What Is the Certificate of Merit Requirement in Connecticut?
Under CGS 52-190a, any medical malpractice lawsuit filed in Connecticut must have a qualifying certificate of merit to proceed. The certificate of merit is a statement by the claimant or their lawyer swearing that they have performed reasonable due diligence to support the evidence in their case before filing.
The certificate must include a written, signed opinion from a medical professional with similar qualifications and specialties to the provider being sued. The opinion must explain why the expert believes the evidence supports a claim for medical negligence.
Failing to include a proper certificate of merit will give the court grounds to dismiss your lawsuit, regardless of the strength of your claims.
How Long Do I Have to Get a Certificate of Merit in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, you have to file your certificate of merit with your medical malpractice lawsuit. The Connecticut statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is two years after the date you discovered your injury.
However, if you are approaching the statute of limitations deadline, it is possible to get an extension for filing your certificate of merit if you need more time. In these circumstances, Connecticut law allows for an automatic 90-day extension to help you complete the certificate of merit requirements. In other words, you can file your medical malpractice case, ask for an extension for filing your certificate of merit, and the court will automatically grant you a 90-day extension.
Speak With Our Connecticut Medical Malpractice Lawyers to Learn More
If you need help determining whether you have a valid claim for medical malpractice or have questions about the certificate of merit requirements, our trusted attorneys at Kennedy Johnson are here to assist you.
We’ve been helping Connecticut residents build and pursue medical malpractice cases for over 35 years. We have established relationships with medical experts and understand the requirements for obtaining a qualified medical opinion letter and submitting a fully compliant certificate of good faith.
Our KJSR team has a proven track record of success, securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients. We work on a contingency fee model, so you won’t pay any upfront fees when you work with our Connecticut medical malpractice attorneys. To schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, call us today at 203-865-8430 or fill out our online contact form.