Why Levin & Perconti Stands Out in Misdiagnosis Lawsuits
Choosing the right legal representation is crucial in complex medical malpractice cases. At Levin & Perconti, our team of Chicago wrong diagnosis attorneys brings together over 400 years of combined experience, dedicated solely to advocating for victims of medical negligence. This extensive experience allows us to develop highly effective and aggressive strategies tailored to each unique wrong diagnosis case. We have a history of success, having recovered over $2 billion for our clients, including numerous landmark settlements and verdicts that have set records and made headlines.
Our firm is recognized for achieving more settlements exceeding $500,000 than any other law firm in Illinois. In 2020, the Jury Verdict Reporter ranked us among the top five Illinois law firms for total settlements, highlighting our consistent success in securing significant compensation. Many of our attorneys have received prestigious accolades, including recognition as Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and Illinois Top 100 Lawyers. These honors are reserved for the most accomplished and respected attorneys in the state, demonstrating the high caliber of legal expertise you’ll find at Levin & Perconti.
Leading our firm is senior partner and founder Steven Levin, a nationally recognized attorney and a prominent voice on medical malpractice issues. He frequently appears on national television news to discuss medical negligence and has even testified before Congress on matters related to patient safety and medical malpractice reform. His leadership and commitment to justice permeate our firm, ensuring every client receives the highest level of representation.
To understand more about our unwavering commitment to achieving justice for our clients and our firm’s deep-rooted values, we invite you to learn more about Levin & Perconti. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you navigate the complexities of a misdiagnosis lawsuit.
Meet Our Dedicated Chicago Misdiagnosis Attorney Team
Our team of medical malpractice attorneys at Levin & Perconti is comprised of experienced and compassionate advocates, each dedicated to fighting for the rights of misdiagnosis victims.
Margaret Battersby Black
Margaret P. Battersby Black is a formidable advocate with a consistent record of securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for medical malpractice victims. Her notable achievements include a $5.45 million settlement for a client who developed sepsis after being wrongly discharged from the emergency room – a case that underscores the severe consequences of misdiagnosis. She is consistently recognized as a leading medical malpractice attorney in Illinois.
Her consistent recognition includes being named an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2012 to 2019 and then as an Illinois Super Lawyer every year since 2020. In 2024, Super Lawyers further honored her by including her in the Top 100 Lawyers in Illinois and Top 50 Women in Illinois lists, solidifying her position as a leading legal voice in the state.
Michael F. Bonamarte IV
Michael F. Bonamarte IV is a highly respected trial lawyer known throughout Illinois for his exceptional success in complex and high-stakes medical malpractice cases. His impressive track record includes verdicts ranging from $1 million to $40 million, demonstrating his ability to handle the most challenging misdiagnosis lawsuits. His legal skills have earned him the respect of clients, peers, and the legal community alike.
Alt text: Chicago medical malpractice attorney Michael Bonamarte IV headshot. Experienced lawyer at Levin & Perconti specializing in wrong diagnosis cases.
Beyond his courtroom success, Michael is actively involved in the legal community, regularly speaking to community organizations and legal associations. He is nationally recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America for medical malpractice law. His consistent recognition as an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2011 to 2019, followed by being named an Illinois Super Lawyer since 2019, underscores his ongoing excellence and leadership in the field.
Jaime Koziol Delaney
Jaime Koziol Delaney is a highly accomplished medical malpractice attorney who has achieved remarkable success early in her career. Since 2012, she has already secured over $100 million in successful case results for her clients. Her notable wins include a $9.975 million settlement in a misdiagnosis case for the family of a 39-year-old woman who tragically died from improperly diagnosed cervical cancer, highlighting the critical importance of accurate and timely diagnoses.
Jaime’s legal talent has been consistently recognized by Illinois Super Lawyers, naming her a Rising Star in medical malpractice every year since 2014. In 2016, the Chicago Law Bulletin Publishing Company recognized her as one of the Top 40 Attorneys Under 40 to Watch, acknowledging her potential and impact in the legal field. She is also a sought-after speaker, sharing her expertise with legal associations such as the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the National Academy of Continuing Education.
Andrew J. Thut
Andrew J. Thut is a dedicated Illinois native and a rising star in medical malpractice law. He has already secured numerous six- and seven-figure verdicts and settlements for his clients in misdiagnosis and other medical negligence cases. His successful case results include a $1.45 million settlement for a client whose lung cancer was initially misdiagnosed, demonstrating his commitment to fighting for patients harmed by diagnostic errors.
Alt text: Chicago misdiagnosis lawyer Andrew Thut headshot. Emerging legal talent at Levin & Perconti specializing in medical malpractice claims.
Andrew’s growing reputation is reflected in his consistent recognition as an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star and Super Lawyer since 2018, and as an Emerging Lawyer by Leading Lawyers since 2017. The Chicago Law Bulletin Publishing Company also recognized his potential early in his career, naming him among the Top 40 Attorneys Under 40 to Watch in 2017.
What Our Clients Say About Our Chicago Wrong Diagnosis Lawyers
The experiences of our clients speak volumes about our dedication and effectiveness in handling misdiagnosis lawsuits. We are proud to share some of their testimonials:
“My case was a medical malpractice that I suffered that threatened my life. From the very beginning of the process, they showed incredible professionalism and true care for my well-being. I received unconditional support at every step of the way; they were excellent in communication, guided me in areas where I had no knowledge, and made things easy for me. They were always available and took charge of everything as we navigated through the process of filing the suit, deposition, and later the trial.” – Kyra
“I was looking for an attorney at a well-established law firm to represent my father for wrongful death medical treatments he endured. After carefully reading their website I felt confident in contacting them and seeing if the firm would represent my father. After Levin & Perconti accepted my case and I gave the firm all of the information I had (paper records and pictures), they worked diligently on my case. I highly recommend Levin & Perconti because they’re so caring, knowledgeable, responsive, and give information in a timely fashion.” – Maurice G.
“Thank you to Levin and Perconti for all that you have done for my family. I would highly recommend anyone who has experienced medical malpractice to reach out to this firm. All the lawyers that worked on my case were familiar with the medical terminology and law which helped them to be prepared for a case like mine. The lawyers always made sure that my husband and I were aware of what was going on with our case and how long to expect a wait. They made sure that we were comfortable with every decision that they made, and they advocated on behalf of me and my family in a fair but aggressive manner.” – Ashley A.
These testimonials reflect our commitment to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to every client who has suffered due to medical misdiagnosis in Chicago.
Types of Misdiagnosis Cases Handled by Our Chicago Attorneys
At Levin & Perconti, our Chicago misdiagnosis lawyers have extensive experience handling virtually every type of misdiagnosis case. We are driven by a passion to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable for the harm they cause to patients. By aggressively pursuing each case, we aim to not only secure justice for our clients but also to deter negligent practices and improve patient safety within the medical community.
The impact of diagnostic errors is a significant public health concern. According to recent statistics, an estimated 795,000 people in the U.S. each year suffer death or permanent disability due to diagnostic errors. Reports also indicate disparities in healthcare, with women and minorities facing a 30% higher likelihood of misdiagnosis compared to white men, as highlighted by NBC News. Levin & Perconti is committed to inclusive representation, advocating for all victims of misdiagnosis, regardless of background.
Medical researchers have identified “the big three” categories of conditions most commonly misdiagnosed and leading to serious harm: cancer, infections, and vascular events. These three categories account for approximately three-quarters of all misdiagnoses resulting in significant patient harm, according to a Johns Hopkins Medicine report. Our firm has extensive experience handling cases within these categories and beyond. If you have suffered harm due to a misdiagnosis of any medical condition, our Chicago medical misdiagnosis attorneys are ready to help.
Cancer Misdiagnosis
Cancer misdiagnosis is tragically common and can have fatal consequences. A delayed or missed cancer diagnosis can drastically reduce a patient’s chances of survival and effective treatment. Levin & Perconti has a strong record of success in cancer misdiagnosis cases, with verdicts and settlements ranging from $500,000 to $14 million.
Vascular Events
Vascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes, aortic dissections, and pulmonary embolisms, are critical medical emergencies that require immediate and accurate diagnosis. Misdiagnosis of these conditions, particularly in the emergency room, can lead to irreversible damage or death. We represent clients who have been misdiagnosed in emergency settings and those whose primary care doctors have failed to recognize and properly manage heart conditions and vascular disorders, leading to severe events. Our successful case results include a $1 million settlement against an HMO doctor who failed to diagnose a failing artificial heart valve, resulting in the patient’s preventable death.
Infections
Misdiagnosed infections can rapidly escalate, spreading throughout the body and causing severe, sometimes life-threatening complications. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing infections effectively. Levin & Perconti has represented numerous clients who have suffered serious harm or lost loved ones due to misdiagnosed infections, including:
- Sepsis
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Appendicitis
- Streptococcus
- MRSA
- HIV
In one particularly heartbreaking case, we secured a $2.25 million settlement for the parents of a five-year-old boy who tragically died from an undiagnosed infection that led to septic shock, respiratory distress, and a brain bleed. This young boy had already overcome leukemia through a bone marrow transplant, making the misdiagnosis and subsequent loss even more devastating.
Pregnancy and Birth Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis during pregnancy or childbirth can have catastrophic consequences for both mothers and babies. These errors can lead to death or permanent disabilities. Levin & Perconti has extensive experience representing families of children who have suffered permanent intellectual and developmental disabilities due to misdiagnosis during pregnancy, birth, or in the immediate postpartum period. We also advocate for families who have lost mothers due to misdiagnosis during pregnancy or postpartum.
Commonly misdiagnosed conditions during pregnancy that can cause significant harm include preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and maternal infections. Our Chicago birth injury lawyers have achieved record-setting verdicts in pregnancy and birth misdiagnosis cases, including:
- $9 million for the family of a baby who suffered permanent brain damage because a doctor failed to test the mother for Group B Strep meningitis during pregnancy.
- $7.62 million for the family of a woman who bled to death due to a doctor’s failure to investigate postpartum bleeding complaints.
- $2.5 million for the family of a child who died at age two because a doctor failed to diagnose the mother’s immune disorder during pregnancy.
Other Types of Misdiagnosis Cases
The range of medical conditions is vast, and unfortunately, any condition can be misdiagnosed. Regardless of the specific condition, if you have been harmed by a misdiagnosis, our Chicago medical misdiagnosis attorneys at Levin & Perconti are prepared to fight for your rights. Even seemingly common conditions can be misdiagnosed with devastating results. For example, we secured an $8 million settlement for the family of a woman who died because a hospital staff failed to diagnose and treat a kidney stone, demonstrating that even common ailments can be fatal when misdiagnosis occurs.
How Levin & Perconti Proves Medical Negligence in Wrong Diagnosis Cases
Proving medical negligence in a misdiagnosis lawsuit requires substantial resources, time, and legal expertise. Levin & Perconti is equipped with the financial resources necessary to thoroughly investigate and build a strong case. We invest in top-tier consultants, respected expert witnesses, and detailed private investigations to gather compelling evidence and strengthen your claim. We are committed to pursuing full and fair compensation for our clients and are always prepared to take cases to court when necessary. Our experienced Chicago wrong diagnosis lawyers know how to meticulously gather and present evidence that withstands legal scrutiny.
When you choose Levin & Perconti, you gain the benefit of skillful representation from a resourceful and experienced legal team, with no upfront costs to you. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney fees if we successfully recover compensation for you. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.
Damages You Can Recover in a Chicago Medical Misdiagnosis Lawsuit
In a medical malpractice lawsuit for misdiagnosis, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are intended to compensate you for your quantifiable financial losses resulting from the medical negligence. These can include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
Non-economic damages are designed to compensate you for the intangible losses that impact your quality of life due to the misdiagnosis. These can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Physical disability and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of bodily functions
The specific amount of compensation you may recover will depend on the unique circumstances of your case, including the severity of your injuries, your earning potential before and after the misdiagnosis, and the long-term impact of your condition. Illinois law is favorable to medical malpractice victims as it does not impose caps on non-economic damages, potentially leading to higher compensation awards compared to many other states.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Misdiagnosis Lawsuit in Chicago?
In a misdiagnosis lawsuit, any licensed healthcare professional or entity whose negligence contributed to the diagnostic error and resulting harm can be held liable. Under Illinois law, recognized healthcare providers include:
- Doctors (all specialties)
- Nurses
- Radiologists
- Midwives
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- Pathologists
- Hospitals
- Birthing centers
- Medical Laboratories
Often, multiple parties may share responsibility for a misdiagnosis. Levin & Perconti has a proven track record of successfully litigating against all types of healthcare providers and institutions in misdiagnosis cases. Examples of cases against different liable parties include:
Hospital and Hospital Staff Liability
We achieved a $5.35 million settlement against a hospital and its staff on behalf of the family of an 18-year-old mother who tragically died a month after childbirth due to the hospital staff’s failure to diagnose postpartum cardiomyopathy. In another case involving postpartum death, we secured a $1.8 million settlement against both the hospital and a doctor for their failure to diagnose and promptly respond to a sickle cell crisis in the mother.
Doctor Liability
Our successful misdiagnosis claims against doctors include:
- $1 million settlement resulting from a pediatrician’s failure to diagnose meningitis in an 18-month-old boy, leading to permanent brain damage and hearing loss.
- $950,000 settlement with a doctor who failed to diagnose breast cancer, resulting in the patient’s death.
- $850,000 settlement against a doctor who failed to diagnose and treat gestational diabetes, tragically resulting in the death of a 26-week-old fetus.
Radiologist Liability
In a case involving radiology errors, we negotiated a $3.6 million settlement for the family of a 29-year-old husband and father. This settlement was achieved due to a radiologist’s negligence in missing a massive tumor on an X-ray, which directly contributed to the patient’s death.
Laboratory Liability
We secured a $2.3 million settlement in a case against a medical laboratory that failed to properly read pap smears. This error led to a delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer and the eventual death of a 35-year-old mother of three.
Illinois Statute of Limitations for Wrong Diagnosis Claims
In Illinois, like in all states, there is a legal time limit for filing medical malpractice lawsuits, known as the statute of limitations. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally two years from the date you knew or should have known about your injury due to medical negligence, but no more than four years from the date of the negligent act itself.
These time limits can be complex and may vary depending on specific circumstances. It is crucial to consult with experienced Chicago wrong diagnosis lawyers as soon as possible if you suspect you have been a victim of misdiagnosis. Failing to file a claim within the applicable statute of limitations can permanently bar your right to seek compensation for your injuries. Our knowledgeable attorneys at Levin & Perconti can quickly assess how the statute of limitations applies to your case and ensure all deadlines are met to protect your legal rights.
Contact Our Chicago Wrong Diagnosis Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a medical misdiagnosis, time is of the essence. You have a limited window to take legal action to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable and pursue the financial compensation you deserve.
With a long history of success and over $2 billion recovered for our clients since 1992, Levin & Perconti has the experience and resources to maximize your potential recovery. Do not delay in seeking legal help. Call our Chicago wrong diagnosis lawyers today at (312) 332-2872 for a free, confidential case review, or contact us online. Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.
