Opinion ID: 852412
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Resolving Factual Issues

Text: We have not yet specifically addressed the procedure to be followed in a malpractice case when a limitations issue cannot be resolved on summary judgment. The Court of Appeals has on occasion indicated that a pretrial hearing may be required. See Herron v. Anigbo, 866 N.E.2d 842, 845 (Ind.Ct.App.2007) (citing Jacobs v. Manhart, 770 N.E.2d 344, 352 (Ind.Ct. App.2002) (when the trigger date cannot be set as a matter of law, the trial judge will be required to resolve disputed facts through pre-trial motion practice in order to determine the date)); Langman v. Milos, 765 N.E.2d 227, 235 (Ind.Ct.App.2002). However, we agree with the prevailing view that factual issues relating to the running of the limitations period, such as the date on which the plaintiff first learns of the injury, are to be resolved by the trier of fact at trial. See Martin v. Arthur, 339 Ark. 149, 3 S.W.3d 684, 690 (1999); Collins v. Pittsburgh Corning Corp., 673 A.2d 159, 163 (Del.1996); Brin v. S.E.W. Investors, 902 A.2d 784, 795 & n. 17 (D.C.2006); Lipsteuer v. CSX Transp., Inc., 37 S.W.3d 732, 737 (Ky.2000); Pennwalt Corp. v. Nasios, 314 Md. 433, 550 A.2d 1155, 1164 (1988). We have so held in the context of a products liability case. Allied Resin Corp. v. Waltz, 574 N.E.2d 913, 915 (Ind.1991) (holding that juries should determine factual disputes affecting limitation questions). We see no distinction for these purposes between the factual issues as to accrual of a claim under the Products Liability Act and factual issues as to the constitutionally required tolling of the occurrence-based limitations period under the Medical Malpractice Act. We note that the prevailing view in other jurisdictions is that factual issues surrounding the statute of limitations in medical malpractice cases are to be left to the trier of fact. See, e.g., Witherell v. Weimer, 85 Ill.2d 146, 52 Ill.Dec. 6, 421 N.E.2d 869, 874 (1981); Maestas v. Zager, 141 N.M. 154, 152 P.3d 141, 148 (2007); Schanilec v. Grand Forks Clinic, Ltd., 599 N.W.2d 253, 258 (N.D.1999); Arant v. Kressler, 327 S.C. 225, 489 S.E.2d 206, 208 (1997); Ware v. Gifford Mem'l Hosp., 664 F.Supp. 169, 171 (D.Vt.1987) (applying Vermont law); Adcox v. Children's Orthopedic Hosp. & Med. Ctr., 123 Wash.2d 15, 864 P.2d 921, 933 (1993); McCoy v. Miller, 213 W.Va. 161, 578 S.E.2d 355, 361 (2003); cf. Stephens v. Bohlman, 314 Or. 344, 838 P.2d 600, 604 (1992) (wrongful death suit). But see Pedersen v. Zielski, 822 P.2d 903, 907 n. 4 (Alaska 1991); Shillady v. Elliot Cmty. Hosp., 114 N.H. 321, 320 A.2d 637, 639 (1974); Lopez v. Swyer, 62 N.J. 267, 300 A.2d 563, 567 (1973). Finally, entrusting these factual disputes to the trier of fact is consistent with the provision in article I, section 20 of the Indiana Constitution that the right to a jury trial in civil cases shall remain inviolate.