For Convenience Sake: How Hospitals Can Utilize the Doctrine of Intrastate Forum Non Conveniens to Transfer Medical Malpractice Lawsuits to More Convenient Forums

Illinois venue law allows plaintiffs to file suit in any county where a defendant resides or does business, which can result in hospitals being sued in forums with little connection to the dispute. Even when venue is technically proper, the doctrine of intrastate forum non conveniens permits courts to transfer a case to a more convenient Illinois forum in exceptional circumstances. Defendants seeking transfer must show that private and public interest factors strongly favor the alternative forum, providing a key tool to curb forum shopping and promote judicial efficiency.