Thomas L. O'Carroll

About Tom
With nearly 30 years of experience as a trial attorney, Tom has devoted his career to defending doctors, hospitals, and allied healthcare practitioners in medical malpractice cases. While he is a skilled and successful trial lawyer, Tom believes that often, the best outcome for healthcare providers is to avoid claims altogether. He works closely with clients to provide risk management guidance and legal consultations, helping them stay informed and protected—even in challenging jurisdictions such as Cook County.
Tom’s deep knowledge of the healthcare industry allows him to offer strategic advice on all aspects of running a medical practice. His client-focused approach has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor within the healthcare legal community. As general counsel to professional practices and companies, Tom delivers risk management services designed to prevent lawsuits, conserve resources, and minimize potential liabilities. When litigation is unavoidable, Tom is dedicated to protecting his clients’ interests and advocating for fairness on behalf of healthcare providers who serve their communities.
Areas of Focus
Industries:
Recognition
- Leading Lawyers, Medical Malpractice Defense Law; Professional Malpractice Defense Law
- DePaul University College of Law, Journal of Health & Hospital Law, Editor; DePaul Law Review, Member; Moot Court Society
Credentials
Education
- DePaul University College of Law, JD, 1997
- Tulane University, BA, 1994
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
Court Admissions
- US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Thought Leadership
Publications
- "Medical Billing Audits: The Road to Ruin," Outpatient Surgery Magazine, January 2019
- "Defending Audits Before They Happen," Hinshaw Medical Litigation Newsletter, December 2016
- "Tapping Into the Self-Insured Employer Market," Outpatient Surgery Magazine, March 2016
- Contributing Author, "Survey of Civil Practice Law Cases" Illinois Association of Defense Counsel Survey of Law, 2015 – 2018
- "Is it Safe to Say You're Sorry," Outpatient Surgery Magazine, October 2014
Healthcare Alerts
Hinshaw Newsletters
- Competency of an Expert Witness and Rule 219(e) Questioned by Illinois Court of Appeals in Medical Malpractice Decision, Mar 14, 2018
- Medical Litigation Newsletter - December 2016 Edition, Dec 21, 2016
- Medical Litigation Newsletter - Spring 2016 Edition, Jun 2, 2016
- Medical Litigation Newsletter - July 2012 Edition, Jul 2, 2012
- Medical Litigation Newsletter - September 2010 Edition, Sep 29, 2010
In The News
- Hinshaw's Thomas O'Carroll Discusses Medical Billing Audits and How to Prevent Them, Feb 1, 2019
- Tom O'Carroll Co-Author "Tapping Into the Self-Insured Employer Market" in Outpatient Surgery Magazine, Mar 31, 2016
- Thomas L. O'Carroll Authors Article for The Quarter Hour on Claims-Made Professional Insurance Policies, Jul 2, 2013
Press Release
Thought Leadership
Publications
- "Medical Billing Audits: The Road to Ruin," Outpatient Surgery Magazine, January 2019
- "Defending Audits Before They Happen," Hinshaw Medical Litigation Newsletter, December 2016
- "Tapping Into the Self-Insured Employer Market," Outpatient Surgery Magazine, March 2016
- Contributing Author, "Survey of Civil Practice Law Cases" Illinois Association of Defense Counsel Survey of Law, 2015 – 2018
- "Is it Safe to Say You're Sorry," Outpatient Surgery Magazine, October 2014
Healthcare Alerts
Hinshaw Newsletters
- Competency of an Expert Witness and Rule 219(e) Questioned by Illinois Court of Appeals in Medical Malpractice Decision, Mar 14, 2018
- Medical Litigation Newsletter - December 2016 Edition, Dec 21, 2016
- Medical Litigation Newsletter - Spring 2016 Edition, Jun 2, 2016
- Medical Litigation Newsletter - July 2012 Edition, Jul 2, 2012
- Medical Litigation Newsletter - September 2010 Edition, Sep 29, 2010
In The News
- Hinshaw's Thomas O'Carroll Discusses Medical Billing Audits and How to Prevent Them, Feb 1, 2019
- Tom O'Carroll Co-Author "Tapping Into the Self-Insured Employer Market" in Outpatient Surgery Magazine, Mar 31, 2016
- Thomas L. O'Carroll Authors Article for The Quarter Hour on Claims-Made Professional Insurance Policies, Jul 2, 2013
Press Release
Tom's Insights

Healthcare Alert
May 8, 2020
ADA Guidance for Dental Healthcare Providers Returning to Work

In The News
Feb 1, 2019
Hinshaw's Thomas O'Carroll Discusses Medical Billing Audits and How to Prevent Them

Press Release
Jul 7, 2016
Thomas O’Carroll Appointed to Board of Directors for Illinois Defense Association