September 23, 2025 | Medical Malpractice
If you were hurt or became seriously ill because of something a hospital did—or failed to do—you might be wondering if you can sue. In 2025, the laws around hospital negligence are still in place to protect patients, and you have legal rights.
This article explains how to sue a hospital in Chicago, IL, what steps to take, and how a personal injury lawyer can help.
Can You Sue a Hospital in Chicago?
You can sue a hospital if you were harmed because the hospital, or someone working there, made a serious mistake. This could include a nurse giving the wrong medication, a doctor failing to diagnose a condition, or even a dirty hospital room causing an infection.
These are examples of medical negligence, which means the hospital did not give proper care. Hospitals are required by law to provide safe and appropriate treatment to all patients. If they fail to do this and it causes harm, they can be held legally responsible.
Just being unhappy with care isn’t enough—you need to show that the hospital’s actions directly caused your injury or illness.
What Counts as Hospital Negligence?
Hospital negligence can happen in many ways. Some common examples include:
- Surgical errors, such as operating on the wrong body part
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis when a condition is missed or found too late
- Medication mistakes, like giving the wrong drug or dose
- Infections caused by poor cleanliness or sterilization
- Birth injuries or harm to a baby or mother during delivery
In these cases, the hospital may be at fault directly or indirectly through the actions of its staff. It’s important to gather evidence to prove the mistake and the harm it caused. Without this, it’s hard to win a case.
What You Need To Prove in a Lawsuit
To sue a hospital successfully, you need to prove four things:
- The hospital owed you a duty of care: They were responsible for your safety as a patient.
- They failed to meet that duty: Something went wrong, like a mistake or neglect.
- You were injured as a result: You got hurt, became ill, or your condition got worse.
- You suffered damages: You lost money, needed more treatment, or suffered long-term effects.
Proving negligence usually requires medical records, expert opinions, and other evidence. This is where a personal injury lawyer plays an important role.
How to File a Hospital Lawsuit in Chicago
Suing a hospital in Chicago in 2025 begins with the legal process called a medical malpractice claim. This process has specific steps, and you must follow them closely. The main steps include:
- Hiring a personal injury lawyer: This should be your first move. A lawyer will understand the laws in Illinois and guide you through the process.
- Gathering evidence: This includes your medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions.
- Filing a complaint: Your lawyer files the lawsuit in civil court against the hospital or other responsible parties.
- Medical expert review: Illinois law requires that a qualified health professional confirm the case has merit.
- Going through the court process: This may include negotiations, settlement talks, or a trial.
Every step takes time, and deadlines matter. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim is generally two years from the date you knew, or should have known, about the injury.
If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to sue. So acting quickly is important.
Healing Begins With Action
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:
Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
5351 West Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60641
(312) 635-5400
Open 24/7