How to Choose the Right Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Chicago

When your life is upended by a medical mistake, a misdiagnosis, or hospital negligence, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right legal representation. In a city like Chicago — with world-renowned hospitals and fiercely defended healthcare institutions — you need a law firm with deep experience, powerful resources, and a proven track record in complex medical malpractice cases.

At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C., we’ve spent more than three decades fighting for patients and families harmed by medical negligence, wrongful death, and preventable injuries. Here’s how to choose a medical malpractice lawyer — and why our firm is trusted in Chicago, throughout Illinois, and across the United States.

1. Choose a Lawyer Who Focuses on Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice law is highly technical and specialized. It’s not something every personal injury attorney is qualified to handle. A good malpractice lawyer must have experience with complex medical records, healthcare standards, and expert witness strategy.

At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, we focus on:

• Diagnostic errors

• Medication mistakes

• Surgical negligence

• Birth injuries

• Emergency room errors

• Hospital and institutional negligence

• Wrongful death

• Product liability involving medical devices and medications

We’re not generalists — we’re experienced litigators who specialize in holding negligent medical providers accountable.

2. Look for a Proven Track Record of Success in Illinois Courts

Medical malpractice cases often pit patients against large hospital systems and powerful insurers. To win, your legal team must be skilled in negotiation and fearless in court.

Hurley McKenna & Mertz Medical Malpractice Results Include:

• $41.1 Million Verdict (2024)

  • Record verdict against OSF Health System for stroke caused by failure to monitor a 64 year-old man’s Coumadin dosage and INR levels, resulting in a severe cardioembolic stroke. 

• $31.7 Million Settlement (2023)

  • Child with cerebral palsy due to delayed treatment for preeclampsia.

• $15.2 Million Settlement

  • Paralysis from a missed diagnosis of OPLL before and after spinal surgery.

• $14.7 Million Verdict

  • Against Northwestern Memorial Hospital for brain injury following a delayed Cesarean Section delivery.

• $13 Million Settlement

  • In Federal Tort Claims Act case against the United States for brain injury following delayed cesarean section delivery by a federally-employed obstetrician.

• $10 Million Verdict

  • Against Stroger Cook County Hospital for brain injury to a baby when a resident obstetrician broke the mother’s bag of waters before the baby’s head was engaged, resulting in entrapment of the umbilical cord and oxygen deprivation to the baby.

• $7.5 Million Verdict

  • Against Silver Cross Hospital for improperly credentialing a podiatrist to perform foot surgery at the hospital, resulting in severe foot infection and partial amputation of the plaintiff’s left foot.

• $4.7 Million Jury Award

  • Against Franciscan Alliance St. James Hospital in Olympia Fields for Wrongful Death caused by failure of Emergency Department physicians to intubate a patient experiencing an asthma attack.

These cases reflect not only our litigation skill but our dedication to helping families find justice and accountability after tragic, preventable outcomes.

3. Ask the Right Questions During Your Free Consultation

A reputable malpractice lawyer will welcome your questions and give clear, honest answers. 

During your consultation, consider asking:

• Have you handled a case like mine before?

• Do you work with medical experts, and how do you build your case?

• Will I be working directly with you?

• What is your fee structure?

• What is a realistic timeline for my case?

Avoid attorneys who make unrealistic promises or guarantee million-dollar outcomes before investigating the facts of the case. No one can predict a case result before thorough investigation.

4. Investigate the Lawyer’s Reputation and Resources

Medical malpractice lawsuits are expensive and time-consuming. Your lawyer must have the resources to cover the cost of expert witnesses, medical records, llegal staffing, and trial preparation. At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, we prepare every case for trial from the outset—which often leads to more favorable settlements.

We also encourage you to:

• Check reviews and testimonials

• Avoid firms that overpromise or focus more on advertising than results

5. Understand the Types of Malpractice Cases They Handle

No two malpractice cases are alike. Be sure your attorney has experience in the type of medical error that affected you. 

At HM&M, we’ve handled all types of medical malpractice cases, including:

• Misdiagnosed or delayed diagnosis (including cancer and stroke)

• Surgical errors and anesthesia complications

• Birth injuries resutling in brain damage, seizures, cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy

• Emergency room mismanagement

• Hospital system failures and staffing negligence

• Dangerous drugs and product liability involving medical devices or pharmaceuticals

Whether your case involves wrongful death, brain injury, or systemic neglect, we build strategies tailored to each client’s situation and goals.

6. Trust Your Instincts — Choose an Attorney Who Listens and Fights

Legal knowledge is critical, but so is compassion. Your lawyer should:

• Take time to understand your story

• Be honest about your legal options

• Keep you informed throughout the process

• Stand up to insurance companies and hospitals on your behalf

You deserve more than a quick settlement. You deserve a law firm that fights for your future, your peace of mind, and your family’s well-being.

7. Be Prepared for What Comes Next

Once you hire a medical malpractice lawyer, the process typically includes:

1. Case investigation and expert review

2. Filing your claim

3. Discovery and information exchange

4. Negotiation or mediation

5. Trial preparation if needed

Our firm is committed to supporting you at every step — answering your questions, advocating for your interests, and protecting your rights from day one.

Illinois Attorneys for Complex Medical Malpractice and Wrongful Death

At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C., we have over 100 years of combined experience representing victims of medical negligence across Illinois. Whether you’ve lost a loved one or suffered serious injury, our goal is to help you find accountability, closure, and the financial support you need to move forward.

We serve clients in Chicago, Cook County, throughout the state and across the United States.

Contact a Trusted Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today

The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can help protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence. If you believe you or a loved one has suffered due to medical error, call or text us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.