IL HB4948

Requires plaintiffs to file an affidavit of merit within 56 days of a defendant's request in malpractice or negligence actions against architects, engineers, or surveyors.

Affidavit must be signed by a licensed professional in the same discipline as the defendant and state that the standard of care was breached and proximately caused the alleged injury.

Failure to file the affidavit results in dismissal with prejudice; plaintiffs may voluntarily dismiss without prejudice to refile with a compliant affidavit.

Defendants must raise objections to the affidavit within 90 days of service; if the court finds deficiencies, plaintiff has 56 days to file corrected affidavits.

Affidavit of merit is not required for breach of contract actions against these professionals that do not involve the standard of care.