In most cases, a medical malpractice claim in Lansing must be filed within two years of the alleged malpractice. Michigan law also allows a limited discovery period if the injury was not immediately known, but that exception is narrow. Because notice requirements and deadlines can shorten or extend the timeline, malpractice claims are especially sensitive to timing.
The Standard Time Limit for Medical Malpractice Claims
In most cases, Michigan law requires a medical malpractice claim to be filed within two years from the date of the alleged malpractice. This deadline applies to many claims involving doctors, hospitals, nurses, and other medical providers.
Because this time limit is strict, waiting too long to take action can result in the loss of legal rights.
The Discovery Rule and Delayed Injuries
Some malpractice injuries are not immediately obvious. Michigan law includes a discovery rule that may extend the deadline when an injury could not reasonably have been discovered right away.
Under this rule, a claim may sometimes be filed within six months of when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. These situations are fact specific and often disputed.
Special Rules for Notices and Pre Suit Requirements
Medical malpractice cases in Michigan involve additional procedural steps that do not apply to most other injury claims. One of the most important is the requirement to provide a notice of intent before filing a lawsuit.
The timing of this notice can affect the overall filing deadline. Mistakes in this process can delay or invalidate a claim, even if it would otherwise be timely.
Why Malpractice Deadlines Are Closely Scrutinized
Hospitals and medical providers frequently challenge malpractice claims based on filing deadlines. Courts in Lansing strictly enforce these time limits, and exceptions are applied narrowly.
Because of this, determining the correct deadline early is often critical in medical malpractice cases.
When Legal Guidance May Help
Calculating malpractice deadlines can be complicated, especially when discovery issues or notice requirements apply. Even small timing errors can have serious consequences.
If you believe you were harmed by medical negligence in Lansing and have questions about filing deadlines, learning about your legal options after a Lansing medical malpractice injury can help you understand what steps may protect your rights.
Understanding Medical Malpractice Filing Deadlines in Lansing
Medical malpractice claims are subject to some of the strictest timing rules in Michigan injury law. Understanding how these deadlines apply based on the type of care involved and when injuries were discovered can help Lansing patients avoid losing the right to pursue a claim.