Top Causes of Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death

 Posted on October 28, 2025 in Personal Injury

When you need to see a doctor, you deserve care from a safe, competent healthcare worker. Unfortunately, medical errors are one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. When a doctor, nurse, or hospital does not give a patient proper care, and that patient dies as a result, the surviving family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. 

If your family has suffered the unimaginable because of negligent healthcare, you deserve answers and justice. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, our Lombard, IL personal injury attorneys help clients pursue both. Call us today at 630-932-9100.

What Is Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death?

In Illinois, medical malpractice is when a healthcare provider does not follow the accepted standard of care. In wrongful death cases, that failure directly causes injury or death. A wrongful death lawsuit allows surviving family members to recover compensation. This may include medical bills, funeral costs, loss of income, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.

Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180), families typically have two years from the date of death to file a claim. Because hospitals and insurers often move quickly to limit liability, it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Most Common Causes of Death from Medical Malpractice

Surgical Errors

Surgical mistakes are among the most preventable forms of medical malpractice. These include operating on the wrong body part, leaving instruments inside the patient, or causing severe bleeding or infection. Even a minor mistake can lead to fatal complications such as internal organ damage, sepsis, or cardiac arrest.

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

When a doctor does not diagnose a serious condition in time, it can mean the difference between life and death. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are among the most common causes of medical malpractice in Illinois. Conditions such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, and infections are often misdiagnosed late or not at all.

Medication and Anesthesia Errors

Medication mistakes can occur at any stage of giving someone medicine. Overdoses, incorrect drugs, or harmful combinations can all have fatal outcomes. In hospitals and nursing homes, poor communication or a simple failure to review a patient’s medical history often play a role.

Birth Injuries

Childbirth is one of the most vulnerable times for both mother and baby. Medical negligence during labor and delivery can lead to tragic results. These include maternal death, hemorrhage, infection, or fatal injuries to the infant. Common mistakes include failure to perform a C-section in time, misusing forceps or vacuum devices, and not watching for fetal distress.

Emergency Room Negligence

Emergency departments are fast-paced environments where quick decisions can save or cost lives. Errors such as failing to triage patients correctly, discharging them too soon, or ignoring vital signs can have fatal results. Staffing shortages and poor communication often contribute to these mistakes. When an ER doctor does not diagnose a life-threatening condition or give fast enough treatment, the hospital may be liable for a wrongful death.

Call a Bloomingdale, IL Personal Injury Lawyer Today

The Lombard, IL medical malpractice attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices have more than 175 years of combined experience representing grieving families. We are a large, top-rated firm that provides the personalized service of a local office. We offer free consultations, contingency fee billing, and Saturday and evening appointments to fit your schedule.

To learn how to hold negligent medical professionals accountable, contact Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices at 630-932-9100 today. We are ready to fight for the justice and financial recovery your family deserves.