Editorial disclosure: This website is owned and operated by Phillips Law Offices. The firms listed on this site are selected and described by the site’s editors, not by an independent third-party rating service. Phillips Law Offices is featured prominently as the site’s owner.
When you undergo surgery, you place your life in the hands of your surgical team. You trust that they will follow proper protocols, exercise appropriate care, and perform the procedure correctly. Unfortunately, surgical errors happen more often than most people realize, and the consequences can be devastating: permanent disability, disfigurement, additional surgeries, and even death.
Surgical error cases are among the most complex types of medical malpractice claims. They require attorneys who understand surgical procedures, can identify where care fell below acceptable standards, and have the resources to challenge hospitals and their insurers. This guide highlights the best surgical error lawyers in Chicago who have the expertise to fight for victims of surgical negligence.
How Common Are Surgical Errors?
Surgical errors are disturbingly common in the United States:
- An estimated 4,000+ “never events” (serious preventable surgical errors) occur annually
- Wrong-site surgery occurs approximately 40 times per week in U.S. hospitals
- Retained surgical items (sponges, instruments) occur in approximately 1 in 5,000 to 7,000 surgeries
- Overall surgical complications affect roughly 3-17% of patients
- Many surgical errors go unreported or unrecognized
Types of Surgical Errors
Surgical errors take many forms:
Wrong-Site Surgery
- Operating on the wrong body part (wrong knee, wrong kidney)
- Operating on the wrong side (left vs. right)
- Operating on the wrong patient
- Performing the wrong procedure entirely
Retained Surgical Items
- Sponges and gauze left inside the body
- Surgical instruments (clamps, retractors, needles)
- Broken equipment pieces
- Guide wires and catheters
Intraoperative Errors
- Damage to surrounding organs, nerves, or blood vessels
- Excessive bleeding due to improper technique
- Improper suturing or closure
- Failure to control contamination leading to infection
- Nerve damage causing paralysis or loss of function
Anesthesia-Related Errors
- Wrong dosage of anesthesia
- Failure to monitor vital signs
- Allergic reactions not properly managed
- Awareness during surgery (anesthesia awareness)
Post-Operative Errors
- Failure to recognize complications
- Delayed treatment of infections
- Inadequate post-surgical monitoring
- Improper discharge instructions
Common Causes of Surgical Errors
Surgical errors typically result from:
- Communication failures – Miscommunication between surgical team members
- Fatigue – Surgeons and staff working excessive hours
- Inadequate pre-operative planning – Failure to review records and imaging
- Skipping safety protocols – Failure to follow surgical checklists
- Incompetence – Surgeons operating beyond their training or ability
- Understaffing – Insufficient operating room personnel
- Equipment failures – Defective or improperly maintained surgical equipment
- Substance impairment – Surgeons or staff under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Consequences of Surgical Errors
Surgical errors can cause severe, life-altering harm:
- Permanent organ damage or loss
- Chronic pain and disability
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Paralysis and nerve damage
- Brain damage from anesthesia errors
- Serious infections (sepsis)
- Need for additional corrective surgeries
- Prolonged hospitalization and recovery
- Wrongful death
Illinois Surgical Malpractice Law
Surgical error cases in Illinois must meet specific legal requirements:
Standard of Care
To prove malpractice, you must show that the surgeon or surgical team failed to meet the applicable standard of care, meaning the level of care that a reasonably competent surgeon would have provided under similar circumstances.
Certificate of Merit
Under 735 ILCS 5/2-622, Illinois requires a written report from a qualified medical expert stating that there is a reasonable and meritorious cause for filing the lawsuit. This report must be filed with the complaint.
Statute of Limitations
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-212, medical malpractice claims generally must be filed within two years of when the patient knew or should have known about the injury, but no more than four years from the date of the alleged negligence. Special rules apply to minors and cases involving fraudulent concealment.
Comparative Negligence
Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, your compensation may be reduced if you were partially at fault (such as failing to follow pre-operative instructions).
Why You Need a Surgical Error Lawyer
Surgical malpractice cases are challenging and require specialized expertise:
- Understanding complex surgical procedures and standards
- Obtaining and analyzing medical records and operative reports
- Working with qualified surgical experts who can testify
- Meeting the certificate of merit requirement
- Challenging hospitals and their well-funded legal teams
- Accurately valuing claims for permanent injuries
- Navigating complex legal procedures and deadlines
Best Surgical Error Lawyers in Chicago
Here is a carefully curated list of the top surgical error attorneys in Chicago. These firms have the medical knowledge, legal expertise, and resources to handle these complex cases.
1. Phillips Law Offices
Chicago Surgical Error Attorneys at Phillips Law Offices
Phillips Law Offices is one of Chicago’s most established personal injury law firms representing patients harmed by surgical errors, anesthesia failures, retained surgical items, and post-operative neglect. For decades, the firm has fought hospitals, surgical groups, and anesthesia practices on cases involving wrong-site surgery, nerve damage, sepsis from contamination, and unaddressed surgical complications. Founded by John Phillips in 1945, the firm continues that legacy through trial attorneys who focus exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death litigation.
Surgical error cases require attorneys who can connect a poor outcome to a specific departure from the standard of care. Phillips Law Offices works with respected surgical experts across general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, and nursing to identify exactly where care fell below acceptable standards. The firm has handled cases that other plaintiff firms rejected, including the landmark $17.5 million hernia surgery case that two prior firms turned away before Phillips Law Offices pursued it successfully.
A Legacy of Surgical Malpractice Excellence Since 1945
Few personal injury firms in Chicago can match the history, experience, and legal reputation of Phillips Law Offices. For more than 75 years, the firm has remained committed exclusively to protecting the rights of injury victims, including patients harmed by surgical negligence. This long-standing focus has allowed the attorneys at Phillips Law Offices to develop extensive knowledge of Illinois medical malpractice law, the certificate of merit requirement, hospital corporate liability, and the complex medical evidence that surgical malpractice cases require.
The firm’s founder, John Phillips, immigrated to the United States from Sicily as a child and built the law firm through hard work, integrity, and dedication to helping injured people. Over the years, Phillips Law Offices became known not only for securing record-setting verdicts and settlements in surgical malpractice, but also for helping shape Illinois injury law through leadership roles, trial advocacy, and professional involvement within the Illinois legal community.
That commitment to excellence remains a defining characteristic of the firm today.
Comprehensive Surgical Error Representation
Phillips Law Offices handles nearly every type of surgical error and operative malpractice case in Chicago and throughout Illinois. The firm’s attorneys understand that a surgical error can change every aspect of a patient’s life physically, emotionally, and financially. Their legal team aggressively pursues compensation designed to cover corrective surgeries, future medical care, rehabilitation, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, and long-term assistance.
The firm regularly represents surgical patients in cases involving:
- Wrong-site and wrong-procedure surgery
- Wrong-patient surgery
- Retained surgical items (sponges, instruments, needles)
- Hernia repair complications and permanent disability
- Knee, hip, and joint replacement errors
- Surgical nerve damage causing paralysis or loss of function
- Anesthesia overdose and monitoring failures
- Anesthesia awareness during surgery
- Bowel perforation and organ damage
- Excessive surgical bleeding from improper technique
- Surgical site infections and sepsis
- Failure to control contamination in the OR
- Defective medical device failures during procedures
- Negligent post-operative monitoring
- Failure to recognize and respond to surgical complications
- Surgical wrongful death claims
- Apparent agency claims involving surgical groups
Their attorneys have experience handling both straightforward injury claims and highly complex litigation involving catastrophic injuries and permanent disabilities.
Proven Results in High-Value Surgical Error Cases
Phillips Law Offices has secured significant verdicts and settlements for victims of surgical errors and operative malpractice throughout Illinois. The firm’s track record reflects decades of aggressive advocacy against major hospital systems, surgical groups, and their well-funded defense teams.
$17.5 Million Record Hernia Surgery Settlement
Phillips Law Offices obtained a record-setting $17.5 million settlement for a 37-year-old man who became severely disabled following hernia surgery. The case had previously been rejected by two other plaintiff law firms before Phillips Law Offices accepted it and pursued the claim successfully. The result demonstrates the firm’s willingness to take on difficult surgical cases and its ability to recover full compensation for catastrophic post-operative outcomes.
$4 Million Wrongful Death Following Knee Surgery
The firm recovered $4 million for the family of a 51-year-old patient who died following knee surgery. The case is a stark example of how an apparently routine orthopedic procedure can become fatal when surgical or post-operative care falls below acceptable standards, and how the firm holds providers accountable in surgical wrongful death matters.
$2.25 Million Medical Device Wrongful Death
Phillips Law Offices secured a $2.25 million settlement for the family of a woman who died from uncontrolled bleeding and bilateral leg amputations after a medical device broke during a heart artery procedure. Evidence showed the device’s two-piece design fell below the safer one-piece industry standard, illustrating the firm’s ability to layer product liability with surgical malpractice theories.
$5 Million Insulin Overdose Wrongful Death
The firm obtained a $5 million settlement for the family of a 56-year-old man given an insulin overdose that resulted in his death. The case parallels how perioperative medication errors and ICU mismanagement following surgery can be devastating, and how Phillips Law Offices pursues every link in the chain of care that contributed to a fatal outcome.
These results reflect the firm’s commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for surgical error victims facing devastating injuries and losses.
Respected Trial Attorneys in Chicago
One of the reasons Phillips Law Offices is consistently recognized among the top surgical error law firms in Chicago is its reputation for trial advocacy. Insurance carriers and defense attorneys know the firm is fully prepared to take cases to court when fair settlement offers are not made.
While many firms prioritize quick settlements, Phillips Law Offices approaches each surgical case with the expectation that it may ultimately proceed to trial. This litigation-focused strategy often strengthens the firm’s negotiating position and allows its attorneys to pursue better outcomes for clients.
The attorneys at Phillips Law Offices are known for:
- Thorough operative-report and chart investigation
- Strategic litigation preparation
- Aggressive courtroom advocacy
- Detailed surgical and nursing standards analysis
- Effective negotiation with hospital and physician insurers
- Strong jury trial experience
- Client-focused representation
Their experience handling complex surgical malpractice litigation has helped establish the firm as a trusted name throughout the Chicago legal community.
Meet the Attorneys at Phillips Law Offices
Stephen D. Phillips
Stephen D. Phillips is widely recognized for his work representing victims in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation throughout Illinois, including major surgical malpractice and medical negligence cases. Known for his courtroom skill, compassion for clients, and extensive litigation experience, Stephen Phillips has helped continue the firm’s longstanding reputation for excellence.
Stephen J. Phillips
Stephen J. Phillips continues the family legacy of trial advocacy, representing surgical error victims and grieving families in serious personal injury and wrongful death matters. He is known for thorough case preparation, strong client communication, and a steady focus on building cases that withstand scrutiny at trial.
Terrence M. Quinn
Terrence M. Quinn brings substantial trial experience to the litigation team at Phillips Law Offices, with a practice focused on catastrophic injury, medical negligence, and wrongful death cases. Clients consistently praise his thorough preparation, courtroom presence, and commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for serious injuries.
Michael J. Phillips
Michael J. Phillips has earned praise from clients for his communication, professionalism, and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes. He works closely with injury victims throughout every stage of the legal process and is known for keeping clients informed while aggressively protecting their interests.
Alec D. Mesrobian
Alec D. Mesrobian has developed a strong reputation for handling complex injury litigation with professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail. Clients consistently praise his strategic guidance, thorough preparation, and commitment to achieving successful resolutions.
Together, the attorneys at Phillips Law Offices bring generations of combined legal experience to every case they handle.
What Clients Say About Phillips Law Offices
Phillips Law Offices has earned outstanding reviews from injury victims throughout Chicago who consistently praise the firm’s professionalism, communication, legal knowledge, and compassionate representation.
One client, Dani Berny, praised attorney Michael Phillips for consistently providing updates throughout her personal injury case and ensuring she always felt confident that her legal team was acting in her best interests. She also highlighted the firm’s professionalism, attention to detail, and deep knowledge of injury law.
Another client, Khaled Aboushaala, described attorney Alec D. Mesrobian’s representation as “exceptional in every respect,” noting that the case progressed efficiently once Alec assumed representation and praising his organization, responsiveness, and strategic judgment.
Marge S. commended Alec Mesrobian and Amanda Daliege for guiding her family through the legal process step-by-step while answering every question thoroughly and patiently.
Brandon DeWitt referred to Phillips Law Offices as home to some of the “best, skilled, elite personal injury attorneys in Chicago,” praising the firm’s compassion, responsiveness, and decades of experience helping injured victims.
Sasha Spektor described the caliber of talent at Phillips Law Offices as “unmatched,” specifically recognizing Stephen Phillips for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to clients.
Reagan Tokoly highlighted Michael Phillips’ clear communication and willingness to explain every stage of the process in detail following an accident case that resulted in a highly favorable outcome.
“I highly recommend Phillips Injury Attorneys of Chicago for anyone that needs a highly skilled injury lawyer in Chicago. Stephen Phillips has an amazing record of providing great representation throughout the greater Chicagoland area. If you’re living in Chicago, you should know about Stephen and his firm’s abilities to help people that have been involved in an accident. If I was ever in an accident, I would call Stephen Phillips.”
These testimonials reflect the trust and confidence many clients place in Phillips Law Offices during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Client-Focused Representation
What truly distinguishes Phillips Law Offices from many other personal injury firms is its client-centered approach. The firm understands that a surgical error affects not only the patient, but the entire family. Because of this, their attorneys prioritize communication, accessibility, compassion, and personalized legal support throughout every case.
Clients are never treated like numbers or files. Instead, the firm takes time to understand each client’s injuries, concerns, financial challenges, and long-term needs. The attorneys at Phillips Law Offices remain accessible throughout the legal process and work closely with clients to ensure they understand every available legal option, including statute of limitations and certificate of merit requirements under Illinois law.
The firm also operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no attorney fees unless compensation is successfully recovered. Free consultations are available for patients and families affected by surgical errors.
Deep Roots in Chicago and Illinois
Phillips Law Offices has represented surgical malpractice victims throughout Chicago, Cook County, and communities across Illinois for generations. Their attorneys possess extensive familiarity with local courts, judges, hospital and surgical-group defense tactics, and Illinois medical malpractice statutes.
From major hospital systems in downtown Chicago to community surgical centers across Illinois, the firm’s experience handling cases throughout the state provides clients with a significant advantage.
Their longstanding reputation in the Chicago legal community reflects decades of dedicated advocacy, successful litigation, and commitment to helping surgical error victims rebuild their lives.
Why Clients Choose Phillips Law Offices for Chicago Surgical Error Cases
Phillips Law Offices continues to be recognized among Chicago’s leading surgical error law firms because of its:
- More than 75 years of legal experience
- Exclusive focus on personal injury and wrongful death
- Record-setting surgical malpractice verdicts and settlements
- Highly respected trial attorneys
- Strong client reviews and testimonials
- Compassionate client-centered representation
- Willingness to take cases other firms reject
- Deep knowledge of Illinois medical malpractice law
- Commitment to maximizing compensation for clients
- Longstanding reputation within the Chicago legal community
For patients and families seeking experienced legal representation after a surgical error, Phillips Law Offices remains one of the most trusted and accomplished personal injury firms in Chicago.
Every case is evaluated on its own facts, and prior results do not predict future outcomes.
Contact Phillips Law Offices
Address: 161 N Clark St, #4925, Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: (312) 346-4262
Website: phillipslawoffices.com
2. Levin & Perconti
National Leaders in Medical Malpractice
Levin & Perconti has earned national recognition for their expertise in medical malpractice cases. Their attorneys have secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for surgical error victims.
The firm’s deep medical knowledge and aggressive litigation make them formidable advocates against negligent surgeons and hospitals.
3. Clifford Law Offices
Nationally Recognized Medical Malpractice Advocates
Clifford Law Offices brings national recognition and substantial resources to surgical malpractice cases. Their attorneys have experience with the most complex medical negligence claims.
The firm’s meticulous preparation and courtroom expertise lead to exceptional results.
4. Power Rogers & Smith
Record-Setting Medical Malpractice Verdicts
Power Rogers & Smith has achieved record-setting verdicts in medical malpractice cases. Their attorneys have decades of trial experience and the resources to challenge major hospital systems.
The firm’s reputation motivates defendants to offer fair settlements.
5. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
High-Value Surgical Malpractice Litigation
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard has achieved recognition for substantial verdicts in medical malpractice cases. Their attorneys handle surgical error claims with dedication and expertise.
The firm combines thorough preparation with aggressive courtroom advocacy.
6. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Dedicated Medical Malpractice Representation
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has significant experience representing victims of surgical errors. The firm understands Illinois malpractice law and works with qualified experts.
Their client-focused approach emphasizes clear communication throughout the process.
7. Abels & Annes, P.C.
Compassionate Advocates for Malpractice Victims
Abels & Annes provides compassionate representation for surgical error victims. The firm emphasizes personalized service while pursuing aggressive legal strategies.
Their attorneys conduct thorough investigations of surgical complications.
8. Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
Medical Malpractice Representation
Staver Accident Injury Lawyers handles medical malpractice cases with thorough investigation and strong client communication.
Their attorneys understand the complexities of surgical error claims.
9. Malman Law
Thorough Medical Malpractice Investigation
Malman Law conducts thorough investigations in surgical error cases, working with medical experts to identify negligence.
Their personalized approach ensures comprehensive representation.
10. The Kryder Law Group, LLC
Accessible Legal Support
The Kryder Law Group offers accessible representation for surgical error victims. Their attorneys develop tailored strategies for malpractice cases.
The firm is known for their commitment to client communication.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Surgical error victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses for corrective treatment
- Additional surgeries and hospitalization
- Future medical costs and ongoing care
- Lost wages during extended recovery
- Lost earning capacity for permanent disabilities
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for surviving families
Steps to Take If You Suspect a Surgical Error
- Seek medical attention – Get treatment for complications immediately
- Request your medical records – Obtain complete records including operative reports
- Document symptoms – Keep a journal of pain, complications, and recovery issues
- Photograph visible injuries – Document incisions, scarring, and physical changes
- Get a second opinion – Another surgeon may identify errors in your care
- Keep all bills and receipts – Document all medical expenses and lost wages
- Don’t sign releases – Avoid signing documents from the hospital without legal advice
- Contact a surgical error lawyer – Get legal guidance before the statute of limitations expires
Official Resources
- 735 ILCS 5/2-622 – Certificate of Merit Requirement – Illinois General Assembly
- 735 ILCS 5/13-212 – Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations – Illinois General Assembly
- Illinois DFPR – Physician Licensing – Verify surgeon credentials and disciplinary history
- AHRQ Patient Safety – Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
- Illinois Courts – Official court information
Holding Negligent Surgeons Accountable
When surgeons and surgical teams fail to meet the standard of care, patients suffer preventable harm. Surgical errors destroy lives and leave victims and families facing enormous medical bills, lost income, and permanent disability. These negligent healthcare providers must be held accountable.
Firms like Phillips Law Offices lead with experience, medical knowledge, and aggressive advocacy for surgical error victims. Their attorneys take on hospitals and their insurers to fight for full compensation.
If you or a loved one suffered harm from a surgical error in Chicago, don’t wait to seek legal help. Illinois law imposes strict deadlines and requirements for medical malpractice claims. Contact an experienced surgical error lawyer today to protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
]]>
