Attorney
Medical malpractice is a blatant act of negligence that can not only gravely harm affected patients but also leave them financially deprived if they cannot recover adequate compensation through a lawsuit within the allotted amount of time.
If you’ve experienced this, you should know just how long do you have to sue for medical malpractice as a citizen of Washington, D.C.
A study published by Forbes showed that the D.C. metro area suffers heavily from the effects of medical malpractice, with West Virginia being the state most affected by these cases. At Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis, LLP, we proudly help Washington, D.C., citizens understand the rights, restrictions, and options associated with their medical malpractice cases.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Medical Malpractice?
In Washington, D.C., the statute of limitations for pursuing a medical malpractice claim is three years after the date when the act of malpractice occurred. After this deadline passes, it will no longer be possible to file a lawsuit regardless of how clear the fault is in your case. The court will have every right to dismiss your case.
Working closely with a Washington, D.C., personal injury attorney can alleviate any worries regarding how long you have to sue for medical malpractice. Your legal team can keep things on track by helping you plan and adhere to a timeline for your case that ensures you receive an adequate settlement before the statute is up.
A lawyer also plays a key role in investigating your case and negotiating with the insurance company, leveling the playing field and advocating for the highest possible settlement.
How Long Do You Have To File a Malpractice Suit in Washington, D.C.?
Realistically, it is best to wait no longer than a few months to file a malpractice suit if you want to give yourself the best possible chance at securing the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Though a court is not likely to dismiss an ongoing case during the process, it’s important to file your malpractice suit as quickly as possible. This ensures you still have ample opportunity to continue pursuing compensation if complications arise and you find yourself needing to refile.
Also consider that evidence can become lost to time and key witnesses can quickly forget the sequence of events regarding instances of medical malpractice, further necessitating quick legal action on your part. Understandably, you might wish to avoid the stress and burden of a legal case while you are recovering from a malpractice injury, but your legal team can bear much or all of that burden for you.
Contact a Washington, D.C., Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
Regardless of how long you have to sue for medical malpractice, starting your claims process sooner rather than later can improve your chances of success and get you back to financial normalcy quicker.
At Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis, LLP, we represent medical malpractice claimants across Washington, D.C.; Maryland; and Virginia. Contact us today for a free consultation and we can start planning your case right away.