Pro Se It Ain’t So: Defending a Meritless Medical Malpractice Suit Filed by a Self-Represented Litigant

Although courts are seeing a steady rise in self-represented litigants, pro se plaintiffs remain relatively uncommon in medical malpractice cases due to the high monetary thresholds and statutory pleading requirements. When they do arise, however, such cases present unique challenges for defense counsel. Medical malpractice litigation is inherently complex, and while courts often afford self-represented parties latitude to cure procedural defects, that leniency can result in increased costs, delays, and frustration for defendants. Recent Illinois appellate authority confirms that such tolerance has limits—where a pro se plaintiff engages in repeated, meritless, or abusive litigation, courts may impose sanctions to protect the integrity of the judicial process.