show how challenging it is to get to the kitchen. How long does it take to climb a set of stairs?

A Day-in-the-Life Video can also show the injured victim’s interactions with loved one. Has the quality of family life changed? Is the injured victim able to spend time with his kids or spouse. Answers to these questions can also be captured on tape and shown to the jury.

Remember, the jurors are everyday people from our community that are selected to uphold our justice system. A Day-in-the-Life Video is able to grab their attention and move them in ways that expert testimony or documents alone aren’t able to.

It requires a skilled and well-experienced personal injury lawyer to create a Day-in-the-Life video that’s accepted as admissible evidence in the courtroom. Without being admissible in court, the jury isn’t able to see the client’s Day in the Life Video. This can be a significant blow to the recovery amount the jury decides.

At the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd., we have created many Day-in-the-Life Videos for severely injured clients and taken them to trial for successful verdicts. If you or your loved one is suffering from the fault of others, count on us to help. With over 60 years of combined experience, our Chicago personal injury attorneys are known for their expertise and tough litigation. Contact us by email or call us at 312-384-1920 to schedule a consultation with one of our personal injury trial attorneys practicing law throughout Illinois.

What Is A Life Care Plan?

July 10, 2017/in Blog, Medical malpractice, Medical negligence, Personal injury claim, Personal injury law, Trucking accident injury law/by Yao Dinizulu

For the severely injured, a Life Care Plan is a detailed assessment of the severely injured victim’s needs. It should take into account:

Current and future medical needs: Things like cost of medication, specialized furniture, assisted living professionals, rehabilitation expenses should be included in the life care plan.

Transportation needs: Would the injured victim need to have special equipment for traveling? Recreational opportunities also need to be factored into a life care plan.

Construction modifications to the home: Specialized medical equipment may require changes to the layout of the home. Perhaps an elevator lift is needed. These very large expenses need to be looked at very thoroughly to create a proper life care plan.

In an injury lawsuit for a severely injured victim, the Life Care Plan is instrumental in building your case. It can show to the jury the extent of a victim’s injuries, and the long-term cost of living with such life-changing injuries. When a Life Care Plan is led by a personal injury lawyer who is well-experienced in litigation and trial, the recovery results could ensure that the injured victim is able to live with dignity and financially independence. Watch the video to learn more.

At the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd., when our Chicago personal injury lawyers consult with a Life Care Planner, we collaborate with an entire team of medical and financial experts and ensure assessments by doctors, psychologists, counselors, and economists are all taken into account and factored into the Life Care Plan. We do this to ensure all of the injured victim’s needs are considered. This means including present and anticipated future needs into the life care plan. Is future medication included in the plan? Will the medication be supported across providers? The Life Care Plan needs to be a complete and comprehensive document.

Once created, the Life Care Plan is given to the jury so that the jury can fully understand you or your loved one’s needs and recognize your compensation claim as genuine. A skilled and well-experienced personal injury lawyer will help the life care planner get the testimony and documentation from the entire team of medical and financial experts that’s admissible in the court so that the jury may hear all parts of the life care plan.

Many personal injury lawyers don’t understand how important it is to be fully involved in the creation of the Life Care Plan, and as a result, your recovery suffers.

At the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd., we pay close attention to the life care plan and present our clients’ complete needs in court. We have been thoroughly involved in many very complex life care plans and have advocated for our clients’ complete needs successfully. With over 60 years of combined experience, our Chicago personal injury attorneys are known for their expertise and tough litigation. Contact us by email or call us at 312-384-1920 to schedule a consultation with one of our personal injury trial attorneys practicing law throughout Illinois.