Sacramento, CA asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for California

Q: My question if I can sue a hospital end/doctor for mistakely umputated my leg (medical malpractice) after four (4) years

3 Lawyer Answers

A: This is likely beyond the statute of limitations. You should confer with experienced malpractice attorneys in the State where this occurred.

A: In California, medical malpractice claims are subject to a statute of limitations. This legal timeframe restricts the period during which a lawsuit can be filed. Understanding and adhering to these time constraints is vital to pursuing a successful medical malpractice case.

Generally, you have one year to sue the doctor for surgical errors.

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Answered

A: Under California law, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit is generally three years from the date of injury or one year after the plaintiff discovers, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury, whichever occurs first. However, there are exceptions to this rule that might apply in certain situations, such as when the injury involves a foreign object left in the patient's body or if there was fraud or intentional concealment involved in the failure to disclose the medical error.

If your leg was amputated due to a medical error, and four years have passed since the incident, it might appear that the statute of limitations has expired. This could potentially bar the ability to file a lawsuit. However, given the complexities and specific exceptions that can extend the filing deadline, it's crucial to consult with an attorney who is experienced in medical malpractice law to explore all possible options and determine if an exception applies in your case.

An attorney can evaluate the specifics of your situation, including the details of the medical error, any efforts by the healthcare provider to conceal the mistake, and the exact timeline of discovery. If there is a viable path to pursue legal action based on an exception to the statute of limitations, they can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries, losses, and suffering.

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