What is the statute of medical malpractice in Texas?

Asked by: Jaydon Goyette  |  Last update: December 13, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (71 votes)

The Texas medical malpractice statute provides for a 10 year statute of repose on medical malpractice claims. Under the terms of the statute, any medical malpractice claim filed more than ten years after the negligent act or omission occurred is barred. This bar likely trumps any exception mentioned above.

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.

What is the time frame for medical malpractice 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.

What is statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Texas?

For the most part, the statute of limitations in the state of Texas for medical malpractice is two years. This means that a citizen wishing to bring a medical malpractice suit against someone must do so no later than two years after the date of the negligent act, omission, or practice.

How long do you have to sue a doctor for malpractice 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.

What you and your family need to know about medical malpractice in Texas

44 related questions found

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.

Can you sue a doctor after 10 years 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.

How much can you get for malpractice suit in Texas?

The basics of Texas law

It caps the amount of money that can be awarded for pain and suffering in any medical error claim to a maximum of $250,000. There is no limit on the amount that can be reimbursed for medical costs or lost wages.

How much can you sue a doctor 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.

Is there a cap on malpractice payout in Texas?

For example, if an individual pursues a medical malpractice claim against a physician or a single healthcare institution, they may only receive a maximum of $250,000 on non-economic damages. If a person wants to sue multiple healthcare institutions, they can only receive a maximum of $500,000 in non-economic damages.

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.

How do I file a medical malpractice claim 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.

How do I file a complaint against a doctor in Texas?

How can I report a complaint regarding a physician, physician assistant or acupuncturist? Call the Texas Medical Board at 800-201-9353 or file a complaint online .

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.

How do I prove legal malpractice in Texas?

A plaintiff in a legal malpractice claim must prove the following elements: (1) that there is duty owed to the plaintiff by the defendant; (2) that the duty was breached; (3) that the breach proximately caused the plaintiff injury; and (4) that damages occurred.

What is the difference between medical liability and malpractice?

But what's the difference? 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.

What is the largest malpractice settlement in Texas?

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]TYLER, Texas – Trial law firm Martin Walker has earned honors for winning the largest medical malpractice verdict in Texas in 2018 for the $43.32 million jury award against Tyler-based East Texas Medical Center and one of its doctors.

Can I sue a hospital in Texas?

If you or a loved one were injured in a Texas hospital due to negligence or a malicious act you can be awarded compensation for “damages”. These damages include: Economic damages – These damages reimburse medical bills and lost wages from missing work.

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 for misdiagnosis in Texas?

If you have been misdiagnosed by your doctor, you may be able to sue for medical malpractice. An attorney can help you determine whether or not you have a viable case and how much compensation you may be entitled to receive.

Can you sue a doctor in the state of 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 I contact the Texas medical Board?

  1. Customer Service Phone: (512) 305-7030 (Outside Texas)
  2. Customer Service Phone: (800) 248-4062 (Texas only)
  3. Customer Service E-mail: verifcic@tmb.state.tx.us.

How do I contact Ombudsman Texas?

When you call us at 877-787-8999, you will be given the option of hearing our information in English or Spanish.

What triggers medical malpractice?

Many malpractice claims arise because of medical mistakes such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and improper administration of medication. If you have been a victim of medical malpractice, then contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.

What is the medical tort law in Texas?

In 2003, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 4, also referred to as the Medical Malpractice and Tort Reform Act of 2003. This tort reform capped the damages victims of medical malpractice can receive, including a $250,000 cap on noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering.