If you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice in Connecticut, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. However, it’s important to understand the state’s statute of limitations in order to pursue your claim.
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What Is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is the deadline for filing a lawsuit. If you wait too long to file a lawsuit after being harmed by a medical professional, your case may be dismissed, and you may be barred from seeking compensation.
Connecticut’s Statute Of Limitations For Medical Malpractice
According to Connecticut law, a victim of medical malpractice has two years from the date of the act or omission that caused the injury to file a lawsuit.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. In cases where the injury isn’t immediately discovered, such as a surgeon leaving a sponge inside of a patient, the victim has two years from the date the injury was discovered or could reasonably have been discovered.
How the Statute of Limitations Affects Your Case
It’s crucial to understand that the statute of limitations affects when you can file your lawsuit, not when your case will be resolved.
Medical malpractice cases can be complex, and they often require extensive investigation and expert testimony to build a strong case. This means that the clock starts ticking from the moment that the injury occurred, and it’s essential to begin the legal process as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of success.
Exceptions to the Statute Of Limitations
There are a few limited circumstances where the statute of limitations may be extended. One is known as the "continuous treatment rule." This applies if the medical provider continued to treat the victim for the same condition that caused the injury.
In this situation, the victim has two years from the date that the treatment for the condition ceased to file a lawsuit, even if more than two years have passed since the initial act of malpractice occurred.
Another exception is for minors. If a minor is injured due to medical malpractice, the statute of limitations begins to run on their 18th birthday. This means that they have until two years after their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit.
Why It’s Important To Work With An Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney
The statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is strict, and it can be complicated to navigate. It’s important to work with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process.
An attorney can help you gather and preserve evidence that will be critical to your case, navigate the courts and legal system, and work to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party or their insurance company.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been injured due to medical malpractice in Connecticut, it’s essential to act quickly to protect your legal rights. The state’s statute of limitations is strict, but there may be exceptions that could apply to your case.
Working with a skilled medical malpractice attorney can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. So, if you think you have a medical malpractice case, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney and take the first step towards justice.