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

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

Yes, there is and that time limit is referred to as the statute of limitations. Failure to file suit within this time frame prevents you from filing suit at all. In California, a medical malpractice action for injury or death must be brought within three years of the date of injury or one year after the plaintiff discovers, or should reasonably have discovered the injury, whichever occurs first. In no event can the time for commencement of legal action exceed three years unless tolled for any of the following: (1) upon proof of fraud, (2) intentional concealment, or (3) the presence of a foreign body in the injured person.

Actions by a minor shall be commenced within three years from the date of the alleged wrongful act except that actions by a minor under the age of six years must be commenced within three years or prior to his eighth birthday whichever provides a longer period. Such time limitation shall be tolled for minors for any period during which parent or guardian and defendant`s insurer or health care provider have committed fraud or collusion in the failure to bring an action on behalf of the injured minor for professional negligence.

Other California Medical Malpractice FAQs

Q: Recoverable Damages
A: In the event of injury or loss of a loved one based on the conduct of his/her medical provider(s), that person and his/her family have certain rights under California … More
Q: What Is The Time Limit For Filing A Claim?
A: A medical malpractice action for injury or death must be brought within one year from the date the claimant discovered the negligent act, but no more than three years … More
Q: What Are The Typical Attorney Fees For A Medical Malpractice Case?
A: Contingency fee agreements are agreements that an attorney has with his or her client regarding the payment of the attorney fees. It is not based on the usual hourly … More
Q: What Happens If I Am Injured In The Course Of Medical Treatment?
A: If a medical professional makes an error that results in injury to the patient, the patient may be able to sue the negligent party or parties for monetary damages to … More
Q: How Do I Know If My Injury Constitutes Medical Malpractice?
A: Medical professionals are not expected to be infallible and there may be poor results from treatment that do not amount to malpractice. Medical professionals are … More
Q: Who Can Be Held Accountable For The Medical Malpractice?
A: Generally, a medical malpractice claim can be brought against a licensed health care provider. This can include a person, corporation or institution licensed by the … More
Q: How Much Can I Expect An Attorney To Charge To Handle A Medical Malpractice Case?
A: Most attorneys who believe a case has merit will take the case without payment up front. They will take the case on a contingency basis, which means they will receive … More
Q: What Damages Can Be Recovered For Medical Malpractice?
A: You can recover your actual economic losses such as the costs of reasonable and necessary medical care, rehabilitation services, custodial care, and loss of earnings. … More
Q: Does California Require That Claims Be Arbitrated Prior To Litigation?
A: California does not require claims of medical malpractice be arbitrated absent the parties` agreement to arbitrate. Many hospitals and doctors have patients sign an … More

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