How long do you have to sue a hospital for negligence in Texas?

Asked by: Nola Wuckert  |  Last update: August 4, 2023
Score: 5/5 (10 votes)

How Long Do You Have to File a Malpractice Claim in Texas? In addition to all the previously discussed requirements, you must meet a strict deadline called a “statute of limitation.” You have two years from the date of injury or when you discover the injury to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

What is the statute of limitations on suing a hospital in Texas?

Additionally, Texas has in place a statute of repose of 10 years for medical malpractice cases. This means that no medical malpractice lawsuit may be filed if more than 10 years have passed since the alleged mistake occurred, regardless of when the mistake was discovered.

Can you sue a hospital for negligence in Texas?

If you or a loved one were injured or wrongfully killed in a Texas hospital due to a medically negligent act, you can sue a hospital for compensation. Texas hospital malpractice lawsuits have a two-year statute of limitations for claims.

What is the statute of limitations on medical negligence in Texas?

Texas law has a two-year statute of limitations for all negligence causes of action, including medical malpractice. In some cases, the timing of the negligence is easily known—for example, on the date of a surgery. In those cases, the statute of limitations will begin running on that date.

How much can you sue a hospital for negligence in Texas?

In total, the non-economic damages cap can reach up to $500,000, in the case that you sue both the doctor or healthcare provider and the hospital. So, the most you can get if you file a suit against a doctor is $250,000. If you sue a hospital for negligence, you can get the same amount.

HOW TO SUE A DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL FOR NEGLIGENCE 👨‍ 🏥

20 related questions found

How do I file a lawsuit against a hospital in Texas?

If you want to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the hospital that caused you harm, there are specific steps you should take.
  1. File a Complaint with the Health Facility Compliance Group. ...
  2. File a Complaint with the Texas Medical Board. ...
  3. Give Notice to the Hospital. ...
  4. File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit.

What is the average malpractice settlement in Texas?

What Is the Average Settlement for a Medical Malpractice Injury in Texas? In Texas, medical professionals are held to a high standard of care with strict penalties imposed for negligence. The average settlement for a case involving a medical error is almost $200,000.

What qualifies as medical malpractice in Texas?

What Qualifies as Medical Malpractice in Texas? The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code states that medical malpractice is when a health care provider administers “treatment, lack of treatment or other claimed departure from accepted standards of medical care” that results in injury or death to the patient.

Is there a time limit on lawsuit in Texas?

Texas also has a four-year statute of limitations for lawsuits involving contractual obligations.

What are punitive damages for medical malpractice in Texas?

Yes, Texas does limit the amount of punitive damages a plaintiff may receive in a personal injury case. Punitive damages are capped at the greater of $200,000 in cases in which economic damages are not awarded or an amount equal to double the economic losses plus an equal amount of non-economic damages up to $750,000.

How long does it take to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Texas?

In general, a medical malpractice lawsuit in Texas has a two-year window, so in most cases, you would have two years to sue a doctor after surgery. However, there are certain exceptions. Other than the deadline, there are other critical details involved which might affect your case.

Is it hard to sue a doctor in Texas?

These cases can be challenging to pursue because winning a judgment does not guarantee that the plaintiff will recover any damages. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can address these obstacles and review if any other parties involved are liable for the negligent care.

How do I report a hospital in Texas?

Submitting a Complaint Against Healthcare Facilities (Except Substance Abuse (Chemical Dependency) Treatment or Narcotic or Opioid Treatment Facilities)
  1. Complaint hotline: 1-800-458-9858, Option 5.
  2. Email: hfc.complaints@hhs.texas.gov.
  3. Fax: 833-709-5735.
  4. Mailing address: Health and Human Services Commission.

Can you sue a county hospital in Texas?

Generally, if you or a loved one was a victim of hospital malpractice, medical negligence, or wrongful death within the last 2 years, you can sue a hospital in Texas.

What is the statute of limitations for legal malpractice claim in Texas?

The statute of limitations for legal malpractice claims in Texas is two years.

How long is Texas statute of limitations?

The criminal statute of limitations in Texas varies, depending on the severity of the offense. The statute of limitations for misdemeanors is two years. Unless specified, it's three years for felonies.

What happens if you lose a civil lawsuit and can t pay in Texas?

If you are sued and can't pay, the creditor can get a judgment in court against you for the money you owe, plus interest. Being “judgment proof” means that your property and income can't be seized by creditors, because it is “exempt” by law from the creditor's claims.

What is the length of time in which a person can file a lawsuit?

Except for when you sue a government agency, you almost always have at least one year from the date of harm to file a lawsuit, no matter which type of claim you have or which state you live in. In short, you should have no statute of limitations worries if you sue within this one-year period.

How do you win a medical malpractice case in Texas?

The elements you will need to show to prove your medical malpractice case in Texas include:
  1. The existence of a provider-patient relationship. ...
  2. The medical standard of care was breached. ...
  3. Quantifiable proof of harm, i.e. damages. ...
  4. Contact Our Team Today.

What is the hardest element to prove in a medical malpractice case?

Medical malpractice cases are generally difficult to prove, but the element of malpractice that is hardest to prove is usually causation. Causation is the aspect of a malpractice claim that shows the medical provider's action was a direct cause of the patient's injury.

What is the difference between medical liability and malpractice?

Malpractice insurance protects professionals from allegations of malpractice. In contrast, professional liability insurance covers them for negligence or other misconduct claims. While both policies have similar names, they vary in scope and coverage options.

Is it better to settle in a malpractice lawsuit?

The decision as to whether to settle out of court is often determined by the amount of money the at-fault party is willing to offer for settlement. If this amount is unacceptably less than the amount you are seeking, and you know your case is strong and compelling, opting for a settlement may not be to your advantage.

What is the highest medical malpractice settlement?

Ten of the Largest Medical Malpractice Verdicts of 2022
  • $111 million verdict in Minnesota: Thapa v. ...
  • $97.4 million verdict in Iowa: Kromphardt v. ...
  • $77 million verdict in Georgia: The Estate of Nicholas Carusillo v. ...
  • $75 million verdict in Georgia: Buckelew v. ...
  • $68.8 million verdict in Florida: Crohan v.

Can you sue doctors in Texas?

In Texas, medical malpractice suits can be filed for “treatment, lack of treatment or other claimed departure from accepted standards of medical care” that result in injury or death to the patient. [1] Remember, it must be proven that this harm resulted from the healthcare professional's negligence.

How do you deal with medical negligence?

If speaking to someone informally or making a formal complaint hasn't worked or isn't appropriate, you may want to make a legal challenge. This means you'll need to go to court. You'll need to start the legal claim within three years from the date of the incident or from when you knew the injury was negligent.