What is the Statute of Limitations for Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Claims?

As you may know, medical malpractice claims can be brought when a hospital, doctor, or other care facility acts in a negligent way and causes injuries to a patient. These claims happen far too often in the U.S. and Pennsylvania patients are no stranger. Proving a medical malpractice claim in Pennsylvania can be difficult enough. On top of that, you will have to concern yourself with how long you have to bring a claim before you are barred from doing so.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations 

What is the statute of limitations and what role does it play in your medical malpractice claim? After you have been injured, you will need to make the decision of whether or not you will bring a claim. You have time limits when it comes to this, which is known as the statute of limitations. These limitations start to run from the date that you have been injured or when you first discovered your injury. If you miss these time limits, you could be barred from bringing a claim.

So, if you have sustained injuries due to a doctor or hospital’s negligence in Pennsylvania, how long is the statute of limitations? The statute of limitations on medical malpractice claims within the state is two years from the time that your injury should have been discovered. You will have to show that, under the circumstances, a reasonable person such as yourself would have discovered the medical malpractice-related injuries. In Pennsylvania, there are also laws that state you have a 7-year maximum to bring your claim. Of course, there are special circumstances that can extend the amount of time that you have to bring a claim.

Why You Should Never Delay Seeking Legal Help  

After you have been hurt by a doctor or other healthcare professional, you should never delay seeking help from an attorney. There are several reasons for this, including the following:

Statute of Limitations: As mentioned, you will have to meet the statute of limitations so that you are not barred from bringing a claim in the future. An experienced attorney can help you meet these deadlines so that you do not miss out on these deadlines.

Destruction of Evidence: The strength of the evidence that you have in your claim can make or break your case. If you wait too long, evidence could start to disappear or could even be destroyed. An attorney will work to quickly preserve all evidence that can help you excel in your claim.

Memory Could Fade: Memories can fade and alter in time. Luckily, with the help of an attorney, you and any witnesses to the incident can document exactly what happened so that no evidence is lost.

Miss Out on Settlement Opportunities: A settlement can help you when it comes to being successful in your claim. If you are looking for a quick and easy settlement, an attorney is your best bet.

Seeking the Help of a Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Attorney 

It is never easy to move forward after you have sustained injuries in any type of accident. If you have been hurt by a medical professional, you should have the immediate help of a Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorney on your side. Seeking help sooner is better than later, as you could miss out on opportunities if you wait. Our attorneys at Edelstein Martin & Nelson are here to assist you after you have sustained injuries in a medical-related accident. Please do not hesitate to contact a medical malpractice attorney in Pennsylvania at (215) 731-9900 to find out how we can assist you.