Lawler v. The University of Chicago Medical Center

*1092 ¶ 1 In this case, we consider whether the relation back statute ( 735 ILCS 5/2-616(b) (West 2010)) applies to a wrongful death claim when the death occurs more than four years after the alleged act of negligence. Plaintiff, Sheri Lawler, filed an amended complaint alleging a wrongful death claim against defendants, numerous medical providers. Defendants sought to dismiss the claim as time-barred by the four-year medical malpractice statute of repose. 735 ILCS 5/13-212(a) (West 2010). The circuit court of Cook County granted defendants' motions. However, on appeal, the appellate court…