I'll always remeber returning the call of parents in Franklin Park. Their newborn suffered a preventable birth injury at a local hospital. The mother KNEW something was wrong during delivery -- she told the nurses, she told the doctor. They dismissed her concerns.
That baby's life was forever changed because medical professionals failed to act.
This is what I do. I'm Scott DeSalvo, and I fight for Chicago families who've been harmed by medical negligence.
When you go to a hospital -- Northwestern Memorial, Rush, University of Chicago Medical Center, any hospital in Chicago -- you're putting your life in their hands. You trust them. And when they screw up? When a medication error causes serious harm, when a surgical mistake leads to complications, when a doctor misses a diagnosis that allows a condition to worsen?
Those aren't just "mistakes." Those are preventable errors that change lives.
I get it. Right now, you're angry. Confused. Scared. You're wondering if you even have a case, how you'll pay for a lawyer, and whether anyone will actually hold these providers accountable.
Here's my promise: No money out of pocket. No fee until we win. Call me anytime -- (312)-500-4500 -- 24/7/365.
Medical emergencies don't wait for business hours. Neither do I.
Look, I know you're skeptical. Every lawyer says they'll fight for you. So let me show you what I've actually done for my clients who were hurt by medical negligence:
Real Results from Real Cases:
Every case is different. Your case might be worth more, might be worth less. I can't tell you what YOUR case is worth without knowing the details. But these results show you one thing: when I take on a medical negligence case, I don't play around.
Here's why this matters:
Insurance companies know which lawyers will actually take them to trial, and which lawyers fold. They know which lawyers have the resources to hire the best medical experts, and which lawyers cut corners.
When they see my name on a case? They know I mean business.
Call me at (312)-500-4500 and let's talk about YOUR case.
Medical negligence comes in many forms. Some cases are obvious -- a surgeon operates on the wrong leg. Others are subtle -- a doctor misses something in your test results that they should have caught.
I handle all of it. Here's what I mean:
These are some of the most heartbreaking cases I take.
A baby is born with permanent brain damage, Erb's palsy, cerebral palsy -- injuries that will affect them for their entire life. And often? It could have been prevented.
When doctors fail to monitor fetal distress, when they misuse forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery, when they delay a necessary C-section -- babies get hurt. Permanently.
Chicago hospitals deliver thousands of babies every year. Most go fine. But when negligence happens during birth, the consequences last a lifetime.
If your child was injured during delivery, I can help you understand your rights and fight for the lifelong care your child deserves. [Learn more about birth injury cases →]
Labor and delivery should be one of the happiest moments of your life.
But negligent care can turn it into a nightmare.
Medical professionals MUST properly monitor both mother and baby throughout labor. They must recognize warning signs -- abnormal heart rates, bleeding, signs of preeclampsia, placental problems. And they must respond appropriately.
When Chicago-area obstetricians fail to do their job, mothers and babies suffer catastrophic injuries.
I work with the best maternal-fetal medicine experts in the country to prove when substandard care caused preventable harm. [Learn more about labor & delivery cases →]
Surgery always has risks. I get that. Doctors aren't perfect.
But some mistakes? They're inexcusable.
Operating on the wrong body part. Leaving surgical instruments inside you. Anesthesia errors. Damaging organs that had nothing to do with the surgery.
These are clear-cut breaches of the standard of care.
Whether your surgery happened at a major Chicago hospital or an outpatient surgical center, surgeons MUST follow established safety protocols. When they don't, patients suffer complications that require more surgeries, extended recovery, permanent disability.
I've successfully handled surgical error cases involving orthopedic surgery, cardiac surgery, general surgery -- all over the Chicago area. [Learn more about surgical error cases →]
Medication mistakes kill thousands of people every year. Thousands more are seriously injured.
In Chicago hospitals, clinics, pharmacies -- medication errors happen when providers prescribe the wrong drug, wrong dosages, or fail to check for dangerous drug interactions.
Pharmacy errors are just as bad -- dispensing the wrong medication, wrong strength.
I've represented clients harmed by chemotherapy overdoses, incorrect insulin dosing, allergic reactions to medications they should never have received given their medical history.
These cases require detailed analysis of medical records, pharmacy logs, prescribing practices. It's complicated stuff. But I know how to handle it. [Learn more about medication negligence cases →]
Time matters in medicine.
When doctors fail to diagnose cancer, heart disease, strokes, infections -- patients lose critical treatment time. A missed breast cancer diagnosis can mean the difference between stage 1 and stage 4. A delayed sepsis diagnosis can lead to organ failure and death.
Chicago patients trust their doctors to order appropriate tests, properly interpret results, recognize symptoms. When physicians dismiss symptoms, fail to follow up on abnormal test results, misread imaging studies -- patients pay the price.
I work with medical experts to prove what a competent doctor should have caught, and when. [Learn more about missed diagnosis cases →]
Medical malpractice cases are complicated. Way more complicated than a car accident case.
In a car accident, someone runs a red light, crashes into you -- fault is obvious. In medical malpractice? You have to prove that a healthcare provider's actions fell below professional standards AND caused harm.
Let me break down the four things we have to prove:
This seems obvious, but it's legally important. If a doctor treated you, examined you, made medical decisions about your care -- you had a relationship.
But if a doctor just gave you casual advice at a party? Or consulted with your actual doctor without examining you? That doesn't count.
This is the heart of every case.
"Standard of care" means: what would a reasonably competent provider in the same specialty have done in the same situation?
Examples:
How do we prove it?
Illinois law requires medical expert testimony. I work with respected physicians, surgeons, medical professionals who practice in the same field as the defendant. They review your records and provide opinions on whether the care you received was acceptable or negligent.
It's not enough to show a doctor was negligent. We have to prove that negligence DIRECTLY caused your injury.
Example: Say a doctor failed to diagnose your cancer in 2023. But the cancer was already Stage 4 and untreatable at that time. The misdiagnosis may not have caused additional harm.
But if the cancer was Stage 1 in 2023 and progressed to Stage 4 by the time it was correctly diagnosed in 2024? That delay caused significant harm -- reduced survival, more aggressive treatment needed, worse prognosis.
You can't sue just because a doctor was negligent. There must be real, measurable harm.
Damages include:
Illinois law requires your attorney to file a "Certificate of Merit" before filing a lawsuit. This means I have to consult with a qualified medical expert who reviews your case and believes there's a reasonable basis for the claim.
I handle this. I work with medical experts who thoroughly review records before we file.
Proving all four elements requires extensive medical knowledge, access to top experts, substantial financial resources, trial experience.
Insurance companies know which attorneys have these resources. When they see my name on a case, they know I have the expertise and determination to take it to trial if necessary.
That usually leads to better settlement offers.
Don't face this alone. Call me at (312)-500-4500 for a free case evaluation. We'll talk, I'll review your situation, consult with medical experts, and give you straight talk about your legal options.
Here's something important you need to know right now:
You have a limited time to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Illinois.
Miss the deadline? You lose your right to compensation FOREVER. No matter how strong your case is.
Illinois law says you generally have two years from the date you knew or should have known about the injury to file a lawsuit.
This is called the "discovery rule" because the clock doesn't start until you discover the injury.
Example: A surgeon left a sponge inside you during a 2023 surgery. You didn't have symptoms or discover it until 2024. Your two-year deadline starts in 2024 when you discovered the problem -- not 2023 when the surgery happened.
There's also an outer limit. In Illinois, you typically cannot file a claim more than four years after the negligent act occurred -- even if you didn't discover the injury until later.
If the victim is a child under 18, Illinois extends the deadline.
Minors have eight years from the date of the negligent act to file, but no later than their 22nd birthday.
Example: Birth injury in 2020. The child has until 2028 to file -- or until age 22, whichever comes first.
Even though the statute of limitations gives you two years, you should contact me IMMEDIATELY. Here's why:
Don't wait. Call me at (312)-500-4500 today. I'm available 24/7/365 because I know medical emergencies -- and the realization that you've been harmed -- don't happen during business hours.
People always ask me: "Scott, what's my case worth?"
Honest answer? I can't tell you without knowing the details. But I CAN tell you what types of compensation you might recover.
Unlike many states, Illinois does not cap damages in medical malpractice cases. That means juries can award whatever amount they believe is appropriate based on your losses.
These are your actual financial losses:
Past Medical Expenses:
Future Medical Expenses:
Lost Income:
Lost Earning Capacity:
These are the intangible losses that don't have a dollar value but significantly impact your life:
In 2010, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that damage caps are unconstitutional. They've reaffirmed this multiple times.
This means if your case goes to trial, the jury can award whatever they believe fairly compensates you -- whether that's $500,000 or $50 million.
The lack of caps ensures victims with catastrophic injuries get the full compensation they need for lifetime care.
Economic damages are straightforward -- we add up bills, lost wages, future costs based on expert testimony.
Non-economic damages are more subjective. Juries consider:
I work with economic experts and life care planners to present compelling evidence of your full damages.
Medical negligence often causes injuries that last a lifetime. A birth injury may require decades of specialized care. A surgical error may leave you permanently disabled. A misdiagnosis may reduce your life expectancy.
Insurance companies fight hard to minimize your compensation. They'll undervalue your future medical needs, downplay your pain, pressure you to settle quickly for far less than your case is worth.
You need someone who knows how to accurately value complex medical malpractice cases and won't accept less than full compensation.
That's what I do. Call me at (312)-500-4500 -- available 24/7/365.
Find Out What YOUR Case Might Be Worth...for free.
Losing a loved one is devastating.
When that death was preventable -- caused by medical negligence -- the pain is compounded by anger, confusion, a sense of injustice.
No lawsuit can bring your loved one back. I know that. But pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial security for your family and hold negligent providers accountable so the same mistakes don't harm others.
Tragically, medical errors are one of the leading causes of death in America.
In Chicago hospitals, wrongful deaths occur due to:
If your loved one died due to substandard medical care, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.
Under Illinois law, only the personal representative of the deceased person's estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
That's typically:
The personal representative files on behalf of surviving family members:
A wrongful death claim can recover:
Illinois law recognizes that emotional and relational losses are often more devastating than financial ones. Juries can award substantial compensation for these intangible losses.
Wrongful death claims in Illinois must be filed within two years of the date of death. This deadline is strictly enforced.
While you're grieving and dealing with estate matters, time passes quickly. Don't let the statute of limitations expire and lose your family's right to justice.
How I Handle These Cases
When you've lost someone you love, the last thing you want to think about is lawsuits and legal procedures.
I handle wrongful death cases with compassion and respect while aggressively pursuing justice.
My approach:
Medical providers and their insurance companies have teams of lawyers working immediately to minimize liability. Your family deserves equally strong representation.
Beyond compensation, wrongful death lawsuits serve another purpose: accountability.
When healthcare providers face consequences for negligence, it creates incentives to improve safety protocols, properly staff facilities, ensure providers are adequately trained.
Your lawsuit may prevent another family from suffering the same loss.
Let's Talk
If you believe your loved one died due to medical negligence in Chicago, I want to help.
Call me at (312)-500-4500 anytime -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Your consultation is completely free and confidential. No obligation.
Let me handle the legal fight while you focus on healing and supporting your family.
Medical negligence cases are complex, emotionally draining, and you're fighting against powerful hospital systems and insurance companies.
When you're up against Northwestern Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, Advocate Health Care -- you need someone who won't back down.
I've spent my career serving Chicago families -- South Side to North Shore, Pilsen to Hyde Park, everywhere in between.
I understand how our local hospital systems operate. I know the standards of care expected at Chicago medical facilities. I know how to navigate Illinois medical malpractice law.
This isn't textbook knowledge. This comes from years of investigating medical negligence cases in our city's hospitals, clinics, surgical centers.
Medical negligence cases mean standing up to some of Chicago's most powerful institutions.
I've successfully represented clients harmed at major Chicago hospitals and healthcare networks. These facilities have teams of lawyers protecting their interests.
You deserve equally strong representation protecting YOURS.
I have the resources and determination to take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse fair settlements. And they know it.
Medical negligence often leaves families facing mounting medical bills, lost income, uncertain futures.
The last thing you need is legal fees adding to that burden.
You pay nothing upfront, nothing during the case, nothing if we don't recover compensation for you.
Every consultation is free. I'm available 24/7/365 -- because medical crises don't follow a 9-to-5 schedule.
Winning medical negligence cases requires proving healthcare providers deviated from accepted standards of care.
I work with respected physicians, surgeons, nurses, medical specialists who review cases, provide expert testimony, help juries understand complex medical issues.
These experts have practiced in Chicago hospitals. They understand the level of care patients should expect.
You Get Me -- Not a Paralegal
When you call, you get me. Scott DeSalvo. Not a paralegal. Not a junior associate.
I personally review every medical record, meet with every client, develop the strategy for your case.
Medical negligence cases are too important to delegate. Your family deserves someone who's personally invested in achieving just
Medical malpractice (also called medical negligence) happens when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, causing harm.
In plain English: the doctor, nurse, hospital, or other medical professional failed to provide the level of care that a reasonably competent provider would have given under similar circumstances.
Not every bad outcome is malpractice. Medicine isn't perfect. But when preventable errors cause serious harm? That's negligence.
You may have a case if four things are present:
Best way to know for certain? Have an experienced attorney review your medical records.
I offer free case evaluations. Call me at (312)-500-4500 and let's talk about your situation.
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury to file.
There's also a four-year statute of repose -- you typically can't file more than four years after the negligent act occurred, even if you didn't discover the injury right away.
For minors (kids under 18), the statute of limitations is extended to eight years from the injury date, but no later than the child's 22nd birthday.
Because these deadlines are strict and have exceptions, contact me immediately.
The value depends on multiple factors:
Unlike many states, Illinois has no caps on medical malpractice damages. Juries can award whatever they deem appropriate.
Cases can range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions.
During your free consultation, I can give you a realistic assessment based on your specifics.
No. Absolutely nothing.
I handle all medical negligence cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no money out of pocket -- not for consultations, investigations, medical record reviews, expert witnesses, court costs, nothing.
I only get paid if I win your case. My fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
If I don't win, you don't pay.
This ensures everyone has access to quality legal representation regardless of financial situation.
Medical malpractice cases are complex and typically take 1-3 years to resolve. Some settle sooner, others take longer if they go to trial.
Timeline depends on:
I work as efficiently as possible. But I never rush your case or accept a low settlement just to close it quickly.
Your full compensation is worth the wait.
Standard of care means: the level of care, skill, and treatment that a reasonably competent healthcare provider in the same specialty would have provided under similar circumstances.
Example: A Chicago obstetrician would be compared to what other obstetricians would have done in the same situation.
To prove medical malpractice, we must show your provider's actions fell below this standard.
This typically requires expert testimony from physicians in the same field who can explain what should have been done differently.
It depends.
Not every misdiagnosis is malpractice. Doctors aren't expected to be perfect. Some conditions are difficult to diagnose.
But if your doctor failed to order appropriate tests, ignored obvious symptoms, misread test results, or didn't consider diagnoses that a competent doctor would have considered -- that may be negligence.
Key question: Would a reasonably competent doctor have made the correct diagnosis with the information available?
If the misdiagnosis caused you harm -- delayed cancer treatment, unnecessary surgery -- you may have a case.
Hospitals and insurance companies ALWAYS claim bad outcomes were unavoidable complications rather than negligence.
Don't accept that without having your case independently reviewed.
I work with top medical experts who review records and determine whether the outcome was truly unavoidable or the result of substandard care.
Many "unavoidable" complications are actually the result of poor monitoring, inadequate staffing, failure to follow protocols, provider errors.
Yes.
In Illinois, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of surviving family members.
Wrongful death claims can recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of the deceased's financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, grief and suffering of survivors.
These cases are time-sensitive. Contact me soon after the loss.
During your free consultation:
If I believe you have a strong claim, I'll explain the legal process, what to expect, how I can help.
If I don't think you have a viable case, I'll tell you that too. I believe in being brutally honest rather than giving false hope.
No pressure. No obligation.
Call me at (312)-500-4500 anytime, 24/7/365.
If you or someone you love has been harmed by medical negligence in Chicago, time is critical.
Illinois law imposes strict deadlines. Evidence must be preserved before it disappears.
Don't let the complexity of the legal system or concerns about costs prevent you from seeking justice.
Here's How It Works:
Step 1: Call Me Anytime
Whether it's 3 PM on a Tuesday or 2 AM on a Sunday, I'm available. Call (312)-500-4500.
Medical emergencies don't wait for business hours. Neither do I.
Step 2: Free, No-Pressure Consultation
We'll talk. I'll review what happened, explain your legal rights under Illinois law, give you straight talk about your case.
No obligation. No pressure. No cost.
We talk like friends.
Step 3: I Investigate Your Case
If you hire me, I get to work immediately. I obtain medical records, consult with medical experts, build your case.
Step 4: I Fight for Maximum Compensation
I handle all negotiations and litigation while you focus on recovery.
Step 5: You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
My fee only comes from your settlement or verdict. If I don't win, you don't pay.
Hiring Scott was one of the best moves I have made in my life. Scott is a down to earth person and attorney. Scott is a 5 star first class act who really knows his stuff. The Judge said his presentation was one of if not the best he had ever seen. Take my advice, hire Scott I’m sure you’ll be 200% satisfied I was.
Scott not only cares about the case, but he truly cares about his clients and that makes him the best lawyer I have ever met and hired! He won my case! He is thorough in everything he does. I highly recommend Scott, and will always refer him to family and friends.
I hired Scott DeSalvo upon a friend’s recommendation. His office kept me informed of developments as they happened, and I felt the settlement reached was fair considering my injuries. I would highly recommend Scott DeSalvo to represent your personal injury case.
I proudly represent auto accident victims throughout Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area. No matter where in the area your accident occurred, I'm here to help.
Chicago Neighborhoods:
Chicago Expressways and Major Roads:
Cook County Suburbs:
Other Counties:
I also represent clients in DuPage County, Lake County, Will County, Kane County, and throughout Northern Illinois.
My practice serves clients throughout Chicago and the greater metro area:
No matter where your medical treatment occurred or where you live in Chicagoland, I can help.
Don't Face This Alone
Medical negligence has already taken enough from you and your family.
Let me fight to get you the compensation and accountability you deserve.
Call Scott DeSalvo at (312)-500-4500 -- 24/7/365
Your fight is my fight.
Contact Scott DeSalvo - Chicago Medical Negligence Lawyer
Scott DeSalvo - "My Injury Guy"
Law Office of Scott D. DeSalvo, LLC
Phone: (312)-500-4500 - Available 24/7/365
Office: 200 N LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois
My office is right across from the Courthouse in an area known as "Lawyer's Row." But I also visit clients all over Chicago and the suburbs. We can meet at your home, a local restaurant, anywhere you feel comfortable.
Serving all of Chicago and surrounding areas:
Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, Will County, Kane County | All Chicago neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, Loop, River North, Gold Coast, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Hyde Park, South Loop, West Loop, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Andersonville, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Beverly, South Side, North Side, West Side
No Fee Unless We Win | Free Consultation | We Talk Like Friends
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Main Office:
1000 Jorie Blvd Ste 204
Oak Brook, IL 60523
New Cases: 312-500-4500
Office: 1 312-895-0545
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