Is There A Time Limit In Which I Need To File A Lawsuit For Medical Malpractice?

The law requires that you file a lawsuit within a specified period of time depending on the nature of the claim and the entity that caused your injury. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. Failure to file suit within this time frame prevents you from filing suit at all. In some instances, there are various exceptions to the statutes of limitation that may extend or limit the limitation periods. There may be special claims presentation requirements. For these reasons, it is important to consult an attorney as early as possible to be sure you don`t miss a crucial deadline.

Notwithstanding the above, medical malpractice claims must be brought within three years from the date of occurrence or within two years from the date the claimant knew or should have known of the injury, whichever is later, but not later than seven years from the date of the occurrence. When the malpractice case involves a foreign object left in the body, the limitation period is two years from the date of discovery of the object. If a claimant is a minor, insane or imprisoned at the time the cause of action accrues, the limitation periods are tolled until the disability is removed.