In most cases, there is a three year time limit for bringing a medical negligence claim.  The three years begins from the date of the negligence or from the date that the patient should have known that the injury was or could reasonably be linked to the original negligence.
There are some exceptions to the three year rule:
If the patient is incapable of managing his / her property or affairs and is a “protected party”, the three year time limit begins when they have capacity to bring the claim.
For children, the three years begins on their 18th birthday, so claims must be made before they turn 21 in England
If the patient has died, the three years begins from the date of death
Other dates may also apply, such as where incidents occur abroad, where there is a Human Rights Act claim, or a defective product and so early advice is needed as some time limits are 1 year only.
There is a great deal of investigation work involved in medical negligence claims, so it’s important to contact a solicitor as soon as you can.
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