How Long Do You Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Virginia?
Although some instances of medical malpractice are immediately obvious, not all of them are. For example, many patients who were harmed because of a negligent doctor or surgeon may think that their poor outcomes are simply down to bad luck or their conditions being worse than they initially believed.
In fact, many providers support this belief. That can mean victims go months or even years without realizing they were harmed by medical malpractice. Unfortunately, that can also mean that some victims are unable to pursue compensation via medical malpractice cases due to the state’s two-year statute of limitations on these claims.
However, while the law states that the statute of limitations begins when the malpractice-related injury or illness occurred, the clock may not start until it is discovered or diagnosed. That means that if a patient is told for months or even years that their health problems are expected or due to something else instead of malpractice, they may still be eligible to file a claim even if the malpractice occurred more than two years prior.
Unfortunately, healthcare facilities, hospitals, and insurers don’t always see it that way. They may tell patients that they can’t sue because the statute of limitations has expired, or they may simply deny that malpractice occurred in the first place. Their uncooperativeness can make it difficult for victims to get the compensation they need during such a difficult time.
At Skolrood Law Firm, our Roanoke medical malpractice lawyers can help you or your loved one get the money you need after a healthcare provider’s negligence harmed you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
