At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we have spent over 40 years fighting for seriously injured clients throughout Illinois and have recovered more than $3.5 billion in verdicts and settlements on their behalf. A qualified Ozempic lawsuit lawyer from our firm can review your situation and help you understand whether you may have a claim. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

Recognizing Gastroparesis Symptoms Related to Ozempic

Ozempic slows the movement of food through the stomach as part of its intended function, but for some patients, gastric emptying is not just delayed. It stops entirely. The resulting stomach paralysis is known as “gastroparesis.” Many patients who developed gastroparesis after taking Ozempic have reported a recognizable pattern of symptoms. If you have experienced any of the following since taking Ozempic, that information could serve as proof of gastroparesis for an Ozempic lawsuit:

• Persistent Nausea: Unlike the mild, temporary nausea that many Ozempic users experience early in treatment, gastroparesis-related nausea tends to be chronic and unrelenting. It does not resolve as the body adjusts to the medication, and it often intensifies after meals, sometimes to a degree that makes eating feel impossible.
• Severe Vomiting, Including Vomiting of Undigested Food: One of the hallmark signs of gastroparesis is the regurgitation of food that was consumed hours earlier, still largely undigested. This occurs in some patients when the stomach muscles lose the ability to push food into the small intestine at a normal rate, so food sits undigested rather than moving through the digestive tract.
• Early Satiety: Patients with gastroparesis often feel full after consuming only a few bites of food, well before they have eaten a nutritionally adequate amount. Over time, this symptom can lead to significant unintended weight loss and malnutrition, as the body is unable to absorb enough calories and nutrients to sustain normal, healthy function.
• Abdominal Pain and Bloating: A heavy, distended feeling in the abdomen is a common complaint among gastroparesis patients. This symptom is frequently accompanied by cramping or a dull, persistent ache in the upper stomach area, which often worsens after eating.
• Acid Reflux and Heartburn: When food remains in the stomach longer than it should, stomach acid has more opportunity to move upward into the esophagus. Patients with Ozempic-related gastroparesis have reported a significant worsening of acid reflux symptoms, including burning in the chest and throat that is difficult to control even with standard over-the-counter remedies.
• Fluctuating Blood Sugar Levels: For patients who originally took Ozempic to manage type 2 diabetes, gastroparesis can introduce a dangerous complication: because food digests unpredictably, blood sugar levels become erratic and difficult to control. This symptom can directly undermine the very reason the patient was initially prescribed the medication.
• Symptoms That Persist After Stopping the Medication: A number of plaintiffs in active Ozempic litigation have reported chronic digestive symptoms that did not resolve after they discontinued the drug. For these patients, gastroparesis appears to have become chronic and may require ongoing medical management and, in severe cases, hospitalization or surgery.

How Ozempic Can Lead to Gastroparesis

Ozempic belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These diabetes drugs work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that, among other functions, slows the movement of food through the stomach. This mechanism, known as slowing gastric emptying or delayed stomach emptying, is part of how prescribed Ozempic helps to control blood sugar and reduce appetite. By increasing insulin production and lowering blood glucose levels, Ozempic and similar medications are intended to help diabetic patients manage their condition, control blood sugar, and reduce appetite.

For many patients, that process works as intended. For others, however, the stomach stops functioning properly altogether. Instead of a controlled delay in digestion, the stomach muscles weaken to the point that they can no longer move food into the small intestine. That condition is known as gastroparesis, and it is a recognized risk associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients who took GLP-1 drugs had a significantly greater risk of developing gastroparesis than patients taking other weight-loss medications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received adverse event reports linking Ozempic to stomach emptying problems, prompting concerns about the drug’s safety profile regarding gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is one of the most frequently alleged injuries in lawsuits against Ozempic, with claims focusing on delayed gastric emptying and severe gastrointestinal complications. Many patients allege that Novo Nordisk failed to provide adequate warnings about gastroparesis as a distinct and potentially permanent condition despite the elevated risk. That alleged failure is now at the center of the current litigation.

How Do I Prove Ozempic Caused My Gastroparesis?

You must show two key things to prove that Ozempic caused your gastroparesis: a confirmed medical diagnosis and a clear evidentiary link between that diagnosis and your use of the drug.

On the diagnostic side, objective medical testing is essential. A federal court overseeing the consolidated Ozempic GI injury litigation has ruled that plaintiffs alleging gastroparesis must have had a gastric emptying study performed at the time of their diagnosis. This could include gastric scintigraphy, a wireless motility capsule test, or a breath test – a procedure where you consume a special meal and provide breath samples over several hours to measure the rate of stomach emptying. If you have not yet undergone that testing, it is a good idea to consult both a physician and a personal injury attorney from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. as soon as possible.

It is often more complex to establish a direct link between Ozempic and your gastroparesis. To prove this legal element, you and your lawyer will need to demonstrate that:

• Your gastroparesis developed during or after your use of Ozempic.
• You had no prior history of the condition.
• The timeline of your symptoms is consistent with the drug’s known effects on gastric function.

Medical records documenting your digestive health before and after you began taking Ozempic are particularly valuable to establish this evidentiary link. Detailed treatment records that show the progression of your condition over time can be, too. A qualified medical expert will typically also play a central role in connecting these facts into a coherent causation argument that can hold up in court.

What Medical Records and Documentation Are Needed to Support My Ozempic Injury Claim?

In any product liability lawsuit, the burden falls on you (the plaintiff) to establish that the product caused your injuries. In an Ozempic gastroparesis case, that means assembling a body of documentation that connects the medication to your diagnosis and demonstrates the full scope of the harm you suffered. The following categories of documentation are typically central to an Ozempic gastroparesis lawsuit:

• Prescription and Pharmacy Records: Prescription records and pharmacy fill histories can establish when you began taking Ozempic, the dosage you received, and how long you remained on the medication. These records form the chronological backbone of your claim.
• Gastric Emptying Study Results: This is perhaps the most critical piece of medical evidence in an Ozempic lawsuit. A federal court overseeing the consolidated GI injury litigation has ruled that plaintiffs must have had a gastric emptying study performed at the time of diagnosis in order to proceed with their product liability claims, so if you have not yet obtained this testing, that should be a priority.
• Complete Medical Records Related to Gastroparesis Treatment: You should collect and preserve evidence of every physician visit, emergency room encounter, hospitalization, and specialist consultation related to your gastroparesis. These records document the severity of your condition and the full extent of the medical intervention your care has required. Click here to learn how to request and obtain your medical records.
• A Personal Symptom Journal: A detailed written account of your daily symptoms carries real evidentiary value. A record that documents the date, nature, frequency, and severity of your symptoms over time can corroborate clinical findings and convey to the court the true toll gastroparesis has taken on your life.
• Documentation of Financial Losses: Gastroparesis can create substantial financial strain, including from medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. Pay stubs, medical billing records, and related receipts can help you establish the full financial impact of your injury.
• Records of Prior Digestive Health: One argument the drug manufacturers have advanced in the existing litigation is that plaintiffs had pre-existing conditions that could explain their symptoms. Medical records documenting your digestive health before you began taking Ozempic can refute that argument and establish that your gastroparesis developed in direct connection with the drug.
• Communications with Healthcare Providers: Emails, patient portal messages, and written correspondence between you and your physicians about Ozempic side effects should be preserved. If you reported symptoms to your doctor while taking the drug, that communication history may be directly relevant to the failure-to-warn claims at the heart of this litigation.
• Expert Medical Opinions: In complex pharmaceutical litigation, judges and juries rely heavily on qualified medical experts to explain the connection between a drug and a plaintiff’s injury. An experienced Ozempic lawsuit attorney can retain qualified experts to review your records and provide a professional opinion on causation.

Building a Strong Case for Gastroparesis Linked to Ozempic

A solid Ozempic gastroparesis case offers a cohesive narrative that connects your Ozempic use to your diagnosis and your diagnosis to your suffering. It should also connect your suffering to a specific dollar figure that reflects the true cost of your injury. That kind of narrative requires careful preparation and a thorough understanding of how pharmaceutical product liability cases work.

An experienced attorney can seek to establish that Novo Nordisk knew or should have known about the risk of gastroparesis and that the company’s warnings were inadequate. They can also demonstrate that you would have made a different decision about taking the drug had you received adequate information. Each of those arguments requires its own body of supporting evidence.

The Role of Expert Testimony

A qualified gastroenterologist or pharmacologist can explain to a jury precisely how GLP-1 receptor agonists affect gastric function. They can also clarify why your diagnosis is consistent with Ozempic use and how the manufacturer’s warnings fell short of what the medical evidence demanded. Without credible expert testimony, even a well-documented case can quickly fall apart.

How an Attorney Can Help with an Ozempic Gastroparesis Lawsuit

Pharmaceutical product liability litigation is highly complex, and Ozempic cases are no exception. Novo Nordisk is a large, well-resourced company with experienced legal counsel, and it has made clear its intention to vigorously defend against liability claims. All of this means that you will be at a serious disadvantage if you attempt to pursue a claim without experienced legal representation.

An attorney with experience in Ozempic litigation will take on the full burden of preparing and presenting your case. That includes obtaining and reviewing your medical records, identifying and retaining qualified expert witnesses, researching the applicable law, and developing a litigation strategy tailored to the specifics of your situation. Your attorney can also handle all communications and negotiations with the defense, so you can focus on your health rather than the demands of litigation.

Perhaps most importantly, an experienced attorney will know the status of the current Ozempic MDL and can position your individual claim effectively within that broader framework.

Filing an Ozempic Gastroparesis Lawsuit in Chicago

If you took Ozempic and developed gastroparesis, you should know how Illinois law will govern various aspects of your personal injury claim. For example, Illinois’ statute of limitations law gives you two years to file most personal injury lawsuits. This two-year window begins on the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the link between your injury and your Ozempic use. Two years can go by more quickly than you might expect, so it is best to consult an attorney promptly if you know or suspect you might have a claim.

Once you file your individual lawsuit, it will likely become part of MDL No. 3094, the federal consolidated Ozempic litigation currently pending in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The MDL structure of this case involves coordinated pretrial proceedings for thousands of cases, though each claim gets resolved individually. The outcome of your case will ultimately depend on the specific facts of your situation.

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we have represented seriously injured clients throughout Illinois for over 40 years and have secured hundreds of multi-million dollar payouts to date. Our firm has the resources and litigation experience to pursue even the most complex pharmaceutical claims at the highest level. If you believe you may have an Ozempic lawsuit, contact us immediately.

Consult a Chicago Ozempic Lawsuit Lawyer Today

The attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have the resources, litigation experience, and record of results to give your Ozempic case the attention it deserves. If you or a loved one developed gastroparesis after taking Ozempic, contact us now to discuss how our firm can help in a free consultation.

The post How to Prove Gastroparesis for an Ozempic Lawsuit appeared first on Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C..

According to NBC Chicago, the crash occurred on Chicago’s West Side around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12 and involved multiple vehicles, including a CPD squad car. Following the collision, emergency responders transported four individuals to area hospitals. Authorities confirmed that an infant was among those injured. An investigation into the crash remains open.

Why Police-Involved Crashes Can Be Complex

Collisions involving government vehicles differ from typical car accidents. These cases may involve government liability laws and immunity defenses and internal agency investigations.

Illinois law allows police officers and other emergency responders certain driving privileges when responding to emergencies, including proceeding through red lights or exceeding posted speed limits. However, those privileges come with an important limitation: officers must still operate their vehicles with due regard for public safety.

Emergency status does not automatically eliminate responsibility when negligence contributes to a crash. Learn more about police chase accident liability and who could be held accountable.

Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard regularly handles complex motor vehicle collision cases and understand the legal issues that can arise when public entities or emergency vehicles are involved.

The post Four hospitalized, including Infant, after crash involving Chicago Police appeared first on Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C..

High-Risk Procedures and Surgical Factors

Certain non-ocular surgeries pose a heightened risk of optic nerve injury. Conditions that reduce oxygen delivery to the optic nerve during surgery can cause permanent damage. Some of the procedures and factors linked to an increased risk of vision loss after non-ophthalmic surgery include:

• Spine surgeries performed in the prone position for extended periods
• Cardiac bypass or other major heart surgeries
• Lengthy operations involving substantial blood loss
• Episodes of low blood pressure during or after surgery
• Large-volume fluid replacement that may affect optic nerve perfusion

While careful intraoperative monitoring and patient selection may reduce these risks, they cannot eliminate them entirely.

Perioperative Visual Loss (POVL) and Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Perioperative visual loss (POVL) refers to vision impairment that occurs during or shortly after surgery. One of the most reported causes of POVL is ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), which develops when blood flow to the optic nerve decreases. Without adequate oxygen, nerve fibers can suffer irreversible injury.

Ischemic optic neuropathy may affect one or both eyes. In many cases, patients wake from anesthesia with partial or complete vision loss that does not improve over time.

Signs of Post-Surgical Optic Nerve Damage

While patients may not immediately recognize that they’ve suffered optic nerve damage, symptoms often become apparent upon waking from anesthesia or within the first few days after surgery. The following symptoms require prompt evaluation to determine a course of treatment and preserve any potential legal claims against a careless provider:

• Sudden partial or complete vision loss
• Blurred or dim vision
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Changes in color perception
• A relative afferent pupillary defect identified on exam

When Does Vision Loss Qualify as Medical Malpractice?

Not every instance of post-surgical vision loss results from a provider’s negligence, and some complications can occur even when a surgical team follows accepted standards of care. A malpractice claim may arise when a provider fails to monitor blood pressure properly, disregards significant blood loss, or neglects known risk factors.

A successful malpractice claim requires a patient to show that a provider’s breach of the appropriate standard of care caused their optic nerve injury and resulting vision loss.

Obtain Legal Counsel from a Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Have you been experiencing signs of post-surgical optic nerve damage? You may have a valid claim against your surgeon or another member of your medical team. The team at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help you understand your legal rights and options. We’ve obtained over $3.5 billion for our injured clients and are prepared to put our significant resources to work for you. Contact our office to speak with a Chicago medical malpractice attorney.

The post Optic Nerve Damage From Non-Ocular Surgery appeared first on Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C..

According to the Green Bay Police Department, the bus was coming from Chicago and heading to a casino in Michigan.

As the bus was exiting Interstate 43, it drove over an embankment, which police estimated to be about 4 or 5 feet, and nearly crashed into a warehouse, Fox 11 reported.

The Green Bay Police Department said first responders were dispatched to North Webster Avenue near the northbound I-43 exit for a report of the crash, according to CBS. The Green Bay Metro Fire Department added that at one point, there were no more available EMS vehicles in Green Bay. They were assisted by surrounding departments like Luxemburg and De Pere to help transport patients. WBAY reports most of the patients were elderly, and many of the injuries were considered non-life-threatening.

The bus appears to be operated by Lucky Charter and Tours LLC, a company based out of Wheeling, Ill., WGN9 reported. The owner of the bus was arrested Sunday night in connection with the crash. He was booked pending felony charges on one count of operating while revoked – causing great bodily harm. The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office says the man has not had a valid Illinois driver’s license since 2017, when it was suspended in a driving under the influence case. The owner had a commercial driver’s license at the time.

FOX 11 researched the company’s status with the U.S. Department of Transportation and discovered it is not authorized to operate interstate, as it appears the company was doing.

The investigation is still ongoing.

The post Bus traveling from Chicago to Michigan crashes in Green Bay; 33 injured appeared first on Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C..

Myth 1: Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Are “Easy Money”

Medical malpractice lawsuits don’t always lead to big payouts. In fact, about two-thirds of claims are dropped, dismissed, or withdrawn before reaching a verdict. Only a small fraction go to trial.

For injured patients, the claims process is rarely fast or simple. It requires gathering expert opinions and extensive medical records. You also have to prove that the healthcare provider violated the standard of care, not just that something went wrong. That takes time and resources. The idea that people get rich off frivolous claims isn’t supported by real-world results. A skilled medical malpractice lawyer can investigate whether you have a meritorious claim and advocate on your behalf.

Myth 2: If You Signed a Consent Form, You Waived Your Rights

A signed consent form does not give a healthcare provider the right to act carelessly. Informed consent means you agreed to the known risks of a treatment, not to negligence. If a medical provider fails to explain a procedure, uses the wrong technique, or ignores critical symptoms, that may still qualify as medical malpractice. 

The form protects them from lawsuits about accepted risks, not reckless or substandard care. Illinois courts will look at what actually happened during your treatment, not just what paperwork you signed. Even if you understood the risks, that doesn’t excuse preventable harm. 

If you believe you suffered harm because your provider didn’t follow proper procedures, speak with a lawyer. A consent form doesn’t relieve a provider of their duty to treat you responsibly.  

Myth 3: Any Bad Medical Outcome Qualifies as Malpractice

Not every poor outcome occurs due to malpractice. Even when doctors do everything right, treatments can fail, or complications can arise. To file a valid medical malpractice claim in Illinois, you need evidence that your provider violated the standard of care and caused you harm as a result. That standard refers to what a reasonably careful provider would have done in a similar situation. 

If your negative outcome happened despite proper care, you likely won’t have a case. But if your provider missed a key symptom, delayed a diagnosis, or used the wrong approach, those actions may have caused you harm. Medical malpractice is about preventable errors, not just bad luck. A qualified attorney can review your records and help you determine whether malpractice occurred.

Myth 4: Medical Malpractice Claims Are the Main Driver of Healthcare Costs

Medical malpractice lawsuits account for only a small share of total healthcare spending nationwide. Reports show that malpractice-related costs account for just 2 to 3 percent of what the United States spends on healthcare each year. That includes payouts, legal fees, and insurance costs. The main drivers of healthcare expenses are things like hospital overhead, administrative billing, and prescription drug prices, not lawsuits. 

While insurance companies often highlight malpractice as a reason for high premiums, the numbers do not support that claim. Blaming injured patients for the cost of care shifts attention away from bigger problems in the system. If you’ve been harmed by negligent care, you have the right to seek compensation. Doing so does not mean you’re contributing to existing systemic problems.

Myth 5: Only Doctors Can Be Held Liable

Doctors are not the only medical professionals who can face legal responsibility in a malpractice case. In Illinois, any licensed healthcare professional or entity, including hospitals and nurses, can be held liable for negligence. Liability is not limited to doctors but can extend to any person or entity involved in the patient’s care. Nurses, anesthesiologists, physician assistants, pharmacists, and even hospitals can all be named in a claim. If multiple people or institutions played a role in your care, and any of them failed to meet the standard of care, they may be liable.

Hospitals can also be held responsible for poor hiring, training, or supervision. In some cases, a hospital might be named as a defendant even when the doctor involved is an independent contractor. 

If someone made a preventable error that caused you harm, you may have a case against them, regardless of their job title. Our experienced legal team can identify all possible sources of liability and help you hold responsible parties accountable.

Myth 6: Hiring an Attorney Is Too Expensive

Medical malpractice attorneys usually work on a contingency fee basis. That means they don’t charge you anything up front. Instead, they only get paid if they win at trial or settle your case, and their fee comes from a portion of the money they recover, not out of your own pocket. This setup means you can pursue a claim without worrying about hourly legal bills. It also means the lawyer takes on all the financial risk. 

This kind of arrangement makes it possible for people of all economic statuses to obtain legal representation. Don’t assume you can’t afford legal help. An ethical attorney will explain their fee structure clearly and answer your questions before you commit to anything. 

Myth 7: Every Case Goes to a Public Trial

Most medical malpractice claims don’t go to trial. In fact, the majority of cases settle before a judge or jury ever becomes involved. Trials are expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable for both sides. Most healthcare providers and insurers prefer to resolve strong claims outside of court. Settlements allow both parties to avoid the stress of litigation and reach a private agreement. 

Even when a medical negligence lawsuit is filed, that doesn’t guarantee a trial will happen. A case might settle after depositions, before expert testimony, or even just before a trial starts. Only about 7 percent of malpractice claims are actually decided at trial. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, we prepare every case for trial so no stone is left unturned. We resolve cases when it is best for the client, not the insurance companies.

Why You Need an Experienced Chicago Legal Team

If you think a medical provider made a serious mistake that caused you harm, talk to an experienced medical malpractice lawyer. Medical records aren’t easy to interpret, and even clear errors are difficult to prove without the right analysis. 

The Chicago medical malpractice lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have handled complex injury cases for decades, and we’re here to guide you through your next steps. Contact our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers now to get started with your free consultation.

The post 7 Common Medical Malpractice Myths and the Reality in Chicago, IL appeared first on Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C..

The collision occurred near the 15000 block of Route 173 in unincorporated Zion. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Newport Fire Protection District responded around 7:50 a.m. for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries, the Lake and McHenry County Scanner said.

Two people who were in the sedan at the time of the collision were pronounced dead at the scene, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said. Their identities have not yet been released.

A third vehicle was also involved in the collision, ABC 7 reported. It is unclear if any other injuries happened as a result of the crash.

The sheriff’s office completely shut down Route 173 from Route 41 to Kilbourne Road for several hours following the collision.

The cause of the crash has not been released and remains under active investigation.

The post Two people killed in head-on crash with semi-truck in Zion, Lake County appeared first on Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C..

Medical Incompetence and the Standard of Care

What is medical incompetence? Medical incompetence occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, which reflects what a reasonably careful professional would do under similar circumstances. When a healthcare provider’s actions fall below this threshold and cause harm, Illinois law grants patients the right to hold them legally accountable for medical malpractice.

Warning Signs of Medical Incompetence

While medical incompetence is not always obvious, especially in complex cases, certain warning signs of medical incompetence may point to a medical provider who is not meeting professional standards. Recognizing these signs of medical malpractice early is crucial to protect your health and legal rights. Patients should stay alert to the following signs that may justify a second opinion or legal consultation:

• Frequent misdiagnoses or failure to diagnose treatable conditions
• Delayed or incorrect treatment plans
• New or worsening symptoms after medical intervention, as these may indicate medical errors or substandard care
• Prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosing, or other medication errors, which can occur at multiple stages, such as prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications
• Ignoring or misinterpreting test results
• Performing unnecessary procedures
• Inattentiveness during exams or surgeries
• Surgical mistakes, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving instruments inside the body
• Poor hygiene or unsafe clinical practices
• Dismissive or disrespectful responses to patient concerns
• Miscommunication among medical staff, which can contribute to errors and is often a factor in medical malpractice cases
• Failure to obtain informed consent
• A history of complaints, license issues, or malpractice claims

If you suspect medical malpractice, it is essential to act quickly to prevent further harm.

Patient Rights Under Illinois Law

Patients have the right to , professional medical care. If a healthcare provider’s carelessness injures a patient, the patient may pursue a medical malpractice claim to seek compensation for their financial and personal losses. Patient rights in Illinois also include access to their medical records and the right to file complaints with regulatory agencies. However, Illinois imposes a strict two-year deadline on most medical malpractice claims, so patients must act promptly if they suspect medical incompetence caused their injury.

The Legal Process for Medical Malpractice Claims in Cook County

Filing a medical malpractice claim in Illinois requires you to take a series of procedural steps, each of which you must approach carefully to preserve your claim and build the strongest case possible. Work with a Chicago medical negligence lawyer who can:

• Gather your medical records to review your treatment details and outcomes
• Secure a certificate of merit from a medical expert supporting the claim
• File the complaint in the Circuit Court of Cook County
• Proceed through discovery, including depositions and expert evaluations
• Negotiate a settlement, if appropriate
• Prepare for trial if negotiation or mediation does not resolve the case

Why Retain Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.

Your choice of a Chicago medical negligence lawyer may be one of the most consequential decisions you face in the aftermath of a medical incompetence injury. With over $3.5 billion recovered for those injured throughout Illinois, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has a reputation for aggressively taking on powerful healthcare providers and their insurers, with a strong track record to back it up. Contact us to begin your free consultation.

The post Medical Incompetence: Warning Signs, Legal Risks and Patient Rights appeared first on Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C..

Common Types of School Negligence

Schools have a responsibility to keep students safe during the school day and at school-sponsored activities. If teachers or other school staff fail to uphold this responsibility, children can suffer preventable injuries. Here are some examples of the most common forms of school negligence that can give rise to legal claims in Chicago:

Lack of adequate supervision during recess or in hallways

• Inadequate security or unlocked school entrances
• Negligent hiring or retention of staff with prior misconduct
• Failure to provide proper medical attention for injuries or illnesses
• Failure to address known bullying or harassment
• Defective playground equipment or poorly maintained facilities
• Food safety violations in cafeterias

If you suspect your child’s injuries were due to the negligence of school officials or staff, a Chicago child injury lawyer from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can review your situation and explain your rights during a free case evaluation.

Suing Public Schools vs. Private Schools in Illinois

Parents might expect that if a child is injured because of a school’s carelessness, they will have their medical bills and other expenses covered by filing a claim against the school. However, under Illinois law, parents’ options depend on whether the school is public or private.

A private school can be sued for ordinary negligence if a teacher or staff member fails to act reasonably and a student gets injured as a result. Public schools, however, fall under the Illinois Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act. This law shields public entities, including public schools, from claims of ordinary negligence and instead sets a higher liability standard of willful and wanton misconduct or gross negligence. Under this law, a public school is not legally liable when a student’s injuries are caused by mere carelessness by one of its employees.

Critical Deadlines: The Illinois Tort Immunity Act

Suing a public school in Illinois requires you to comply with some of the shortest deadlines in personal injury law. The Illinois Tort Immunity Act for schools gives families only one year from the date of injury to file a lawsuit against a public school or a school employee. If parents miss this deadline, they can completely lose their right to sue, even if their claims are valid.

The law also requires parents to send written notices within six months of the injury to the proper local government entity, usually the school district in these cases. The notice required in school injury cases must include details like the date, location, and cause of the injury. Without this notice, the court may dismiss the case, even if families meet all other deadlines and requirements. These strict rules illustrate why it’s so crucial for parents to act quickly and consult a school injury attorney in Illinois after a school negligence injury.

Contact a Chicago School Negligence Attorney

School negligence can change a child’s life in seconds. The Chicago school negligence lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can act fast to protect your child’s right to a fair recovery. Contact us today to get started with your free consultation and learn more about your options.

The post When to Call a Chicago School Negligence Lawyer: A Parent’s Guide appeared first on Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C..

The post 2025 Salvi Wrapped – Our Year in Review appeared first on Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C..

Even worse, it may have been preventable.

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we use our knowledge, resources, and compassion to help if you suspect your loved one died due to negligence in the delivery room. We never want families to feel alone in these painful circumstances, and we have decades of experience fighting for justice on behalf of those who were wronged.

Maternal Mortality Statistics

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hundreds of women around the globe die every day from pregnancy-related complications. While these tragedies often occur in areas lacking proper medical facilities, the issue significantly affects regions with advanced healthcare systems, including the United States.

Key statistics include:

• Global Impact: Around 287,000 women worldwide died from causes linked to pregnancy and childbirth in a recent year.

• Rising U.S. Rates: Yale Medicine reports that maternal mortality has risen in the U.S. in recent years, leaving many families shocked and uncertain about what went wrong.

• Preventability: The CDC reports that over 80% of these losses may have been avoided with better detection and timely response.

Risk Factors and Health Disparities

Maternal mortality does not affect all demographics equally. Understanding the risk factors is essential for identifying high-risk pregnancies that require vigilant monitoring.

Racial Disparities in Maternal Health There is a documented, significant gap in outcomes based on race and ethnicity. According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. These disparities often stem from variations in quality healthcare access, underlying chronic conditions, and structural inequities.

Common Risk Factors Beyond racial disparities, other factors can increase the likelihood of complications. These include advanced maternal age (giving birth over age 35), pre-existing chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes, and a history of previous pregnancy complications.

Why Mothers Die: Negligence vs. Complication

When mothers die during childbirth, families want to know why and how. Complications like severe bleeding, high blood pressure, or infections can turn deadly in minutes. In some cases, interventions like labor induction can introduce additional risk factors — our attorneys have handled cases involving child injuries caused by induced labor that resulted in lasting harm to newborns and families.

The Standard of Care

In the legal context, medical professionals are required to adhere to a standard of care. This means they must act with the same level of skill and caution that a reasonably competent medical professional would use under similar circumstances. When doctors fail to recognize distress or delay necessary treatment, they may have breached this standard.

The Importance of Emergency Obstetric Care

Hospitals must be equipped to provide immediate emergency obstetric care when a crisis arises. This includes having access to blood banks for transfusions, surgical teams for emergency C-sections, and specialized medication to stabilize blood pressure. A failure to have these protocols in place—or a delay in activating them—can constitute negligence.

Maternal Mortality Causes

Several specific medical events appear frequently in maternal death and malpractice cases.

Postpartum Hemorrhage One of the leading causes of maternal mortality globally is Postpartum Hemorrhage. This involves severe, uncontrolled bleeding after childbirth, often caused by uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract), lacerations, or retained placental tissue. If medical teams fail to measure blood loss accurately or delay intervention, the mother can go into shock rapidly.

Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by sharply elevated blood pressure and organ damage. If left untreated, it can escalate to eclampsia, which causes seizures, stroke, and death. Regular prenatal monitoring is vital to catch this condition early before it becomes fatal.

Infections (Sepsis) Infections can occur before, during, or after delivery. If bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can lead to sepsis—an extreme immune response that damages the body’s own tissues. Failure to maintain sterile environments or delay in administering antibiotics can be catastrophic.

Vascular and Cardiac Causes

Heart and blood vessel conditions are becoming increasingly common contributors to maternal mortality.

Pulmonary Embolism Pregnancy increases the risk of blood clots. A Pulmonary Embolism occurs when a blood clot (usually from the leg, known as Deep Vein Thrombosis) travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow. Failure to provide anticoagulants to high-risk mothers or ignoring symptoms like shortness of breath can be fatal errors.

Cardiomyopathy Peripartum Cardiomyopathy is a form of heart failure that weakens the heart muscle, making it difficult to pump blood to the rest of the body. It typically develops in the last month of pregnancy or up to five months after giving birth. Symptoms are often mistaken for normal pregnancy fatigue, leading to missed diagnoses.

Amniotic Fluid Embolism This is a rare but severe condition where amniotic fluid enters the mother’s bloodstream, triggering a severe reaction that can lead to cardiorespiratory collapse and massive bleeding. Immediate, aggressive resuscitation is required to survive this event.

Contact Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers for Help

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we have worked with families who have experienced this tragedy. Our team has recovered over $3.5 billion for victims and secured over 400 verdicts and settlements over $1 million throughout the past 40+ years.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to listen to your story, review medical records, and determine if malpractice occurred. If a doctor’s mistake caused your loss, we’re here to investigate what went wrong, hold the healthcare provider accountable, and help you move forward.

If medical negligence played a role in your family’s loss, you deserve answers. Contact us today to discover your legal options and how we can assist in seeking justice.

The post Causes of Maternal Death During Childbirth appeared first on Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C..