Medical Malpractice in Ohio: How much time do I have to sue my doctor?

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Medical Malpractice in Ohio: How much time do I have to sue my doctor?

  • Blog>Medical Malpractice

Most people do not realize you only have one year to file a claim for medical malpractice if you’re the victim of a medical mistake in Ohio. Sadly, I’ve had to turn people away more times than I can count because they waited too long to call me. It breaks my heart every time to meet someone who desperately needs to be made whole again after being injured as the result of a doctor’s mistake, but I can’t help them because the law says too much time has gone by.

This legal time-limit is formally known as the statute of limitations. Medical malpractice claims are some of the most complicated cases, but they have the shortest statute of limitations. Often, people assume they have two years to pursue a claim for medical negligence, just as they would for an ordinary negligence claim. However, once they realize that is not the case it may be too late.

If you or someone you love was injured as the result of a medical mistake, you have to call me immediately, so that we have time to investigate your medical malpractice case before the expiration of the one-year statute of limitations.

It is common for the one-year statute of limitations to begin from the date the medical malpractice occurred, but there are instances when the statute of limitations’ clock for medical malpractice is delayed.

In Ohio, the medical malpractice statute of limitations’ clock can start based on the following dates:

  1. The date of the incident, assuming the patient was or should have been aware of his or her injury and/or the medical mistake.
  2. The date the patient discovered that he or she was the victim of medical malpractice. Medical mistakes aren’t always immediately apparent. That is why the law accounts for situations when patients aren’t aware of their injury and/or the medical mistake. As soon as the patient experiences what the law describes as a “cognizable event,” by which he or she should have been made aware of the medical malpractice, the one-year time limit immediately starts running. This is known as the discovery rule.
  3. The date you terminated your relationship with the doctor who caused you injury through medical malpractice. For example, if you continue seeing the doctor who caused your injury in an attempt to correct the problem, but then realize that the doctor is doing you more harm and you terminate the relationship, that would be the date the clock starts to run. Additionally, if your doctor’s treatment for a prolonged period of time is considered to be medical malpractice, the date you realize that and terminate the relationship would be the date the statute of limitations countdown begins.

Other important points to note about the medical malpractice statute of limitations in Ohio include:

  • When a child is the victim of medical malpractice, the one-year statute of limitations begins running when the child turns 18.
  • If you determine that you want to file a claim for medical malpractice very close to the expiration of one year, the law allows you to send the defendant something called a “180 Day Letter,” expressing your desire to further investigate your claim prior to filing a lawsuit. As long as the defendant is noticed in writing prior to the expiration of one year, you will get an extension.
  • If you are required to file a lawsuit before you are ready simply to avoid being barred by the statute of the limitations, Ohio law lets you dismiss your case one time and refile it within one year.

These rules and exceptions surrounding medical malpractice laws in Ohio can be incredibly confusing. It is important to consult an attorney who is experienced in medical malpractice claims to help you navigate the complicated process. I have the knowledge and resources necessary to get you the compensation you need and deserve after your injury.

Don’t fall victim to the statute of limitations. Call me right away at 1 (800) 556-4769. As your Medical Malpractice lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Author: Tim Misny | For over 34 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio.” You can reach Tim by email at tmisny@misnylaw.com or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.
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Mr. Misny is the best! I am a 27-year-old single mother, and I am finishing law school in May at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. When I found myself jobless during the height of the pandemic, I knew I needed help. Going into the legal profession, I wanted to be JUST LIKE Mr. Misny because I knew he was the most successful attorney in the industry. I called him up one day just for the hell of it to see if there was anyway he could help me. I never thought such a big name/reputation like him would respond to me. However, when he learned of my financial situation he PERSONALLY called my cell phone within 5 minutes of my email. Not only has he helped me secure employment, but he continues to teach me every single day what it takes to be the BEST lawyer in the legal profession. I am forever thankful for Mr. Misny. He changed my life. He continues to inspire me every single day, and I am so proud that he took me under his wing and is my mentor. He is the most intelligent, kindest, caring attorney I have ever met, and he is giving me the tools I need to be the most successful lawyer I can be o give my four-year-old son, Gregory, the life he deserves. THANK YOU MR. TIM MISNY. I owe my entire future legal career to you because if you didn't take the time out of your busy day to call me that day and help me when no one else would, I would not have been able to stay in law school. You change lives every single day. Keep being you Tim. There is no one like Tim Misny.
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I met Tim 6 years ago when he was working with my mother. Since then we were able to stay in touch and build a relationship. I reached out to Tim recently about an opportunity and he was able to connect the dots and help me with this. During this process he gave me his direct number to contact him if need be. If you are in need of any sort of help, I would recommend Tim every time.
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If I could reach into the sky just to pull more than 5 stars down for a rating I would! I have used other lawyers in the past and it was such a pain to reach them when I needed them. Tim is in all honesty there for you. He gave me his personal phone number, and at anytime or any day he answered. If I had to leave a message I could count to 10 and he would already be calling me back. He also was willing to talk on the weekends! He didn’t just forward me to an impersonal automated system or a person with no experience. I will NEVER use another person for legal advice. He’s gracious enough to give me guidance whenever I have a question. No matter how complex. This may sound like an advertisement but I assure you this man was more in touch when I had an issue than my own family. A reasonable and caring family man who will MAKE THEM PAY!Thank you Tim
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I've had the pleasure of getting to know Tim personally over the past 2 years. Beyond him being an incredible lawyer & 'Jack of all trades ' he is an amazing friend. One thing I love most is that he is family oriented & always making quality time for his loved ones. He inspires me to be a great role model &father figure one day. Tim loves nature & shares the true beauty of nature with how he raises his kids. From biking through trails & having his kids learn how to nurture the family garden - he teaches valuable lessons on how to appreciate the world we live in. I know that Tim is just a phone call away & always urgent to responding no matter the situation. He has given me some of the greatest advice & continously throwing positive energy my way! I'm honored to know him & be a friend of his. He is the true practioneer of changing lives & paying it forward. He has taught me so much in just a short amount of time. Tim Misny, a man that wakes up every single day to make a difference!
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As a young man, I worked at a local garden center. I came from a family that had too many problems to list. I felt I was never destined to be anything good. I had always wanted to be a police officer since I was a little boy. But, one side of my family told me that I would never be good enough to do it. Anytime I brought it up, they knocked me down until I started to believe that I could never accomplish my dream. One day, about 20 years ago, while working at that garden center, a very tall man came in and asked me to help him select plants. As we walked around the garden center, he struck up a conversation with me. He was very friendly and kind. I was a skinny teenager in dirty blue jeans and a t shirt. This man was dressed very nicely and I was surprised at how nice he was to me. During our conversation, he asked me what I wanted to do with my life after school. I told him that I wanted to be a police officer but many people told me that I’d never make it. I told him how my very own father said I wasn’t smart enough, brave enough, and I was wasting my time. I remember looking at the ground while I explained this to him. The man stopped and got serious. His voice dropped an octave and he looked me dead in the eyes. He pointed his finger at me and told me that I could make anything of my life that I wanted. He told me that it was up to ME to make my life goals come true. He told me to ignore anybody who tells me otherwise. He assured me that if I studied hard in school and never gave up on my dreams that they would become a reality. He told me to say it. I said “I can do it”. In that moment, I thought that if a complete stranger saw something in me, than maybe it could be true.After I helped him through the checkout and he left, many different employees at the garden center asked me if I knew who that man was. I did not. They told me, “That’s Tim Misny!” Once I figured out “who” Tim Misny was, my confidence grew. It was a pivotal moment. One in which steered the rest of my life. His words stuck with me. I worked hard and obtained my Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I was hired by a local Law Enforcement Agency at the age of 21. I was sent to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, which was an extremely tough place to be, to say the least. At the Academy, they try to break those who don’t have a determined spirit. On days I wanted to quit, I remembered Tim’s words. Maybe it was fate, maybe it was random chance.... I’ll never know But, Tim Misny helped me have the confidence and determination that was necessary to be where I’m at today. I’ve been a law enforcement officer for over 16 years. I’ve told this story to many of my coworkers.Tim, you’ll never understand how your words that spring day helped shape my future. Your words enabled me to provide a great life for myself and my family. I’m forever grateful.Mike
Eric Evans
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21:02 04 Oct 20
Tim has represented me twice, once 30 years ago and again just recently. I was too young to fully appreciate his expertise when he represented me the first time (as i was a minor who was the victim of an accident - he won for us, incidentally), but I'm old enough and wise enough now to really appreciate how truly great he is. First off, how many attorney's actually give you their cell phone number and actually answer? I would contend very, very few. Secondly, he has a street fighter mentality combined with a sharp legal intellect which makes you immediately think "I'm so glad this guy is on my side." I was really in a bind recently and Tim came through in spades - he is THE person I would call if I were in trouble or needed help - at a minimum he would know who I should talk to and direct me there (he knows his own limits, which is the key to a wise person) - at a maximum he would take on my fight himself and I'd have full confidence in his ability to deliver the best possible outcome for me - he fights for you like you're family - can't say it better than that.
Benjamin Firstenberg
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I worked as an intern for Tim the summer of 2017 and it was an unbelievable experience both for my career and personal development. He treats his employees with a level of respect, appreciation and honesty that I've truly not seen anywhere else that I've worked. We've stayed in touch these past few years and I'm still learning from Tim, whether it be the way he sees the world, his career advice or his commitment to his family. He's an honest man who treats people honorably.
David Shelton
David Shelton
01:13 30 Jun 20
I don't know much about Tim the lawyer, but I do know about Tim the man. Tim the man befriended me as a youth and gave me the motivation to excel in school. Tim the man wrote the letter that got me into college and got me a helpful scholarship. Tim the man gave me an internship while in college. Tim the man has been a friend to me for over ten years. He makes himself available day or night whether I need advice or just want to talk about the day. There a lot of stigmas about attorneys (and they are earned) but Tim Misny bucks the stereotype. And if Tim the lawyer is half a good as Tim the man, he will live up to his word, and make them pay.
Mike Mercer
Mike Mercer
00:16 17 Jan 20
WOW! It is the only way to describe the tremendous experience I was afforded, when I contacted and then retained Tim Misny, to handle a case for me. I had been injured in an automobile accident and needed help and direction, Tim and his staff provided both.The personal attention and clarity of the matter and specifics, gave me a state of comfort and satisfaction that I could have found nowhere else! I will be forever grateful to have Tim Misny as my attorney and my friend!I am a businessman in the Greater Cleveland area and have directed various members of my staffs as well as personal friends to Tim for solutions to their personal injury case needs. All my referrals have been more than pleased with the service and personal treatment they have received from Tim and his staff.I strongly recommend Tim Misny and his associates should you ever need the finest legal services available in Ohio! Trust is his number one priority, trust in knowing that you will be his client second, his friend first!
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