Age increase for minors to file negliglence or malpractice suits

On May 14, the Connecticut Senate passed a bill that would give minors more time to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice or negligence. As the law stands right now, minors must file a lawsuit within two years of when the injury occurred or until they are 18 years old.

The new proposal would bump the age to 19. It would also allow a lawsuit to be filed within seven years after the minor suffered the injury.

There are those who oppose such legislation, such as the Connecticut State Medical Society and health care professionals. A campaign against the legislation was started by the two groups. Their hope was that lawmakers would vote against it. The Senate, however, voted 24 to 10 in favor of it.

Those opposed to the bill say that it would have an impact on how difficult it would be for a physician to practice here. The Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association has back the proposal.

The bill will now proceed to the House. Most states nowadays have the same age and time limits as the new bill.

If your teen has been injured due to medical malpractice or negligence, the passage of this bill will give him or her more time to file a lawsuit. Medical malpractice or negligence can have a serious impact on someone’s life. In some cases, it may cause significant disability or even death. When this occurs, the medical personnel or entity should be held accountable.

An attorney experienced in medical malpractice and negligence lawsuits can provide you with more details about how a civil lawsuit would proceed.

Source: wfsb.com, “Connecticut bill would expand ability for kids to file suits,” May. 14, 2015