In New York, medical malpractice actions are subject to statutes of limitations. In other words, if an injured party fails to pursue claims against the healthcare provider that caused their harm within the time dictated under the applicable statute, their claims may be time-barred. While the courts generally uphold the statute of limitations, there are circumstances in which it can be tolled. For example, it does not begin to run until the plaintiff learns of the cause of their harm, as discussed in a recent ruling issued in a New York medical malpractice matter. If you sustained losses due to medical oversights, it is smart to meet with a Syracuse medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.
The Plaintiff’s Harm
Reportedly, the plaintiff underwent a CT scan of her pelvis and abdomen in May 2014. The defendant radiologist reviewed the test results and observed nodular densities in the lower lobe of the plaintiff’s right lung. The defendant issued a report recommending a follow-up scan, but no scan was conducted. Further, the defendant did not inform the plaintiff of the need for a follow-up or that she most likely had lung cancer and did not advise the plaintiff that the nodules were present.
It is alleged that the plaintiff did not learn of the nodules until October 2019, when she underwent a CT scan at another hospital. In March 2020, she commenced a medical malpractice lawsuit against the defendant. The defendant then asked the court to dismiss the plaintiff’s claims as time-barred. The court denied the motion, and the defendant appealed. Continue Reading ›