Illinois: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 10 topic we track for Illinois on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Illinois compares.

Compare Illinois with another state →

Malpractice rules · Small claims limits · Small estate limits · Debt time limits · Shared fault rules · Medicaid expansion · ACA marketplace · Claim deadlines · Estate and inheritance tax

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Medical malpractice	2 years (4-year repose)
Wrongful death	2 years

Malpractice rules Single detailed source

Damage cap	No cap (struck down in 2010)
Expert affidavit or certificate	Affidavit with a health professional's written report attached to the complaint
Before you sue	None required

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$10,000
Filing fee	Varies by county
Lawyers	Allowed; corporations need one

Small estate limits Single detailed source

Small estate limit	$150,000 personal estate, plus vehicles of any value
Wait after death	None
Real estate	No

Debt time limits

Credit cards / open accounts	5 years
Written contracts	10 years
Promissory notes	10 years

Shared fault rules

Rule	Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)
When you are barred	Barred if you are 51% or more at fault

Medicaid expansion Single detailed source

Expanded?	Yes
Since	Jan. 1, 2014

ACA marketplace

Marketplace type	State-run marketplace
Where to enroll	Get Covered Illinois

Claim deadlines Single detailed source

Acknowledge	15 working days
Accept or deny	No fixed deadline; written explanation if still open after 75 days
Pay	Undisputed amount within 30 days after accepting the claim

Estate and inheritance tax

Estate tax	Yes: estates over $4,000,000, taxed at 0.8%-16%
Inheritance tax	No inheritance tax