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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally 2 years under N.D.C.C. § 28-01-18(3).

2 YEARS
Medical Malpractice · North Dakota
2 Years (6-yr outer limit)
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Medical malpractice Deadlines in North Dakota

How long do you have to file a medical malpractice claim in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally 2 years under N.D.C.C. § 28-01-18(3). The full rule is: 2 Years (6-yr outer limit).

When does the clock start for medical malpractice in North Dakota?

Two years from discovery, with a six-year outer limit from the act — except where the provider's fraudulent conduct prevented discovery, in which case the six years does not apply.

Can the North Dakota deadline for medical malpractice be extended?

The fraudulent-concealment exception to the outer limit is written into the subsection itself, which is unusual and useful. For minors the tolling extension is capped at twelve years from the malpractice. Subject to § 28-01-25.

Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in North Dakota?

Often, yes. State: notice within 180 days; municipality: 3 years under N.D.C.C. chs. 32-12.2, 32-12.1. Claims against the State or a state employee must be presented in writing to the Office of Management and Budget within 180 days of discovery of the injury, or one year where the injury resulted in death (N.D.C.C. ch. 32-12.2). Claims against a municipality or…

How does North Dakota compare to other states for medical malpractice?

North Dakota's 2 years is in the middle of the range nationally. Across the 51 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for medical malpractice ranges from 1 year to 4 years, and 2 years is the most common. Compare all states →

What Does Medical Malpractice Cover?

Situations that typically fall under the medical malpractice deadline in North Dakota:

01 Surgical errors and wrong-site surgery
02 Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
03 Medication errors and dosage mistakes
04 Birth injuries to mother or child
05 Anesthesia errors
06 Hospital-acquired infections from negligence
07 Failure to monitor or treat properly
08 Premature discharge causing harm
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Other Filing Deadlines in North Dakota

Statutes of limitations have exceptions, and courts apply them to specific facts. This page states the general rule. A licensed North Dakota attorney can tell you the deadline that applies to your situation.
See every filing deadline in North Dakota, or compare medical malpractice across all states.
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