Sec. 231. Encouraging speedy resolution of claims
442 words·~2 min read·
/bill/116/hr/1332/ih/section-231·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the time for the commencement of a health care lawsuit shall be, whichever occurs first of the following: Three years after the date of the occurrence of the breach or tort. Three years after the date the medical or health care treatment that is the subject of the claim is completed. One year after the claimant discovers, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury. In no event shall the time for commencement of a health care lawsuit exceed 3 years after the date of the occurrence of the breach or tort or 3 years after the date the medical or health care treatment that is the subject of the claim is completed (whichever occurs first) unless tolled for any of the following— upon proof of fraud; intentional concealment; or the presence of a foreign body, which has no therapeutic or diagnostic purpose or effect, in the person of the injured person.
Actions by a minor shall be commenced within 3 years after the date of the occurrence of the breach or tort or 3 years after the date of the medical or health care treatment that is the subject of the claim is completed (whichever occurs first) except that actions by a minor under the full age of 6 years shall be commenced within 3 years after the date of the occurrence of the breach or tort, 3 years after the date of the medical or health care treatment that is the subject of the claim is completed, or 1 year after the injury is discovered, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have been discovered, or prior to the minor’s 8th birthday, whichever provides a longer period.
Such time limitation shall be tolled for minors for any period during which a parent or guardian and a health care provider have committed fraud or collusion in the failure to bring an action on behalf of the injured minor. No provision of subsection
(a)shall be construed to preempt any State law (whether effective before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act) that— specifies a time period of less than 3 years after the date of injury or less than 1 year after the claimant discovers, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury, for the filing of a health care lawsuit; that specifies a different time period for the filing of lawsuits by a minor; that triggers the time period based on the date of the alleged negligence; or establishes a statute of repose for the filing of a health care lawsuit.