Chicago Illinois Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Cirignani, Heller & Harman, LLP
When it comes to medical malpractice cases, our Firm stands apart, offering a breadth of medical and legal experience that makes the critical difference. Two of our Firm's lawyers are doctors -- a board certified internist and cardiologist and a board certified neurologist. Another was a certified respiratory therapist before becoming a lawyer. This unique combination of medical-legal education and experience is brought into the evaluation and management of every case we accept.As experienced Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorneys, we keep our edge by concentrating only on medical malpractice, working tirelessly to protect the legal rights of medical malpractice victims in Chicago, across Illinois and across the nation. The following areas of the medical malpractice are just a sample of the areas covered by Cirignani, Heller & Harman:
- Birth Injury (Cerebral Palsy)
- Brain Injury
- Paralysis/Spinal Cord Injury
- Wrongful Death
- Emergency Room Errors
Our medical-legal practice is founded on four fundamental principles to ensure it remains one of the premier medical malpractice firms in the nation: a focused practice, extensive medical expertise, cutting-edge trial skills, and personal client attention.
Focus on Medical Malpractice
More than fifteen years ago, we made the choice to concentrate our practice on the area of medical malpractice. Lawsuits involving medicine are complicated, expensive, time-consuming, and involve catastrophic injuries or death. Such cases need maximum attention. To give this attention, we limit the number of non-medical cases we handle to 5 percent or less of our total caseload.
Medical Malpractice -- Attorneys Who Are Also Doctors
We focus in medical negligence work. Partner Stanley J. Heller, M.D., J.D., is both a doctor and a lawyer. Board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, he received his medical degree from the world-renowned Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Our Firm also has an of-counsel relationship with Stuart Perlik, M.D., J.D., a board-certified neurologist and lawyer. We regularly consult with Dr. Perlik on a broad array of cases that involve his particular medical specialty, such as brain injury and paralysis cases.
Finally, though not a doctor, before he became a lawyer 19 years ago James Harman was a certified respiratory therapist at area hospitals, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Alexian Brothers Hospital and Central DuPage Hospital. Like Stan Heller and Stu Perlik, Jim's medical background affords him a unique vantage point when analyzing and litigating medical cases.
Trial Lawyers First and Always
Our Firm has always been a litigation firm. Our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers with exceptional track records both in and out of the courtroom. No one at our Firm works alone. We believe that litigation is best done as a team. From case inception to trial, all lawyers meet together regularly to "roundtable" each case; discussing its status, its strategy, and the steps necessary to bring the case to resolution.
Focus on Personal Attention
As part of our foundational policy to keep focused on medical negligence cases, we intentionally limit the number of medical cases we choose to handle, keeping the per-lawyer caseload to twenty cases or less. This policy was instituted to ensure that clients (and their cases) will get the personal attention they need and deserve. Additionally, our team approach means that more than one person will know about your case. So when the lead lawyer assigned to the case is out of the office, someone else is able to help answer your questions.
As experienced Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorneys, we have successfully investigated and litigated a number of multi-million dollar suits involving numerous complex issues. The following is a representative sample of our successes:
Cook County, Illinois
- $7,250,000 – Mid-trial settlement. Wrongful death of a 34-year-old woman due to misinterpreted pap smear.
- $8,000,000 – Trial Verdict. Wrongful death of 48-year-old man for inadvertent creation of air embolism from negligent removal of catheter.
- $4,000,000 – Trial Verdict. Failure of radiologist to detect a brain aneurysm resulted in severe brain injury in a 49-year-old woman.
- $5,000,000 – Mid-trial settlement. Man in his late forties loses his kidneys due to improper monitoring of medication.
- $1,000,000 – Settlement on eve of trial. Death due to pulmonary embolism.
Kane County, Illinois
- $825,000 – Settlement. Failure to timely treat meningoencephalitis in a one-year-old.
Bibb County, Georgia
- $1,350,000 – Settlement. Injury to infant from rare immune platelet disorder.
Fulton County, Georgia
- $2,500,000 – Settlement. For failure to recognize and control jaundice in baby after delivery; baby born with severe brain injury.
Yuma County, Arizona
- $2,000,000 – Settlement. For failure to monitor fetus condition and to perform timely c-section at signs of distress; baby born with cerebral palsy.
If you or someone you know in Chicago, or anywhere in Illinois, needs the help of an experienced Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney, please call Cirignani, Heller & Harman today at 866-723-0608, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule your free lawyer/doctor consultation.
We have only one practice area: medical malpractice. We have chosen to concentrate in this one area of law so that we can serve you better in that area. But you may not be sure whether your case is a medical malpractice case. So let’s start with a discussion of what is Medical Malpractice.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Everyone has the right to get good, competent medical care. When a doctor, nurse
pharmacist, hospital or other medical care provider makes an error that causes injury
they can be held accountable for what the law calls “medical malpractice.” It is sometimes called medical negligence. They mean the same thing.
It would be impossible to list all the ways in which medical malpractice can occur, but
some examples include: making mistakes when delivering babies (not taking them out when they get in trouble, for example), giving too much (or too little) medication, missing a diagnosis, not recognizing the seriousness of a patient’s condition, letting an infection get out of control, failing to timely diagnose cancer or brain injuries, or even something as mundane as failing to maintain equipment used in surgery or during a hospital stay.
In most states, in order to file a medical malpractice claim, we must first have the case reviewed by an expert witness, usually a physician, who certifies that there was negligence or malpractice. Once we get the certification, we are allowed to file the law suit. To win the law suit we must prove:
1. that the defendant doctor made a mistake. This is called negligence. It
basically means that the doctor did something (or failed to do something) that
reasonable doctors wouldn’t do (or would do), and
2. that because of the doctor’s mistake, the patient was injured.
To prove these things, the law in most states (if not all) require the testimony of an
expert doctor, and some cases, multiple expert doctors. These experts are required to
testify not only that an mistake was made, but also that the mistake caused (or was a
significant cause of) the injury.
Finding another doctor to testify against a fellow physician is typically costly and
difficult. One advantage our firm has is that, because of our experience in the medical field, we have access to a wide range of highly qualified experts in almost all specialties.
Insurance companies that defend malpractice claims are either owned by medical societies or reliant on them for their business. Physicians rarely view a medical malpractice claim against them as legitimate and can prevent their insurer from settling the case without their approval. Physicians usually insist (and the insurance companies comply) that they be aggressively defended regardless of the cost and, often, regardless of the merits of the case. The insurance companies then invest large amounts of capital and time into defending these claims. This practice overwhelms and intimidates inexperienced law firms.
For more detailed information on how a typical malpractice claim is handled from beginning to end,Click Here
For how we determine whether YOU have a valid medical malpractice claim Click Here
If you believe that a mistake was made in your medical treatment and you wish to discuss this matter with a lawyer who is also a doctor, call toll free 866-723-0608.
For more detailed information on how a typical malpractice claim is handled from beginning to end,Click Here
For how we determine whether YOU have a valid medical malpractice claim Click Here
If you believe that a mistake was made in your medical treatment and you wish to discuss this matter with a lawyer who is also a doctor, call toll free 866-723-0608.
Cuándo viene a casos médicos de negligencia, nuestra Firma se para aparte, ofreciendo una anchura de la experiencia médica y legal que hace la diferencia crítica. Dos de nuestros abogados del Firma son médicos -- una tabla certificó internista y a cardiólogo y una tabla certificó a neurólogo. Otro fue un terapeuta respiratorio certificado antes de llegar a ser a un abogado. Esta combinación extraordinaria de la educación y la experiencia médico-legales es traída en la evaluación y la administración de cada caso que aceptamos.
Cuando Chicago experimentado Abogados Médicos de Negligencia, nosotros mantenemos nuestra orilla concentrando sólo en negligencia médica, trabajando para proteger incansablemente los derechos legales de víctimas médicas de negligencia en Chicago, a través de Illinois y a través de la nación. Las áreas siguientes de la negligencia médica son apenas una muestra de las áreas cubrió por Cirignani, Heller & Harman:
Cuando Chicago experimentado Abogados Médicos de Negligencia, nosotros mantenemos nuestra orilla concentrando sólo en negligencia médica, trabajando para proteger incansablemente los derechos legales de víctimas médicas de negligencia en Chicago, a través de Illinois y a través de la nación. Las áreas siguientes de la negligencia médica son apenas una muestra de las áreas cubrió por Cirignani, Heller & Harman:
- Dé a luz a la Herida (la parálisis cerebral)
- Herida de cerebro
- Herida de Médula Espinal de parálisis
- Muerte injusta
- Errores de Espacio de emergencia
Nuestra práctica médico-legal es fundada en cuatro principios fundamentales asegurar que se quede uno de las firmas médicas primeras de negligencia en la nación: una práctica enfocada, pericia médica extensa, las habilidades del ensayo de vanguardia, y la atención personal de cliente.
Enfoque en la Negligencia Médica
Hace más de quince años, nosotros hicimos la elección para concentrar nuestra práctica en el área de negligencia médica. Los pleitos que implican la medicina se complican, costoso, tiempo-consumiendo, e implican las heridas o la muerte catastróficas. Tales casos necesitan la atención máxima. Para dar esta atención, nosotros limitamos el número de los casos no-médicos que manejamos al 5 por ciento o menos de nuestra carga de caja total.
Negligencia Médica -- Los abogados Que Son También Médicos
Enfocamos en el trabajo médico de la negligencia. El socio Stanley J. Heller, M.D., J.D., es un médico y un abogado. La tabla certificó en la Medicina y la Cardiología Internas, él recibió su grado médico de la Escuela de renombre mundial de Johnes Hopkins de la Medicina. Nuestra Firma tiene también una relación del de-consejo con Stuart Perlik, M.D., J.D., un neurólogo de tabla-certificó y abogado. Consultamos regularmente con Dr. Perlik en una serie ancha de los casos que implican su especialidad médica particular, tal como la herida de cerebro y casos de parálisis.
Finalmente, aunque no un médico, antes él llegó a ser un abogado se Atasca hace 19 años Harman fue un terapeuta respiratorio certificado en hospitales de área, inclusive el Hospital Conmemorativo del noroeste, el Hospital de Hermanos de Alexian y Hospital Central de DuPage. Como Stan Heller y Stu Perlik, el fondo médico de Jim lo proporciona una atalaya extraordinaria al analizar y litigar los casos médicos.
Los Abogados del ensayo Primero y Siempre
Nuestra Firma siempre ha sido una firma del pleito. Nuestros abogados son sazonar a abogados de ensayo con historiales excepcionales en y fuera de la sala. Nadie en nuestros trabajo Firmes sólo. Creemos que ese pleito es hecho mejor como un equipo. Del principio del caso al ensayo, todos abogados se reúnen regularmente "mesa redonda" cada caso; discutiendo su posición, su estrategia, y los pasos necesarios para traer el caso a la resolución.
Enfoque en la Atención Personal
Cuando la parte de nuestra política de foundational para mantener enfocado en casos médicos de negligencia, nosotros limitamos intencionalmente el número de los casos médicos que escogemos manejar, manteniendo la carga de caja de por-abogado a veinte casos o menos. Esta política fue instituida para asegurar que clientes (y sus casos) obtendrá la atención personal ellos necesitan y merecen. Adicionalmente, nuestro enfoque del equipo significa que más de una persona sabrá acerca de su caso. De modo que cuando el abogado principal asignado al caso es fuera de la oficina, otra persona puede ayudar la respuesta sus preguntas.
Cuando Chicago experimentado Abogados Médicos de Negligencia, nosotros hemos investigado exitosamente y hemos litigado varios multi los juicios de millón de dólar que implican numerosos asuntos del complejo. El siguiente es una muestra representativa de nuestros éxitos:
Cook County, Illinois
Negligencia Médica -- Los abogados Que Son También Médicos
Enfocamos en el trabajo médico de la negligencia. El socio Stanley J. Heller, M.D., J.D., es un médico y un abogado. La tabla certificó en la Medicina y la Cardiología Internas, él recibió su grado médico de la Escuela de renombre mundial de Johnes Hopkins de la Medicina. Nuestra Firma tiene también una relación del de-consejo con Stuart Perlik, M.D., J.D., un neurólogo de tabla-certificó y abogado. Consultamos regularmente con Dr. Perlik en una serie ancha de los casos que implican su especialidad médica particular, tal como la herida de cerebro y casos de parálisis.
Finalmente, aunque no un médico, antes él llegó a ser un abogado se Atasca hace 19 años Harman fue un terapeuta respiratorio certificado en hospitales de área, inclusive el Hospital Conmemorativo del noroeste, el Hospital de Hermanos de Alexian y Hospital Central de DuPage. Como Stan Heller y Stu Perlik, el fondo médico de Jim lo proporciona una atalaya extraordinaria al analizar y litigar los casos médicos.
Los Abogados del ensayo Primero y Siempre
Nuestra Firma siempre ha sido una firma del pleito. Nuestros abogados son sazonar a abogados de ensayo con historiales excepcionales en y fuera de la sala. Nadie en nuestros trabajo Firmes sólo. Creemos que ese pleito es hecho mejor como un equipo. Del principio del caso al ensayo, todos abogados se reúnen regularmente "mesa redonda" cada caso; discutiendo su posición, su estrategia, y los pasos necesarios para traer el caso a la resolución.
Enfoque en la Atención Personal
Cuando la parte de nuestra política de foundational para mantener enfocado en casos médicos de negligencia, nosotros limitamos intencionalmente el número de los casos médicos que escogemos manejar, manteniendo la carga de caja de por-abogado a veinte casos o menos. Esta política fue instituida para asegurar que clientes (y sus casos) obtendrá la atención personal ellos necesitan y merecen. Adicionalmente, nuestro enfoque del equipo significa que más de una persona sabrá acerca de su caso. De modo que cuando el abogado principal asignado al caso es fuera de la oficina, otra persona puede ayudar la respuesta sus preguntas.
Cuando Chicago experimentado Abogados Médicos de Negligencia, nosotros hemos investigado exitosamente y hemos litigado varios multi los juicios de millón de dólar que implican numerosos asuntos del complejo. El siguiente es una muestra representativa de nuestros éxitos:
Cook County, Illinois
- $7,250,000 – Arreglo de medio-ensayo. La muerte injusta de una mujer de 34 años de edad debido a frotis interpretado mal.
- $8,000,000 – Juicio de ensayo. La muerte injusta de hombre de 48 años de edad para la creación inadvertida del embolismo aéreo de la eliminación negligente de catéter.
- $4,000,000 – Juicio de ensayo. El fracaso de radiólogo para discernir un aneurisma de cerebro tuvo como resultado la herida severa de cerebro en una mujer de 49 años de edad.
- $5,000,000 – Arreglo de medio-ensayo. El hombre en sus tarde cuarenta pierden los riñónes debido a controlar impropio de la medicina.
- $1,000,000 – El arreglo en la víspera del ensayo. La muerte debido al embolismo pulmonar.
Kane County, Illinois
- $825,000 – Arreglo. El fracaso al meningoencephalitis oportuno del gusto niño en un uno año.
Bibb County, Georgia
- $1,350,000 – Arreglo. La herida al niño del desorden inmune raro de la plaqueta.
Fulton County, Georgia
- $2,500,000 – Arreglo. Para el fracaso para reconocer y controlar la ictericia en el bebé después de la entrega; bebé nacido con la herida severa de cerebro.
Yuma County, Arizona
- $2,000,000 – Arreglo. Para el fracaso para controlar la condición de feto y para realizar la C-sección oportuna en signos de la pena; bebé nacido con la parálisis cerebral.
Si usted o alguien usted sabe en Chicago, o dondequiera en Illinois, necesita la ayuda de un Chicago experimentado Abogado Médico de Negligencia, por favor llamada Cirignani, Heller & Harman hoy en 866-723-0608 o completa la forma del contacto proporcionada en este sitio para planificar su consulta libre de doctor de abogado.
Professional Profiles
Our Firm offers clients seasoned, talented trial lawyers with established and exceptional track records in resolving medical cases, whether by settlement or trial verdict.
If you or someone you know in Chicago, or anywhere in Illinois, needs the help of an experienced Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney, please call Cirignani, Heller & Harman today at 866-723-0608, or complete the contact form provided on this site to schedule your free lawyer/doctor consultation.
FIRM ADDRESS:
Cirignani Heller & Harman, LLP
150 South Wacker Dr., Suite 2600
Chicago, Il 60606
Phone: 866-723-0608
MEMBERS OF THE FIRM:
William A. Cirignani
EDUCATION:
- Loyola University, B.B.A., 1984
- Northwestern University School of Law, J.D., 1988
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Arizona
- U.S. District Court of Arizona
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
- American Trial Lawyers Association
Stanley J. HellerEDUCATION:
- Johns Hopkins University, A.B., 1962
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1965
- Northwestern University, J.D., 1988
- Illinois
- Georgia
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
- Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- American College of Physicians
- American College of Cardiology
- Council on Clinical Cardiology of the American Heart Association
- American College of Legal Medicine
James C. HarmanEDUCATION:
- Southern Illinois University, B.S., 1980
- Northwestern University, C.R.T., 1982
- John Marshall Law School, J.D., 1987
- Illinois
- Georgia
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
- American Trial Lawyers Association
Benjamin P. Beringer EDUCATION:
- Wabash College, B.A., 1987
- Indiana University, J.D., 1990
- Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Deborah A. Alroth EDUCATION:
- Indiana University, B.S., 1992
- Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, J.D., 1995
- Illinois
- Georgia
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
- American Trial Lawyers Association
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Additional Questions or need further information?
Stanley J. Heller, M.D., J.D.
Cirignani, Heller & Harman, LLP
150 South Wacker Dr, Suite 2600
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 866-723-0608
Fax: 312-346-5180
