Opinion ID: 2434
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Of the Application of the Mississippi Tort Claims Act and Its Consequences

Text: Although the letter dated November 20, 2006, from Bounds' attorney to Pine Belt recited that it was sent in compliance with Miss.Code Ann. § 15-1-36(15), which requires a claimant to provide notice before maintaining a malpractice action against any provider of medical care, it also was substantially compliant with the notice requirements of the Mississippi Tort Claims Act, Miss.Code Ann. § 11-46-11(2). Bounds' letter was written on the letterhead of his attorney, stated an intention to begin legal action within sixty days, and alleged professional negligence on the part of Pine Belt in prescribing Zyprexa for Bounds and in continuing to prescribe the drug after Bounds developed diabetes. Also set forth in the letter was an allegation that Pine Belt was professionally negligent in [its] failure to advise and instruct [its] staff on the dangers and complications that studies had shown to be related to the prescription of Zyprexa. Moreover, as in Lee, the information furnished here enabled the facility to identify the claimant as a patient and to investigate and conduct a review of the matter. The Act is said to require that the governmental entity be afforded sufficient information to investigate the claim as the key factor in an analysis of substantial compliance: In general, a notice that is filed within the [requisite] period, informs the municipality of the claimant's intent to make a claim and contains sufficient information which reasonabl[y] affords the municipality an opportunity to promptly investigate the claim satisfies the purpose of the statute and will be held to substantially comply with it. Carr, 733 So.2d at 263 (quoting Collier v. Prater, 544 N.E.2d 497, 498-99 (Ind.1989)) (first alteration in original). The letter from Bounds' attorney provided information sufficient to enable Pine Belt to investigate promptly and to review the claim. Indeed, it appears that the insurance carrier for Pine Belt investigated the matter soon after the letter was received and solicited further information from Bounds' attorney with regard to the claim. In view of the foregoing, there was sufficient compliance with the Act to state a claim against Pine Belt and its physician-employees. Complete diversity therefore did not exist ab inito in this action. Removal to the District Court in Mississippi therefore was improper, and we need not address any of Bounds' other arguments against removal.