Opinion ID: 852412
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Remaining Time After the Period Is Triggered

Text: The length of time within which a claim must be filed after a trigger date in an occurrence-based statute also varies with the circumstances. A plaintiff whose trigger date is after the original limitations period has expired may institute a claim for relief within two years of the trigger date. See, e.g., Martin, 711 N.E.2d 1273 (claim timely filed in October 1994 when cancer first discovered in April 1994 even though the alleged malpractice took place in March 1991); Van Dusen v. Stotts, 712 N.E.2d 491 (Ind.1999) (claim timely filed in 1996 when cancer discovered in 1995 even though the alleged malpractice took place in 1992). But if the trigger date is within two years after the date of the alleged malpractice, the plaintiff must file before the statute of limitations has run if possible in the exercise of due diligence. In Boggs v. Tri-State Radiology, Inc., 730 N.E.2d 692, 697 (Ind.2000), we explained that As long as the claim can reasonably be asserted before the statute expires, the only burden imposed upon the later discovering plaintiffs is that they have less time to make up their minds to sue. The relatively minor burden of requiring a claimant to act within the same time period from the date of occurrence, but with less time to decide to sue, is far less severe than barring the claim altogether. If the trigger date is within the two-year period but in the exercise of due diligence a claim cannot be filed within the limitations period, the plaintiff must initiate the action within a reasonable time after the trigger date. Booth, 839 N.E.2d at 1172.