Peoria Surgical Errors Lawyer

Surgical Errors Can Have Permanent Consequences

Surgical errors can lead to long-term disability, repeated operations, chronic pain, loss of organ function, or death. In many cases, these injuries could have been prevented with proper training, communication, and adherence to protocols.

Victims of surgical errors often experience:

• Prolonged hospitalization and recovery
• Permanent impairment or disfigurement
• Emotional trauma and loss of trust in medical professionals
• Financial stress due to medical bills and lost income
• Additional surgeries or treatments to correct the original mistake
• Lifestyle changes that reduce independence and mobility
• Psychological symptoms such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety

Our job is to hold medical professionals accountable for the harm they cause and make sure you receive the compensation necessary to recover, rebuild, and regain control of your life. In many cases, that means consulting life care planners, vocational experts, and economists to demonstrate the full extent of the damages caused by errors in the operating room.

Common Types of Surgical Errors

Surgical errors aren’t limited to dramatic wrong-site operations. Many mistakes occur behind closed doors in sterile environments, and they aren’t discovered until it’s too late. Our medical malpractice attorneys handle surgical error cases involving:

• Wrong-site surgery (operating on the wrong body part or patient)
• Foreign objects left in the body (sponges, tools, clamps)
• Anesthesia errors (overdose, failure to monitor oxygen, awareness during surgery)
• Nerve damage or organ perforation
• Laparoscopic surgical injuries (common in gallbladder or hernia repair)
• Failure to monitor vital signs
• Postoperative negligence leading to infection or sepsis
• Delayed recognition of surgical complications
• Unnecessary or unauthorized surgery
• Improper surgical technique or inadequate sterilization protocols

Surgical negligence can occur during routine outpatient procedures or complex hospital operations. In many cases, patients only realize something went wrong after unexplained complications, repeated hospitalizations, or corrective surgeries. Whether your injury happened at a major Chicago hospital or a local surgical center in Peoria, we will hold the negligent healthcare provider accountable.

Why Surgical Errors Happen

Most surgical errors are avoidable. They happen not because of unforeseen complications, but because medical professionals cut corners, ignore red flags, or fail to follow standard protocols. Common causes of surgical mistakes include:

• Lack of communication between surgical team members
• Inadequate pre-operative planning
• Surgeon fatigue or impairment
• Unqualified or undertrained personnel
• Failure to check patient records or imaging
• Operating room chaos or poor supervision
• Ignoring alarms or vital signs
• Rushing through procedures due to scheduling pressure

In teaching hospitals and high-volume surgical centers, there may also be issues related to residents performing unsupervised procedures, or overworked staff failing to communicate effectively. These systemic issues can increase the risk of human error, leading to tragic outcomes.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Surgical Error?

Surgical malpractice claims often involve more than one negligent party. Our Peoria surgical error attorneys will investigate the full chain of care to identify every individual or institution that may share responsibility, including:

• Surgeons
• Anesthesiologists
• Surgical nurses or techs
• Physician assistants
• Hospital administration
• Private surgical centers or specialty clinics
• Medical equipment manufacturers (in cases involving defective devices)
• Third-party contractors involved in sterilization or preparation

Illinois law requires plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases to provide a written affidavit and report from a qualified expert. This means your claim must be backed by a licensed physician who believes the standard of care was breached. We coordinate with trusted medical experts to build the strongest case possible.

In some cases, multiple parties may try to shift blame onto each other, prolonging your path to justice. Our firm knows how to cut through the noise and focus on getting results.

What Compensation Is Available in a Surgical Error Lawsuit?

Victims of surgical errors may be entitled to substantial compensation under Illinois law. Our attorneys will seek to recover:

• Medical expenses (past and future, including rehabilitation, corrective surgery, and assistive devices)
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of normal life (inability to engage in activities you once enjoyed)
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of consortium (for spouses)
• Wrongful death damages (if your loved one died due to surgical malpractice)

Illinois does not currently impose caps on medical malpractice damages, which means juries can award full compensation based on the facts of the case. Our firm works with experts to document future care needs, vocational limitations, and economic loss—not just the costs you’ve already incurred, but what the injury will continue to cost for years to come.

In wrongful death claims, compensation may also cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. We know these cases are deeply personal, and we approach them with the focus and care they deserve.

How We Prove Surgical Malpractice in Illinois

Surgical malpractice cases are medically and legally complex. To succeed, your attorney must show:

1. A provider-patient relationship existed (duty of care)
2. The provider breached the standard of care
3. You suffered harm as a direct result of that breach
4. You have measurable damages (physical, financial, or both)

Our surgical error attorneys manage every detail of your claim, including:

• Obtaining and reviewing all medical records
• Consulting independent medical experts
• Identifying surgical protocols that were violated
• Interviewing OR staff and reviewing internal reports
• Preparing affidavits and expert certifications required by Illinois law
• Negotiating with hospital attorneys and malpractice insurers
• Taking your case to court if necessary

We don’t just file claims—we build cases that stand up in court. And if the hospital or its insurer refuses to settle for a fair amount, we have the litigation experience to take your case before a jury.

Why Choose Strong Law Offices for Your Surgical Error Injury Case

At Strong Law Offices, we don’t represent hospitals or surgical centers. We don’t make excuses for negligent doctors. We fight for injured victims and their families when medical professionals fail to do their jobs safely and responsibly.

What sets us apart:

• 25+ years of focused experience in personal injury and malpractice law
• Local roots in Peoria—we know the hospitals, insurers, and judges
• Personalized representation from lawyers who actually handle your case
• No fees unless we win
• Proven results, including millions in settlements and verdicts for injured clients
• A history of successful outcomes in complex surgical error cases

Our attorneys understand the emotional and financial toll that medical errors take on a family. We don’t hand your case off to a junior associate or treat you like a file number. You’ll work directly with a seasoned attorney who understands what’s at stake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Error Lawsuits in Illinois

What is considered a surgical error in Illinois? [

A surgical error is any preventable mistake made during surgery that deviates from the accepted standard of care. This can include operating on the wrong site, leaving instruments inside the patient, anesthesia mishaps, nerve damage, and post-operative neglect that leads to complications.

How long do I have to file a surgical malpractice lawsuit in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, you generally have two years from the date you knew or should have known about the injury to file a medical malpractice claim. However, no case may be filed more than four years after the date of the alleged malpractice, regardless of when the injury was discovered. There are exceptions for minors and cases involving fraudulent concealment.

Do I need a medical expert to file a claim?

Yes. Illinois law requires a certificate of merit signed by a qualified healthcare professional who has reviewed your records and believes your claim has merit. Our attorneys will coordinate with board-certified experts to fulfill this requirement and support your case.

Can I still sue if I signed a consent form before surgery?

Yes. Signing a consent form does not waive your right to sue for surgical negligence. Informed consent covers known risks—not preventable mistakes that result from carelessness, inattention, or incompetence.

What if the hospital blames the complication on a known surgical risk?

Complications can occur even with proper care, but when a known risk is mishandled or preventable through standard precautions, it may constitute negligence. Our legal team works with medical professionals to differentiate unavoidable risks from avoidable errors.

Speak With Our Peoria Surgical Error Lawyers Today

Surgical errors can shatter lives in an instant. Whether you’re recovering from a botched procedure or grieving the loss of a loved one, you deserve answers—and accountability. The hospital will have lawyers. So should you.

Call Strong Law Offices today at 309-393-2928 to schedule a free consultation with a Peoria surgical error lawyer. You can also contact us online to get started with your claim. We will review your case, explain your rights, and help you determine your next steps.