Illinois Medical Malpractice Information

  • What is the average medical malpractice settlement in Illinois?

    The average medical malpractice payment in Illinois for 2023 was $661,666. Going back to 2004, the average malpractice payment in the database is $555,318.

  • How many medical malpractice settlements have there been in Illinois?

    In 2023, there were 487 medical malpractice payments made in Illinois. Among all of the various jurisdictions, this ranked number 7 out of 52 in terms of raw numbers, but when viewed in terms of claims per capita, Illinois ranked number 15 of 52, which includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

  • What is the most common type of medical malpractice claim in Illinois?

    Across the country, the most common allegations giving rise to medical malpractice payments are "Failure to Diagnose" and "Improper Performance." Illinois is among those jurisdictions for which the top allegation appearing in the database is "Failure to Diagnose." The second most frequent allegation appearing for Illinois in the database is "Improper Performance."

  • Which type of healthcare provider pays the most medical malpractice claims in Illinois?

    Among all claims, the vast majority (about 70%) of the payments are associated with care provided by MDs. Illinois is no exception. The second highest type of healthcare provider associated with malpractice claims in Illinois is an osteopathic physician (DO).

A few notes about this: The database only shows which claims were paid and does not include claims that were presented but rejected. Also, the database does not include payments by non-providers like health systems and hospitals. There are also some number of claims that go unreported each year. Finally, the information contained in the reports is self-reported by the providers, their insurance companies, and other provider representatives.
Illinois Medical Malpractice Payment Amounts By Year
Illinois Medical Malpractice Payments By Year

The Largest Medical Malpractice Payments for Illinois (2004-2022)

YearStateAmountAllegationFull Report
2024Illinois$37,500,000Improper Technique
2015Illinois$22,500,000Delay in Treatment of Identified Fetal Distress
2015Illinois$22,500,000Delay in Treatment of Identified Fetal Distress
2016Illinois$19,500,000Contraindicated Procedure
2017Illinois$18,500,000Failure to Diagnose
2019Illinois$17,500,000Delay in Treatment of Identified Fetal Distress
2006Illinois$16,500,000Failure to Identify Fetal Distress
2011Illinois$16,500,000Failure-to-Supervise
2011Illinois$16,500,000Failure-to-Report on Patient Condition
2008Illinois$15,500,000Improper Management

Illinois Statistics at a Glance

Average Payment (2004-2024): $555,318

Total Payments in Database (2004-2024): 8,869

Average Payment (2023): $661,666

Total Number of Payments (2023): 487

Rank in Average Payment (2004-2024): 1

Rank in Number of Payments Per Capita (2022): 15 of 52 Jurisdictions

Most Common Allegation (2023): Failure to Diagnose

Most Common Allegation (2022): Improper Performance

Most Common Nature of Claim (2023): Treatment Related - 28% of all payments

Type of Provider with Most Payments: Physician (MD)

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