What Percentage of Malpractice Suits Are Successful?

What Percentage of Malpractice Suits Are Successful?

Joseph Conboy | March 30, 2025 | Medical Malpractice
What Percentage of Malpractice Suits Are Successful
What Percentage of Malpractice Suits Are Successful

Filing a medical malpractice suit is a complex process. Many patients seek compensation for harm due to medical negligence, but not all cases win. The success of a claim depends on strong evidence, expert testimony, and legal strategy.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers helps victims of medical malpractice fight for justice. Winning a malpractice claim is not easy, but with the right attorney, plaintiffs have a better chance of success. Some cases settle before trial, while others require a jury verdict. The key is proving that a healthcare provider made a serious mistake that led to harm.

Understanding medical malpractice statistics can help victims know what to expect. Factors like medical records, witness testimony, and trial strategy all affect outcomes. If you or a loved one suffered from medical errors, legal action may help you recover damages.

Success Rates of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

Winning a medical malpractice suit is challenging. Many cases settle before trial, while others are decided in court. The success rate depends on evidence, legal representation, and state laws. Some medical malpractice claims result in compensation, while others do not. Knowing what courts consider a favorable outcome helps victims understand their chances of success.

What Does “Success” Mean in a Malpractice Case?

A favorable outcome in a medical malpractice case can mean different things. Some plaintiffs win full compensation in court, while others settle for a lower amount. Even cases that do not go to trial can be successful if the plaintiff receives fair payment.

Success usually means proving that a healthcare provider’s mistake was caused by negligence. This requires strong evidence, such as medical records, expert testimony, and proof of harm. If a case is weak, it may not lead to a settlement or court victory.

Winning at trial is rare. Studies show that in most medical malpractice trials, doctors prevail over patients. However, strong cases with clear evidence and expert testimony have a better chance of success. Many plaintiffs choose settlement to avoid the risks of trial.

National Statistics on Malpractice Case Outcomes

Medical malpractice case outcomes in the United States exhibit several notable patterns:​

  • Physician lawsuit risk: Approximately 75% of physicians in low-risk specialties and nearly 100% in high-risk specialties face a malpractice claim during their careers.
  • Claim resolution:
    • Physicians win about 50% of cases where peer reviewers believe they should lose.​
    • They prevail in 70% to 80% of cases with unclear evidence of negligence. ​
  • Malpractice payments: In 2022, the National Practitioner Data Bank recorded 3,046 medical malpractice payments for wrongful death claims, indicating that only about 5% of deaths due to medical errors result in settlement payouts.
  • Physician demographics:
    • Male doctors have nearly 2.5 times higher odds of facing legal action compared to female doctors.
    • General surgeons and obstetricians/gynecologists are among the most frequently sued specialists.

Doctor vs. Hospital Malpractice Cases

Not all medical malpractice cases involve the same defendants. Some lawsuits target individual doctors, while others focus on hospitals or clinics. The difference can impact the outcome of the case.

Doctors are often protected by medical malpractice insurance and legal teams that defend them in court. Winning against an individual doctor may be difficult unless the mistake is obvious and well-documented.

Hospitals may be liable if a medical professional acted negligently while working under their supervision. In these cases, the hospital may be responsible for hiring unqualified staff, failing to follow safety procedures, or ignoring patient concerns. Wrongful death claims and cases involving multiple victims are more likely to involve hospital liability.

A lawyer can help determine whether to sue a doctor, a hospital, or both. The choice depends on who is responsible for the medical errors and who has the ability to pay compensation.

Factors That Affect the Success of a Malpractice Lawsuit

Factors that affect the success of a malpractice lawsuit

Winning a medical malpractice suit depends on several factors. Courts consider the strength of the evidence, the severity of the injury, and the skill of the legal team. State laws, including caps on damages, can also impact the outcome.

A strong case increases the chances of success. Understanding these factors helps plaintiffs know what to expect before filing a malpractice claim.

Strength of Evidence

A medical malpractice case is only successful if the plaintiff proves that a healthcare provider made a serious mistake due to medical negligence. Strong evidence is essential.

Key evidence includes:

  • Medical records – These show what treatment was given and whether mistakes were made.
  • Expert testimony – Medical experts explain how the provider failed to meet the standard of care.
  • Patient testimony – The plaintiff must describe how the error caused harm.
  • Witness statements – Nurses, assistants, or other doctors may confirm the mistake.

Without clear proof, a medical malpractice claim may be dismissed. A skilled attorney helps collect and present strong evidence.

Severity of the Injury

Not all medical malpractice cases involve severe harm. Courts focus on how much damage was caused by the mistake. Lawsuits involving serious injury, permanent disability, or wrongful death claims have a higher chance of success. Minor errors that did not cause lasting harm are less likely to win.

For example:

  • A small medication mistake that did not affect the patient may not be enough for a lawsuit.
  • A traumatic brain injury caused by surgical error could lead to a large settlement.
  • A misdiagnosis that delayed treatment and led to severe complications strengthens a claim.

The more serious the injury, the more likely the case will result in compensation.

Quality of Legal Representation

Having the right attorney can make or break a medical malpractice case. Medical malpractice litigation is complex, and insurance companies fight hard to avoid paying claims.

A skilled lawyer:

  • Understands medical terminology and laws surrounding malpractice claims.
  • Has access to medical experts who can testify on behalf of the plaintiff.
  • Knows how to negotiate settlements with hospitals and insurance companies.
  • Is prepared to take cases to jury trials if necessary.

The attorney-client relationship is also important. A plaintiff should feel comfortable with their lawyer and trust them to fight for the best possible outcome.

Illinois Laws and Caps on Damages

Illinois does not have a cap on medical malpractice claims, meaning there is no limit on how much a victim can recover. This is different from other states, where laws restrict payouts for pain and suffering.

However, Illinois law requires strong proof to win a case. Plaintiffs must show:

  1. The healthcare provider has a duty to provide proper care.
  2. The provider failed to meet that standard.
  3. That failure caused injury or death.
  4. The injury resulted in damages, such as medical bills or lost wages.

Illinois law also follows a modified comparative fault rule. If the plaintiff is found more than 50% responsible for their injury, they cannot recover damages. A lawyer helps ensure that fault is properly assigned.

How Many Malpractice Cases Settle vs. Go to Trial?

Most medical malpractice claims do not reach trial. Many settle out of court to avoid the risks and costs of medical malpractice litigation. Some cases go to trial, but winning can be difficult. Understanding these factors helps plaintiffs know what to expect.

Likelihood of Settlement

Most medical malpractice cases end in settlements. Insurance companies prefer to settle rather than face uncertain outcomes in jury trials. Settlements allow both sides to avoid long legal battles and high legal fees.

A settlement is often quicker, but it may result in lower compensation. Plaintiffs must weigh the benefits of a guaranteed payout against the possibility of winning more at trial. A strong case with clear evidence increases the chances of a fair settlement.

Chances of Winning at Trial

Winning a medical malpractice suit in court is difficult. Studies show that medical malpractice trials often favor doctors. Juries tend to trust healthcare providers unless there is overwhelming evidence of negligence.

For a plaintiff to win, they must prove that the doctor or hospital made a serious mistake due to medical negligence. Expert testimony and clear medical records are crucial. Without strong proof, juries may rule in favor of the defense.

When a Case Is More Likely to Succeed at Trial

Some cases have a higher chance of winning at trial. If a patient suffered a serious injury or died because of an obvious error, a jury may be more likely to award compensation. Cases involving fraud, falsified medical records, or extreme negligence also tend to succeed in court.

A case is also more likely to go to trial if the defendant refuses to settle. Some doctors and hospitals fight malpractice claims aggressively to avoid admitting fault. In these cases, taking the lawsuit to court may be the only option for justice.

What Can Plaintiffs Do to Improve Their Chances of Success?

What can plaintiffs do to improve their chances of success

Winning a medical malpractice suit requires preparation. Plaintiffs must present strong evidence, work with the right legal team, and understand the risks of trial versus settlement. Taking the right steps can improve the chances of a favorable outcome.

Hiring the Right Attorney

A skilled medical malpractice attorney is crucial. These cases involve complex laws, detailed medical records, and expert testimony. A knowledgeable lawyer understands medical terminology, knows how to argue cases in jury trials, and can negotiate with hospitals and insurance companies.

A strong attorney-client relationship helps build a solid case. Plaintiffs should choose a lawyer who communicates clearly, answers questions and fights aggressively for compensation. Without proper legal representation, a case may be dismissed or result in a lower settlement.

Gathering Strong Evidence

Evidence is key in medical malpractice litigation. Plaintiffs must prove that a healthcare provider made a serious mistake due to medical negligence. The best evidence includes detailed medical records, expert opinions, and witness statements.

Medical experts explain how the provider failed to meet the standard of care. Testimonies from nurses or other medical professionals may support the claim. Plaintiffs should document their symptoms, treatment history, and financial losses to strengthen their case. The more evidence collected, the better the chances of success.

Understanding Settlement Offers vs. Trial Risks

Many medical malpractice cases are settled before trial. Settlements guarantee compensation but may be lower than what a jury could award. Trials take longer and carry more risk, but they can result in higher payouts for serious injury or wrongful death cases.

Plaintiffs should work with their attorneys to weigh settlement offers against trial risks. If the evidence is strong, going to court may be worth it. If the case is weak or uncertain, settling might be the better option. The right legal strategy depends on the case details and the defendant’s willingness to negotiate.

FAQs

Success rates vary, but studies show that most medical negligence cases do not win at trial. Doctors win around 70-80% of cases that go before a jury. However, many cases are settled before trial, leading to settlement payments for victims. The outcome depends on the strength of the evidence, the skill of the attorney, and the details of the case.

The healthcare industry and insurance companies often prefer settlements to avoid the costs of trial. Going to court is risky for both sides, and a settlement guarantees compensation. Some hospitals and doctors settle to protect their reputations, even if they do not admit fault. Settling also allows victims to receive compensation faster without waiting years for a jury decision.

The legal process begins with filing a claim against the responsible healthcare provider. The plaintiff must prove that medical negligence caused their injury. This involves gathering medical records, consulting experts, and negotiating with the defendant’s insurance company. If no fair settlement is reached, the case goes to trial, where a jury or judge decides the outcome.

An experienced attorney is essential for navigating the legal system. They collect evidence, work with medical experts, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent clients in court. Without a skilled lawyer, victims may struggle to prove their case or receive a fair settlement payment. A strong legal strategy increases the chances of success.

The timeline varies. Some medical negligence cases settle within months, while others take years if they go to trial. Gathering evidence, hiring experts, and negotiating with the defense takes time. If a case goes to court, delays in the legal system can extend the process. A seasoned attorney helps move the case forward efficiently while ensuring the best possible outcome.

Call Our Chicago Malpractice Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

A medical malpractice suit can be overwhelming. Victims often face high medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. If a healthcare provider makes a serious mistake, you have the right to seek compensation. However, the legal process for medical malpractice cases is complex. Insurance companies and hospitals fight hard to avoid settlement payments or jury verdicts.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers is here to help. Our reliable attorneys understand the legal system and know how to handle medical negligence cases. We gather evidence, work with medical experts, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether through settlement or trial, we are committed to getting justice for our clients.

We offer a free consultation to review your case. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win. Call today to speak with a skilled malpractice lawyer and learn your legal options.

Conboy Law - Chicago, IL

Address: 60 W Randolph St. 4th Floor Chicago, IL 60601

It's not just a case,
it's your life.
Request your free consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t hesitate to contact our injury attorneys today!

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.