Medical malpractice lawsuits are highly complex and require significant amounts of evidence that prove doctors, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals or entire facilities were negligent and knew of the dangers that they exposed patients to.
They’re also time sensitive for two important reasons:
- Statutes of limitations can quickly expire – In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing medical malpractice claims is two years from the date the malpractice occurred—not the date that the malpractice was discovered or suspected. For many patients, side effects, symptoms, and complications don’t show up until months after malpractice occurs, and by the time they call a law firm, time may be running out.
- Evidence can quickly disappear – Medical records aren’t always preserved forever, and key witnesses and experts may be unavailable to interview for your malpractice claim. Once evidence disappears, the hospital or doctor’s office will have a significant upper hand, as the burden of proof always falls on the person who is filing the medical malpractice claim.
At Stewart & Stewart, our Indiana medical malpractice lawyers know how stressful this time is for you. Dealing with the stress and frustration of what happened can delay healing and increase the risk of side effects and complications.
That’s why it’s important to have a legal team that you can trust on your side. Don’t go it alone. Call us today for a free consultation.