Opinion ID: 2318666
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Other Possible Dispositions

Text: [¶ 10] The second criterion asks whether another possible disposition would render the reported question moot. Because the question on report addresses a threshold matter related to the application of a statute of limitations, other possible dispositions are limited. However, if the parties' stipulation precludes a finding that a claim for negligence arose within the limitations period, then the statute of limitations would clearly apply and resolution of the reported question would be unnecessary. See Dickey, 2008 ME 179, ¶ 9 n. 2, 960 A.2d at 1180-81. [¶ 11] The essential elements of a claim for negligence are duty, breach, proximate causation, and harm. Id. The elements of duty, breach, and proximate causation are alleged by the parties' stipulations that between 2002 and 2006, Dr. Farrand failed to respond appropriately to abnormal [PSA] test results, and at trial, Baker would offer expert witness testimony that he suffered damage as a result of the negligent acts that occurred within [the limitations period]. Although the stipulation describes the alleged damage caused by the acts or omissions occurring within the limitations period as either indeterminate or negligible, the stipulation nevertheless asserts actual loss or harm for which Baker may prove damages, some or all of which may be negligible. [3] See Cunningham v. Huffman, 154 Ill.2d 398, 182 Ill.Dec. 18, 609 N.E.2d 321, 325 (1993) (adopting the continuous negligent treatment doctrine and recognizing that the doctrine applies even where the damages arising within the limitations period are negligible); Dickey, 2008 ME 179, ¶ 34, 960 A.2d at 1186 (Silver, J., dissenting) (discussing Cunningham ). [¶ 12] The stipulation does not preclude a finding that a negligent act or omission occurred within the limitations period. Accordingly, the application of the statute of limitations in this case turns on how we answer the question on report, and there are no other possible dispositions that would render the question moot.