What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Tennessee Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

Many of us are nervous when we go the doctor, even if it is just for a routine checkup. What if the doctor finds something bad? Usually this does not happen, but when it does, we want the very best in medical care. Sadly, due to medical mistakes, we may not always get the kind of care we need.

When Tennessee medical malpractice happens to us, it can have devastating effects on our health, our emotions, and our finances. For these reasons, anyone who has been a victim needs to know exactly how long he or she has to bring a lawsuit for damages.

Tennessee happens to have one of the strictest malpractice statute of limitations in the country. According to Tennessee law:

• Anyone who has been the victim of a medical mistake or who is the survivor of a victim must generally provide notice of the medical malpractice action within one year from the date the injury was discovered.

• The state has a cap on the length of time you have to file. No one can file longer than three years after the mistake was originally made.

• There is no cap on the amount of damages that you can recover for medical expenses and lost wages but there is a cap on the amount of damages that you can recover for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

• Attorneys in Tennessee cannot charge more than 33 1/3 percent of the damages recovered in a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Every state varies greatly in medical malpractice law. For that reason alone, it is best to hire a local and reputable attorney to represent you. And because the statute of limitations is so short, it is a good idea to get a suit filed as soon as you are certain that a doctor or medical institution has been negligent in your care or caused wrongful death. For more detailed information about the time limit on suing for medical malpractice see How long do I have to file my medical malpractice case?

The legal team with Bailey & Greer in Memphis wants to help. We pride ourselves on our personal attention, experience, skill, and integrity. We know what you are going through. Please call us today toll free at 888-470-9143 for a free consultation about your medical malpractice case.

Bailey & Greer represents people with medical malpractice claims in Tennessee and Mississippi, including Memphis, Germantown, Bartlett, Cordova, Collierville, Arlington, Lakeland, and all of Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton Counties. We have also handled cases in Arkansas, Georgia, and Missouri.