Potential Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Ends in Settlement

 Posted on April 29, 2012 in Medical Malpractice

The Chicago Tribune reported Monday that James Tyree’s estate settled a potential claim for medical malpractice and/or wrongful death with the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Mr. Tyree who formerly owned the Chicago SunTimes was fighting cancer and pneumonia when he died in March 2011 at the Medical Center. A catheter was inserted into Mr. Tyree, and allegedly the hospital improperly removed the catheter causing Mr. Tyree’s death on March 16, 2011. Mr. Tyree’s estate did not file a lawsuit against the Hospital as the parties were able to reach a settlement on January 27, 2012 for 10 million dollars. As part of the agreement, the Estate agreed to release the Hospital from all future claims. The settlement also states that the settlement is not an indication that the hospital admits to negligence.

In a wrongful death matter, the law states that before the settlement is written in stone, the county court needs to approve or disapprove of the settlement. Here, the Estate presented Cook County Court with a Petition to Settle asking for the County’s approval, and a judge approved the settlement. The Estate has agreed to donate some of the settlement proceeds to the James C. Tyree Charitable Foundation, which Mr. Tyree founded while he was alive, to support education and healthcare in Chicago.

Unfortunately, hospitals and doctors make mistakes that may cost innocent individuals their lives. Even if the medical malpractice victim doesn't die, they could incur substantial unnecessary medical bills, and undergo unneeded pain and suffering. The person who received the treatment should be compensated for this, and a family should be compensated for their unimaginable grief and pain from such a loss. Families in these situations should hire a top Orland Park medical malpractice attorney who can protect the family’s best interest.