Lake County Medical Malpractice Lawyers
When you place your trust in doctors, nurses, and hospitals, you expect competent and safe care. Unfortunately, medical mistakes remain one of the leading causes of preventable injury and death in the United States. From a misdiagnosed illness to a surgical error, the consequences of negligence in a healthcare setting can be devastating. Our Lake County medical malpractice lawyers are here to hold negligent healthcare professionals accountable.
The attorneys of Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. have protected patients and families across Northwest Indiana with our Lake County medical malpractice lawyers since 1988. With over 75 years of combined experience, we fight to hold negligent providers accountable and secure the justice our clients deserve.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional or facility fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. The standard of care refers to what a reasonably skilled and competent provider would have done under similar circumstances.
Not every poor outcome is malpractice. Medicine involves risks, and not every complication can be avoided. However, when an injury or death results from preventable negligence, the law provides patients and families with the right to seek compensation.
Common Examples of Medical Malpractice
Failure to Diagnose and Misdiagnosis
A missed or delayed diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death. For example, failing to recognize signs of a heart attack in the emergency room or misdiagnosing cancer as a less serious condition may allow the disease to progress unchecked. In Lake County hospitals such as those in Hammond, Crown Point, or Merrillville, timely diagnosis is critical to survival.
Surgical Errors
Surgery carries inherent risks, but negligence can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Wrong-site surgeries, leaving foreign objects inside a patient, or operating without proper sterilization are preventable errors. Patients in Gary or Schererville who undergo surgery should not have to fear that basic safety protocols will be ignored.
Anesthesia Mistakes
Errors in dosage, monitoring, or pre-surgical screening can result in brain damage, strokes, or even wrongful death. These mistakes often occur when anesthesiologists fail to review a patient’s medical history or monitor vital signs during a procedure.
Medication and Pharmacy Errors
Pharmacist mistakes, incorrect dosages, or prescribing the wrong medication can cause severe injury. In some cases, a doctor writes an incorrect prescription; in others, the pharmacy dispenses the wrong drug. Whether the error occurs at a hospital pharmacy in Munster or a retail pharmacy in Highland, the consequences can be life-threatening.
Birth Injuries
Mistakes during labor and delivery can cause permanent harm to infants and mothers. Examples include failing to order a C-section when necessary, misusing forceps or vacuums, or neglecting to monitor fetal distress. Birth injuries may result in cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, or lifelong disabilities.
Emergency Room Negligence
Emergency rooms in Gary or Crown Point are often crowded and chaotic. Inadequate staffing, rushed decisions, or overlooked symptoms can lead to tragic mistakes, such as failing to diagnose strokes, heart attacks, or internal bleeding.
Hospital-Acquired Infections
Hospitals have a duty to maintain sterile environments and follow infection control protocols. Unsanitary conditions, improper catheter use, or contaminated surgical instruments can expose patients to life-threatening infections such as MRSA or sepsis.
Proving Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice cases require more than showing that something went wrong. To succeed, our medical malpractice lawyers in Lake County, Indiana lawyers must establish four key elements:
Duty of Care
The healthcare provider owed the patient a duty of care. This is usually straightforward: when a doctor-patient relationship exists, the provider is obligated to follow accepted standards of practice.
Breach of Duty
The provider failed to meet this standard. For example, if a physician failed to order necessary tests despite clear symptoms, that may be considered a breach.
Causation
The negligence must be shown to have directly caused the injury. It is not enough to prove that a doctor made an error; it must be linked to the harm suffered.
Damages
The patient must have suffered measurable harm, such as additional medical bills, lost wages, disability, or emotional distress.
At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., we work with medical experts to review records, analyze procedures, and testify about what should have been done differently. Our medical malpractice attorneys know how to handle Indiana’s medical malpractice system and present compelling evidence on behalf of our clients.
Indiana’s Medical Malpractice System
Indiana has a unique set of laws governing medical malpractice claims. Patients should be aware of several key rules.
Medical Review Panel
For patients seeking damages greater than $15,000, state law requires them to first file a Proposed Complaint with a Medical Malpractice Review Panel before the claim can move forward in court. This panel evaluates evidence and issues an opinion on whether malpractice likely occurred. While not binding, the panel’s findings carry significant weight in later litigation.
Damages Cap
Indiana law places limits on how much compensation can be awarded in medical malpractice cases. These caps change over time, but they may affect the total recovery available. A knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer from our firm can explain how these caps apply to your case.
Indiana’s Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations
Most medical malpractice cases in Indiana must be filed within two years of the alleged negligence. In certain cases, such as when the negligence was not immediately discoverable, exceptions may apply, but prompt legal action is always recommended.
Exceptions to Indiana’s Statute of Limitations
While most medical malpractice claims in Indiana must be filed within two years, there are important exceptions to this rule.
- Medical Review Panel: During the medical review panel process, the statute of limitations is considered “tolled,” meaning the countdown is paused, for 90 days after the panel issues its opinion.
- Discovery Rule: Another possible exception involves situations where the patient was unaware of the malpractice at the time it occurred. If the injury or its connection to medical negligence could not reasonably have been discovered right away, the filing deadline may be extended. This discovery rule ensures that patients who uncover harm later are not unfairly barred from seeking justice.
- Cases Involving Minors: In addition, the law makes an exception for minors under six years of age. They have until their eighth birthday to file a medical malpractice claim.
The Impact of Medical Malpractice
The harm caused by medical negligence often extends far beyond physical injuries.
Physical Consequences
Patients may be left with permanent disabilities, chronic pain, or worsened conditions. A surgical error might lead to organ damage, while a missed diagnosis can allow cancer to spread beyond treatment.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Victims of malpractice often struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Trust in healthcare providers may be permanently damaged, making it difficult for patients to seek future medical care.
Financial Burden
Medical malpractice frequently leads to ongoing medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. Families may also face the cost of long-term care, rehabilitation, or assistive devices.
Compensation in Medical Malpractice Cases
Victims of medical negligence may be entitled to compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Our medical malpractice attorneys pursue full compensation to cover both immediate costs and the lifelong consequences of malpractice.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Medical Malpractice
Discovering that a doctor or hospital may have made a grave mistake is overwhelming. Acting quickly and strategically can protect both your health and your legal rights. If you suspect malpractice in a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy in Lake County, here are the most important steps to follow.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Your first priority should always be your health. If a procedure, medication, or diagnosis has caused harm, seek immediate treatment—ideally from a different provider or facility. Getting a second opinion helps protect you from further damage and establishes an independent record of your condition. Documenting corrective treatment also strengthens your malpractice claim.
Obtain Medical Records
Medical records are the foundation of any malpractice case. Request complete copies of your hospital charts, prescriptions, test results, and imaging studies as soon as possible. Indiana law gives patients the right to access their records, but providers sometimes delay or resist sharing them. Having records ensures that your Lake County medical malpractice lawyer and medical experts can identify errors and deviations from the standard of care.
Document Symptoms and Expenses
Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, treatments, and recovery process. Write down dates of doctor visits, medications taken, and changes in your health. Just as important, track the financial toll, such as receipts for prescriptions, bills for follow-up care, and lost income from time away from work. This personal record not only illustrates how malpractice has affected your daily life but also provides valuable evidence when calculating damages.
Do Not Confront the Provider Alone
It is natural to want answers, but confronting a doctor, hospital administrator, or pharmacist without legal guidance can harm your case. Providers may attempt to downplay mistakes, discourage you from seeking legal help, or even alter records. Statements you make in frustration or anger could be used against you later. Instead, allow your medical malpractice attorney to handle all communication with the provider or their insurance company.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Medical malpractice cases are highly technical, involving strict deadlines, expert testimony, and Indiana’s medical review panel process. Consulting the experienced Lake County medical malpractice attorneys at or firm ensures that your case is handled correctly from the start.
At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., we work quickly to secure medical records, consult with trusted specialists, and preserve key evidence. Our knowledge of local courts and juries gives us an advantage when holding healthcare providers accountable. The sooner you involve a medical malpractice lawyer, the better your chances of achieving justice and compensation.
How the Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. Can Help
Since 1988, Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. has stood as “Your Guardians of Justice” for families in Lake County. Our medical malpractice attorneys combine decades of experience, proven results, and compassion for clients facing life-altering injuries.
We understand that medical malpractice cases are not only about compensation; they are about accountability, safety, and preventing harm to future patients. By pursuing justice, we help ensure that negligent providers are held to the highest standards of care. When you hire our firm, you gain more than legal representation—you gain trusted advocates committed to protecting your future.
- Recognized Excellence: Named to Best Lawyers, Indiana Super Lawyers, and AV Preeminent peer ratings.
- Resources: Access to medical experts, investigators, and economic specialists.
- Community Connection: A team rooted in Lake County since 1988, with deep knowledge of local courts and juries.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We treat every client as we would a member of our own family.
Our medical malpractice attorneys have the skills and determination to stand up to hospitals, doctors, and their insurers. We investigate every detail, from reviewing surgical protocols to examining pharmacy logs, to uncover the truth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Malpractice
Do I need to go through a medical review panel before filing a lawsuit?
Yes. Indiana requires a medical review panel to examine claims before a lawsuit can proceed. The panel’s opinion is influential, but you may still pursue litigation even if they do not find malpractice.
How much compensation can I receive?
Compensation depends on the severity of the injury, medical costs, lost wages, and the long-term impact on your life. Indiana caps damages in medical malpractice cases, but many claims still result in substantial recoveries.
What if a pharmacy error caused my injury?
Pharmacist mistakes, such as dispensing the wrong drug or dosage, can form the basis of a malpractice claim. Both the prescribing doctor and the pharmacy may be held liable depending on the circumstances.
Can I sue for a loved one’s wrongful death due to malpractice?
Yes. If negligence results in death, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral costs, lost companionship, and future financial support.
Contact Our Lake County Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Medical malpractice changes lives forever. From a botched surgery to a fatal misdiagnosis, these errors can leave victims and families struggling with grief, financial strain, and uncertainty. You do not have to face this fight alone. At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., our Lake County medical malpractice lawyers are committed to protecting patients and families across Northwest Indiana.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by medical negligence, contact our law firm online to schedule a free consultation. We know the law, we know the courts, and we know how to hold negligent providers accountable.