First of all, you shouldn’t be negotiating a medical malpractice settlement by yourself. That’s a surefire way to get the short end of the stick or even lose the claim. Instead, let an experienced medical malpractice lawyer represent you. Your lawyer will first estimate the extent of damages and losses brought on by the healthcare professional or facility’s negligence. They’ll also consider your physical and emotional pain, the inconvenience you and your loved ones have to deal with, the financial burden of medical expenses, and the loss of consortium or ability to express affection. The lawyer will also consider how the medical professional’s negligence might have impacted your future earning capacity. Only after all these are determined and a value is assigned to them, will the lawyer ask for a worthwhile settlement that will cover all your losses. Illinois has no cap or financial limits on how much a plaintiff can claim as damages in a medical malpractice case, so your lawyer can potentially ask for as much money as possible.