Blog | Levin & Perconti

Cardinal Health Alcohol Prep Pad Recall Lawsuit Attorneys: Infection Risks, Legal Options, and Patient Rights

Levin & Perconti — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:26:09 +0000

In March 2026, Cardinal Health announced a nationwide voluntary recall of its Webcol Large Alcohol Prep Pads due to contamination with a harmful bacterium known as Paenibacillus phoenicis.

If you or a loved one developed an unexpected or unexplained infection shortly after receiving an injection, IV placement, blood draw, or similar medical treatment between September 2025 and March 2026, it is important to understand the potential connection to this recall.

Levin & Perconti is currently reviewing inquiries related to this recall and helping individuals determine whether contaminated alcohol prep pads may have played a role.

These products are widely used across hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and at-home care settings to disinfect skin before injections, blood draws, and other medical procedures. Because they are used immediately before injections and invasive procedures, patients may be exposed without any visible warning and may never know a contaminated product was used. In many cases, the first indication of a problem is an unexpected infection following what appeared to be a routine injection or IV placement, with no clear explanation.

For vulnerable patients, contamination in a product designed to prevent infection can have devastating consequences.

What Are Alcohol Prep Pads Used For?

Alcohol prep pads are an essential part of healthcare. They are used to disinfect the skin before:

Injections:

Vaccinations and injections/shots (flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, allergy shots, B12, hormone therapy)

IV Therapy & Blood Draws:

IV placement, blood draws, and hospital infusions (including antibiotics, fluids, chemotherapy, and medications)

Lab Testing:

Diagnostic blood testing and pre-procedure lab work/blood work

Surgical and Minor Procedures:

Biopsies, suturing, abscess drainage, and minor surgical procedures

Wound & Device Care:

Wound care and medical device site preparation (catheters, feeding tubes, dialysis access, surgical wounds, pressure ulcers/bed sores)

Diabetes Care:

Insulin injections, glucose monitoring, and CGM insertion site preparation

Because these products are intended to kill bacteria and prevent infection, patients and providers rely on them as a first line of defense.

When contamination occurs, that protection is reversed. Instead of preventing infection, the product introduces bacteria directly into the body at the exact moment the skin barrier is broken.

What Is Paenibacillus phoenicis and Why Is It Dangerous?

Paenibacillus phoenicis is a spore-forming bacterium capable of surviving harsh environments and resisting standard sterilization processes. Unlike more common hospital-acquired infections, Paenibacillus phoenicis is not frequently seen in clinical settings, which makes unusual or unexplained infections following routine procedures more significant and potentially traceable to a contaminated Cardinal Health alcohol prep pad.

It can enter the body through:

Broken or punctured skin (such as injection sites)
Open wounds
Medical device entry points

Infections linked to this organism include:

Bloodstream infections (bacteremia) after IV
Central nervous system infections
Wound infections and abscesses
Eye infections
Abscess at injection site
Sepsis and life-threatening complications

For immunocompromised patients, even a small exposure can escalate into a serious or fatal infection. When a contaminated alcohol prep pad is used before an injection or IV placement, the bacteria may be transferred to the skin at the exact moment the skin barrier is broken. An infection can develop hours or days later, often without an immediately identifiable source.

Who Is Most at Risk?

The recall raises particular concern for high-risk populations, including:

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Individuals with weakened immune systems
Diabetic patients with compromised healing
Premature infants and newborns
Hospitalized or long-term care patients

These individuals are more susceptible to infection and less able to fight off bacterial exposure.

"Patients trust that the most basic safeguards in healthcare will protect them, not expose them to harm. Alcohol prep pads are used at the exact moment the body is most vulnerable, just before the skin is broken. When a contaminated product is introduced at that point, the consequences can be catastrophic. For immunocompromised patients, it can mean the difference between a routine procedure and a life-threatening infection. This recall raises serious questions about how this happened and whether it could have been prevented. When preventable risks reach patients, accountability is not optional."

- Michael F. Bonamarte IV, Managing Partner at Levin & Perconti

Scope and Timeline of the Recall

The recall is significant in both size and reach:

Nearly 400 affected lot numbers

Approximately 170 million units distributed

Products sold across the United States, Puerto Rico, and internationally

Timeline

September 2025 – February 2026: Distribution of affected products

March 2, 2026: Customers notified of recall

March 18- 19, 2026: Public recall announcement

The scale of distribution means many patients may be exposed without ever knowing the product was contaminated.

How Do I Know If I Was Exposed to Recalled Alcohol Prep Pads?

You may have been exposed if you or a loved one:

Had an injection, IV placement, blood draw, or similar procedure between September 2025 and March 2026
Developed an infection shortly after treatment
Were treated in a hospital, clinic, nursing home, or received home healthcare

If you are unsure whether exposure occurred, a legal team can review medical records and investigate whether contaminated alcohol prep pads were used during your care.

Why This Recall Is Especially Concerning

This situation raises serious safety concerns because:

The product was intended to prevent infection, not cause it
Contamination may have occurred during manufacturing
The affected products were used in high-risk medical settings
There was a months-long window of distribution before recall

In other words, patients may have been exposed during routine medical care and only later discovered the issue after developing an unexpected infection with no clear source.

Potential Legal Claims Against Cardinal Health

Patients harmed by contaminated alcohol prep pads may have the right to pursue legal action.

Potential claims include:

Strict product liability: for distributing a defective and dangerous product
Negligent manufacturing: for failures in sterilization and quality control
Failure to warn: if risks were not disclosed in a timely manner

Under product liability law, companies can be held accountable when a defective medical product causes preventable harm.

Evidence That Can Strengthen a Case

If you believe you or a loved one was affected, it is important to preserve any available evidence, including:

Medical records documenting infection diagnosis
Lab results identifying bacterial infection
Records of treatment (hospitalization, antibiotics, ICU care)
Documentation of procedures where alcohol prep pads were used
Any remaining product packaging or lot numbers (if available)

Even if you do not have the product itself, medical documentation can play a critical role.

Potential Compensation

Individuals harmed by contaminated medical products may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses and ongoing care
Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Long-term complications or disability
Wrongful death damages for families

Severe infections such as sepsis can lead to life-altering consequences, making accountability essential.

How Levin & Perconti Can Help

Levin & Perconti has over 200 years of combined legal experience representing patients and families in complex product liability and medical negligence cases. Cases involving contaminated medical products require careful medical and legal analysis due to the complexity of how infections develop.

We have long advocated for individuals harmed in healthcare settings. This recall represents a serious breakdown in safety involving a product used every day in medical care.

Contact Levin & Perconti for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one developed an unexpected or unexplained infection following a medical procedure involving an injection, IV, or blood draw between September 2025 and March 2026, it is important to speak with an attorney. Levin & Perconti is currently reviewing inquiries related to this recall and helping individuals determine whether contaminated alcohol prep pads may have played a role.

Our team will review your situation, explain your legal options, and help you determine the next steps.

Call us at 312-332-2872 or fill out our online form to get started.

The post Cardinal Health Alcohol Prep Pad Recall Lawsuit Attorneys: Infection Risks, Legal Options, and Patient Rights appeared first on Levin & Perconti.

Switching Your Personal Injury Attorney Mid-Case

Levin & Perconti — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:26:35 +0000

In Illinois, you have the right to switch lawyers mid-case for any reason. Dealing with an injury after a car wreck, slip and fall, or other accident is stressful on its own, but poor legal representation can make your situation even more difficult. It can be frustrating when your lawyer is unreachable, unorganized, or does not give your case the attention it deserves.

If you’re dissatisfied with your current representation, you can switch attorneys in your personal injury case. Our team explains how it works, what you can do, and how to find the right personal injury lawyer for your needs. Contact us to learn more with a free consultation.

Common Reasons People Switch Personal Injury Lawyers

When you hire a lawyer, you trust them to handle your claim to the best of their abilities. Unfortunately, some attorneys are underqualified or overwhelmed and fall short of expectations. There are many reasons why people decide to change attorneys in the middle of a case, including:

Communication issues: Unresponsive behavior, delayed calls, or ignored concerns and questions
Lack of legal experience or strategy: The lawyer seems to be disorganized, unqualified, or lacks a clear path to resolve your case
Unprofessional conduct: Being treated poorly, feeling pressured to settle when you don’t agree, or learning your lawyer is possibly mismanaging your claim
Stalled case progress: Your case shows no signs of moving forward or your lawyer is unsure what steps to take to progress your case

If you’ve communicated your concerns to your lawyer and no improvements have been made, it may be time to switch your legal representation.

How To Switch Personal Injury Lawyers in Illinois

You can switch personal injury attorneys at any time during the claims process, including before the lawsuit is filed and during litigation. Consider following these steps for a smooth transition:

Secure new representation: Hire a new firm first to avoid gaps in your case or missing court deadlines.
Review your agreement: Check your current contract for termination clauses and proper procedures.
Formal notification: Send a termination letter clearly stating that you’re ending the lawyer-client relationship.
Transfer the case file: Ask for a copy of your case file and give instructions on where the lawyer can send further information or communication.
File a notice with the court: If a lawsuit is active, your previous lawyer must file a motion to withdraw, and your new lawyer must file a formal notice to officially take over the case.

Your new lawyer can assist with some of these steps, including reviewing the terms of your previous contract.

Will Switching Lawyers Hurt My Personal Injury Case?

While changing counsel doesn’t hurt your case, it’s important to understand the impact it can have on your claim, such as:

Changes to case timelines: It can take time for your new lawyer to catch up on the details of your case, which can add more time to the overall process.
Fees due to the lawyer: Your former attorney may still be entitled to a percentage of the legal fees for work already performed. The idea of having to pay double is a common misconception. In Illinois, legal fees are typically split between lawyers based on the work each completed.
Possible improvements: After switching lawyers, your new legal team may have ideas to improve strategies, gather key evidence, and strengthen your claim. This could potentially put you in a better position to reach a favorable outcome.

How To Find the Right Personal Injury Lawyer in Chicago

If choosing a new personal injury attorney in Chicago feels overwhelming, here are some considerations that can help you narrow down your choices:

Proven results: A firm with a history of successful settlements and trial wins shows that the firm has relevant experience and can take your case to court when necessary.
Local presence: Look for an attorney who is familiar with Cook County courts, judges, and local insurers. Also, having connections with Chicago police departments and medical professionals at local hospitals is invaluable for gathering evidence and testimony quickly.
Ratings and reviews: See what previous clients have to say about working with the lawyer or law firm. It’s a good sign if they talk about responsiveness, clear communication, caring support, and reliable legal advice.
Free consultations: Schedule a free review with the potential lawyer to ask questions about their legal services and how they might help with your case.

Financial Considerations When Changing Attorneys

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they are not paid upfront. Instead, their fee is paid as a percentage of the total amount they secure for your claim.

When you change attorneys in the middle of a case, your former lawyer may still be owed a fee, but Illinois law protects you from having to pay double. Under the legal doctrine of quantum meruit, each lawyer is only owed for their respective contributions to your case.

At Levin & Perconti, it will cost you nothing to work with our team unless your case is successfully resolved. Contact us to learn more about our services and what fees you can expect if you decide to hire our firm after leaving your former lawyer.

What Happens if My Current Lawyer Is Uncooperative or Refuses to Transfer My Case File?

There are legal procedures lawyers must follow, such as holding or transferring funds and providing you with your case file when requested. If your attorney refuses to transfer it, they may be in violation of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct.

Here are steps you can take if your lawyer continues to be uncooperative:

Your new lawyer can send a formal “Authorization to Transfer File.” Attorneys are more likely to comply if a peer is involved.
If your case is already in court, your new lawyer can ask a judge to order the immediate release of your file to avoid delays in your case.
Consider filing a complaint with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC).

In Illinois, a lawyer generally cannot withhold a file for unpaid fees if doing so harms your case. Work closely with your new attorney to navigate this process and protect your rights.

How Long Does the Entire Process of Switching Lawyers Typically Take?

Switching personal injury lawyers typically takes about two to four weeks, but the overall impact on your case timeline depends on the complexity of your situation. The general timeline may look similar to this:

Right away: If your lawsuit is already in progress, your new lawyer will immediately file a “Notice of Appearance” or “Motion to Substitute Counsel” with the court.
One to two weeks: Your former attorney is legally required to transfer your case file promptly to avoid delays to your claim.
Two to four weeks: Your new attorney conducts a thorough review of evidence, medical records, and prior negotiations to get up to speed with your case.

Speak With a Chicago Personal Injury Attorney About Your Options

If you have questions about changing personal injury attorneys, why you may be able to switch, or even if it’s too late to change lawyers, our team has answers. With more than 400 years of combined legal experience and over $1 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements, we have in-depth knowledge of the legal process and how to help our clients.

Call 312-667-4033 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our team. We can review your case and offer guidance on switching lawyers.

The post Switching Your Personal Injury Attorney Mid-Case appeared first on Levin & Perconti.

Illinois Bill Could End Zoning Barriers for Group Homes, But Access Alone Isn’t Enough

Levin & Perconti — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:13:46 +0000

Key Takeaways

Illinois lawmakers are advancing legislation that could significantly change how adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities access housing. House Bill 1843 aims to prevent local zoning laws from blocking Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs).

The bill addresses a real problem. Across Illinois, municipalities have used zoning rules to delay or deny these homes, leaving families waiting months, or sometimes years, for placement.

But while the conversation has largely focused on access, there’s another side to this issue that cannot be ignored: what happens after those homes open?

What Are CILAs?

Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs) are small, community-based group homes that provide support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These settings are designed to promote independence while ensuring residents receive necessary supervision, medical care, and daily living assistance.

What the Bill Gets Right

CILAs exist to give adults with disabilities the opportunity to live in community-based settings, with the support they need to live as independently as possible, often when their family is no longer able to care for them.

Under current zoning practices, providers are often required to:

Seek special use permits
Comply with arbitrary distance requirements
Limit the number of residents

These are hurdles that typical homeowners never face. And in many cases, they raise serious concerns under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibit discrimination in housing.

At its core, HB1843 is about ensuring that adults with disabilities are not treated differently when it comes to where they can live.

The Part of the Conversation That’s Missing

At Levin & Perconti, we are experienced group home abuse lawyers and we’ve spent years representing families whose loved ones were harmed in CILA settings. And that experience shapes how we view legislation like this. While expanding access to housing is critical, access alone does not guarantee safety.

We have seen cases where:

Homes were understaffed
Staff were poorly trained or inadequately supervised
Residents’ medical or behavioral needs were not properly monitored
Residents have suffered catastrophic, life-altering injuries, some resulting in death

In one case we handled, a young man with autism had a condition that caused compulsive water consumption. His care plan required strict monitoring of his fluid intake. Staff failed to follow those safeguards, ignored clear warning signs, and did not seek medical care as his condition worsened. He died from water intoxication.

We secured a $6 million settlement for his family.

In another case, a single staff member was responsible for 16 residents during mealtime. One resident required one-on-one supervision due to a known choking risk; but that supervision wasn’t provided. The resident choked and died.

These are not just isolated incidents. They are reminders that when systems fail, the consequences fall on individuals who often cannot advocate for themselves.

“Adults with disabilities have a right to live in these homes, but they also have a right to be safe once they get there.” – Margaret Battersby Black, Managing Partner

Access and Accountability Must Go Together

It’s easy to frame this issue as a debate between:

Expanding housing
vs.
Regulating providers

The reality is: both can fail at the same time.

Municipalities can create unlawful barriers that prevent homes from opening. And providers can fall short of their duty to protect the residents once those homes exist.

“Adults with disabilities have the same right to live in the community as anyone else,” says Levin & Perconti Managing Partner Mike Bonamarte. “But that right has to include the right to be safe. We’ve seen what happens when that piece is missing.”

Where Levin & Perconti Stands on House Bill 1843

We support efforts to remove discriminatory zoning barriers and expand access to housing for adults with disabilities.

But our work has shown that access must be matched with accountability. When group homes are understaffed, undertrained, or fail to meet basic standards of care, the consequences can be devastating.

That’s why we continue to represent families, hold providers accountable, and advocate for stronger oversight.

Moving Forward

House Bill 1843 is an important step toward expanding access to community-based living.

But true progress means more than opening doors. It means ensuring the people who walk through them are safe.

Adults with disabilities deserve both.

If your loved one has been harmed in a group home setting, our team is here to help. Fill out Levin & Perconti’s consultation form or call us at 312-332-2872 for a free consultation.

Read On:

The post Illinois Bill Could End Zoning Barriers for Group Homes, But Access Alone Isn’t Enough appeared first on Levin & Perconti.

What Happens if the Umbilical Cord Is Around the Baby’s Neck?

Levin & Perconti — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:51:50 +0000

When the umbilical cord wraps around a baby’s neck, doctors refer to the condition as a nuchal cord. This happens when the cord forms a loop around the baby’s neck while the baby is moving in the womb. The umbilical cord plays an important role during pregnancy because it carries oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the baby.

If you’re expecting a baby, hearing that the umbilical cord may be wrapped around your baby’s neck can be frightening. Many parents imagine the worst and wonder whether their baby will be safe during delivery. Those feelings are completely understandable. The good news is that this situation, often called a nuchal cord, is relatively common in pregnancy.

In this article, we’ll explain what this condition means and when families may consider speaking with a lawyer if something goes wrong. If you have questions about a potential birth injury, you can also speak with an experienced birth injury attorney by contacting us online.

What Does It Mean When the Umbilical Cord Is Wrapped Around the Baby’s Neck?

The cord is designed to be long, soft, and flexible, which allows babies to move freely as they grow. Because of this movement, the cord may sometimes wrap around the neck once or even multiple times. Nuchal cords are fairly common and occur in about 20 – 30% of pregnancies.

In many cases, babies are born healthy even when the cord is present around the neck. Sometimes doctors notice it during an ultrasound, but it is often discovered during delivery. In most situations, medical teams are able to manage this condition safely during childbirth.

Why the Umbilical Cord May Wrap Around the Baby’s Neck

The umbilical cord may wrap around a baby’s neck for several natural reasons during pregnancy. As babies grow, they move, stretch, and change positions inside the womb. This normal fetal movement can sometimes cause the cord to loop around the neck.

Other reasons include:

longer umbilical cords
higher levels of amniotic fluid
very active babies can create more opportunities for the cord to shift or form loops

In most cases, this happens naturally and unpredictably as the baby moves throughout pregnancy. It is important for parents to know that a nuchal cord is not something they caused or could have prevented. Doctors and delivery teams are trained to monitor these situations and respond if concerns arise during labor.

What Risks Can Occur When the Umbilical Cord Is Around the Neck?

In many pregnancies, a nuchal cord does not cause serious problems. However, certain complications may arise if the cord becomes tight or compressed during labor or delivery.

One concern is cord compression, which can temporarily reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients traveling through the umbilical cord. If the cord is wrapped tightly or pulled during delivery, it may also affect circulation. In some cases, this may lead to changes in the baby’s heart rate, which can signal that the baby is under stress.

Doctors and nurses watch closely for these warning signs throughout labor. They often use continuous fetal heart monitoring to track the baby’s heart rate and check for unusual patterns. Medical teams also monitor how labor is progressing and whether the baby is tolerating the contractions well.

It is important to remember that most babies with a cord around the neck are born safely. Still, if the cord becomes tight or compressed, careful medical attention is important to prevent potential oxygen deprivation during delivery.

When Can a Nuchal Cord Lead to Birth Injuries?

In most cases, a nuchal cord does not lead to serious harm. However, complications may arise if the situation is not properly monitored or addressed during labor. Medical teams are trained to watch for warning signs and respond if the baby shows signs of distress. Serious injuries may occur in situations when:

Oxygen flow is being restricted for an extended period of time
Medical staff failing to recognize signs of fetal distress
Doctors are delaying necessary medical intervention during labor

If these problems occur, the baby may face complications such as oxygen deprivation, brain injury, and long-term neurological conditions. These outcomes are uncommon. However, when they do occur, families may wonder whether the medical team followed appropriate procedures and responded to warning signs during labor and delivery.

When Medical Negligence May Be a Concern in Illinois

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers in Illinois are expected to follow accepted medical standards of care during pregnancy and childbirth. These standards guide how medical teams monitor both the mother and baby and how they respond if complications arise during labor.

Medical negligence may be a concern if doctors:

Fail to properly monitor signs of fetal distress
Ignore warning signs during labor
Delay an emergency C-section when timely delivery is needed

In general, medical malpractice cases require showing that a health care provider breached the accepted standard of care and that the breach contributed to an injury.

When preventable birth injuries occur, families may seek compensation for damages such as medical treatment, long-term care needs, and other related losses.

Speak With a Chicago Birth Injury Lawyer if You Suspect Medical Negligence

Learning that your child may have been harmed during birth can be overwhelming, especially when the situation may have been preventable. Many families are already coping with the emotional weight of what happened and the challenges that follow. During times like this, having the right support can make a meaningful difference.

Speak with a Chicago birth injury lawyer to understand what occurred and what options may be available to your family. If you would like to talk with someone about your situation, you can contact Levin & Perconti at (312) 332-2872 for guidance.

The post What Happens if the Umbilical Cord Is Around the Baby’s Neck? appeared first on Levin & Perconti.

Federal Report Reveals ‘Alarming’ Misuse of Antipsychotic Drugs in Nursing Homes

Levin & Perconti — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:36:24 +0000

A newly released federal report has confirmed a troubling reality, one that we at Levin & Perconti have encountered far too often in our work with nursing home residents and their families.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) found widespread misuse of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes, including instances where these powerful drugs are used not for legitimate medical treatment, but to control resident behavior for staff convenience.

This practice raises serious concerns about patient safety, transparency, and the overall standard of care in long-term care facilities.

What the Office of Inspector General Found

The OIG’s findings reflect a pattern of conduct that extends beyond isolated incidents. Among the most concerning conclusions:

Inappropriate diagnoses: Some nursing homes are diagnosing residents with schizophrenia without sufficient clinical basis. This allows facilities to justify the use of antipsychotic medications while avoiding regulatory scrutiny tied to quality measures.

Use as behavioral control: Antipsychotic drugs are being administered to residents, particularly those with dementia, not as a last-resort medical intervention, but as a means of managing behavior.

Failures in oversight: Medical directors, prescribing physicians, and consulting pharmacists are not consistently identifying or preventing inappropriate use of these medications.

Together, these findings suggest systemic issues within certain facilities, where clinical decision-making is influenced by operational convenience rather than patient-centered care.

One of the most concerning aspects of the report is not only the use of these medications, but also how their use is being obscured toward families. By assigning diagnoses that may not be medically appropriate, facilities can remove certain residents from publicly reported quality metrics. The result is a system where reported data may not accurately reflect the care residents are receiving.

How This Medication Misuse Puts Nursing Home Residents in Danger

Antipsychotic medications carry well-documented risks, particularly for elderly individuals. These risks include:

Increased risk of stroke

Greater likelihood of falls and related injuries

Elevated mortality risk in patients with dementia

Because of these risks, federal guidelines are clear: These medications should only be used when clinically necessary, and after safer, non-pharmacological interventions have been attempted.

The OIG’s report indicates that, in many cases, these standards are not being followed.

Managing Partner, Mike Bonamarte, commented on the OIG’s recent findings, “We see the consequences of this conduct in our nursing home abuse cases. Antipsychotic medications are powerful drugs with known risks, and using them as a substitute for proper care places vulnerable residents in harm’s way. Facilities that engage in these practices must be held accountable.”

An Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorney's Perspective

Unfortunately, the conduct described in the recent OIG report is not new. It is consistent with patterns we have seen in litigation and investigation over the years. Using medication as a substitute for adequate staffing, attentive care, and individualized treatment is not only improper, it is dangerous. Antipsychotics are a chemical restraint.

Our Founder & Senior Partner, Steve Levin, was featured in international news discussing the dangers of both physical and chemical restraints in July 2025. Speaking with investigative journalist Jonathan Moens, Levin delivered a chilling reality:

“If you have a patient that’s difficult to watch, that might come out of bed, that might come out of a wheelchair, the simplest way from their point of view, is to restrain them.”

But the use of restraints, including antipsychotic medications, is not a safe solution. “We’ve had some horrific cases.” Levin said. His comments were featured in Undark Magazine, Expresso, elDiario, and L’Espresso. His insights are helping drive international discourse about the dangers of physical and chemical restraints in elder care.

Residents in long-term care facilities are entitled to dignity, transparency, and medically appropriate treatment. Anything less reflects a failure of a system that should protect them.

What Families Should Know

Families play a critical role in protecting their loved ones.

If a resident appears unusually sedated, withdrawn, or significantly different in behavior, it is important that families ask questions about any medications that have been prescribed or adjusted.

Clear communication and informed consent are essential components of proper care, and families have the right to both.

Legal Accountability for Improper Use of Antipsychotics

The dangers posed by chemical restraints, including antipsychotic medications, are real. If you believe your loved one has been subject to chemical restraints in violation of the law, you may be able to file a case for compensation in response to this illegal and negligent action.

Levin & Perconti has a track record of securing justice for patients injured or neglected in cases of nursing home abuse. Successful settlements and awards include a $4.1 million verdict after a woman received mismanaged medication, as well as the highest nursing home abuse result in Illinois history of $12 million.

The post Federal Report Reveals ‘Alarming’ Misuse of Antipsychotic Drugs in Nursing Homes appeared first on Levin & Perconti.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Illinois

Levin & Perconti — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:20:05 +0000

Content Reviewed by: Michael F. Bonamarte, IV

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Common Injuries from Car Accidents

Levin & Perconti — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:14:09 +0000

Content Reviewed by: Michael F. Bonamarte, IV

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Charges Against Former Hartgrove Hospital Mental Health Counselor for Repeated Sexual Assaults of Minor Patients

Levin & Perconti — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:24:14 +0000

Content Reviewed by: Michael F. Bonamarte, IV

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Illinois Allows Fire Departments to Charge Nursing Homes for “Lift-Assist” Calls: What It Means for Resident Safety

Levin & Perconti — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:22:40 +0000

Content Reviewed by: Steven M. Levin

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How Do I Choose The Best Nursing Home For My Mom or Dad?

Levin & Perconti — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:25:53 +0000

Content Reviewed by: Steven M. Levin

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How to Prevent Drinking and Driving Accidents This Holiday Season

Levin & Perconti — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:42:38 +0000

Content Reviewed by: John J. Perconti

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What Is Marginal Cord Insertion?

Levin & Perconti — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:08:00 +0000

Content Reviewed by: Dov Apfel

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Social Media Abuse in Nursing Homes: Key Findings From the 2025 Ombudsman Report and How Families Can Protect Their Loved Ones

Levin & Perconti — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:27:52 +0000

Content Reviewed by: Steven M. Levin

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A Top 10 List of Common Birth Injuries

Levin & Perconti — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:12:21 +0000

Content Reviewed by: Dov Apfel

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Common Injuries or Signs of Medical Malpractice

Levin & Perconti — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:53:30 +0000

Key Takeaways

When you seek medical care, you trust that your providers will act carefully and follow accepted medical standards. Unfortunately, preventable medical mistakes sometimes happen—and when they cause harm, it may be considered medical malpractice. Recognizing the signs of medical malpractice early can help you protect your health and preserve your right to fair compensation.

At Levin & Perconti, we’ve helped countless people throughout Illinois seek accountability after experiencing preventable medical errors. If you or a loved one was injured due to a health care provider’s negligence, our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers are ready to pursue the results you deserve.

Identifying Common Warning Signs of Medical Malpractice

Not every poor medical outcome is the result of negligence. Understanding what qualifies as medical malpractice can help you recognize when a preventable mistake has occurred. If you notice any of the following warning signs, it may be time to consult another provider and speak with our attorneys.

Unexplained or Worsening Symptoms After Treatment

If your condition worsens or you develop unexplained complications after receiving treatment, it may be a sign that something went wrong with your medical care. Seeking a second opinion allows another qualified provider to review your treatment plan, identify possible errors, and help you get effective care.

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

A diagnosis that doesn’t explain your symptoms or comes only after your condition has significantly worsened could be a warning sign of misdiagnosis. This type of malpractice can happen when doctors overlook symptoms, fail to order proper tests, or misinterpret test results.

This can prevent you from getting the right treatment when you need it. As a result, serious conditions such as cancer, infections, or strokes may progress unnecessarily and become harder to treat once they’re accurately diagnosed. Misdiagnosis puts patients at higher risk of suffering irreversible complications or wrongful death.

Surgical Errors or Wrong-Site Surgery

Something might have gone wrong during surgery if your recovery doesn’t match what your doctor described or if you experience complications in an unexpected part of your body. These issues may signal that your providers operated on the wrong site, left an instrument inside your body, or damaged surrounding tissue.

Surgical errors are among the most common medical malpractice injuries. Some complications can occur even with proper care, but when errors stem from avoidable mistakes or ignored safety protocols, patients may have grounds for a claim.

Medication or Dosage Mistakes

Medication errors can happen both in a doctor’s office and at the pharmacy. You may notice a problem if you experience unexpected side effects or no improvement in your condition after starting a new medication.

Prescribing errors occur when a provider orders the wrong drug or dosage for the patient’s condition. These mistakes may also happen when a doctor prescribes a medication that interacts dangerously with others or conflicts with a patient’s known allergies or medical history. Pharmacy errors happen when staff give a patient the incorrect drug or dosage or mislabel the medication packaging.

Birth Injuries to Mother or Child

Labor and delivery always carry some level of risk, but medical professionals must take steps to lower that risk and address complications when they occur. Both mother and child can suffer preventable birth injuries when staff fail to act promptly or follow proper procedures.

Delayed C-sections, inappropriate use of delivery tools, or failure to monitor vital signs are common examples of negligence that can threaten the mother’s life or cause lasting disability to her child. If you or your child experienced unexpected complications during childbirth, a review of your medical records may reveal whether substandard care played a role.

Lack of Informed Consent

You have the right to informed consent before undergoing any medical procedure or treatment. That means your doctor must explain the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives so you can make an informed decision about your care.

When your provider skips this step—or performs a procedure you didn’t agree to—they may be liable for complications you weren’t warned about, even if they’re common or expected. You may have a lack of informed consent if you were asked to sign forms while sedated, had no time to ask questions, didn’t learn about the risks until after a procedure, or were falsely told there was only one treatment option.

Ignored Patient Complaints or Concerns

When patients report concerns about their health, their providers have a duty to listen and investigate. Ignoring or dismissing patients’ symptoms can prevent an accurate diagnosis and result in worse health outcomes.

You may have experienced this form of negligence if your doctor dismissed your symptoms as “normal” or failed to order testing after you shared a health complaint. If this lack of follow-up fell below the accepted standard of care and caused your condition to worsen, it may qualify as medical malpractice.

Premature Discharge or Inadequate Follow-Up Care

Medical facilities must keep patients under observation until it’s medically safe to go home and create a plan for appropriate follow-up care. Preventable complications can occur when hospitals discharge patients too soon or fail to arrange post-treatment monitoring. Common hospital negligence signs include being released before your condition stabilizes or not receiving clear instructions about how to manage your recovery.

Why Recognizing the Signs of Medical Malpractice Matters

Early recognition helps you know when it’s time to pursue a medical malpractice claim and take legal action before critical evidence fades. Detailed medical records and witness statements can help prove that your provider’s care fell below accepted standards, but these materials are often harder to access over time.

Acting quickly also protects your health by allowing you to pursue an accurate diagnosis or corrective treatment sooner. If you suspect negligence played a role in your injury, contact our attorneys as soon as possible. We can help you determine whether you have a medical malpractice case and build a strong claim before the filing deadline.

Contact Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation

When medical care causes harm instead of healing, you have the right to seek accountability. Levin & Perconti has recovered over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients, and we’re ready to put that track record to work for you.

If you notice any signs of medical malpractice, let our experienced attorneys help you pursue the full compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call (312) 332-2872 for a free consultation and personalized guidance.

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