What Is the Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally 1 year under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-26-116.
Medical malpractice Deadlines in Tennessee
How long do you have to file a medical malpractice claim in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally 1 year under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-26-116. The full rule is: 1 Year (3-yr repose).
When does the clock start for medical malpractice in Tennessee?
One year from when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered, subject to a three-year statute of repose.
Can the Tennessee deadline for medical malpractice be extended?
A pre-suit notice under § 29-26-121 is mandatory and, properly given, extends the period by 120 days. A certificate of good faith under § 29-26-122 is required. Exceptions to the three-year repose exist for fraudulent concealment and foreign objects.
Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Tennessee?
Often, yes. Suit within 12 months under the GTLA under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-20-305. The Governmental Tort Liability Act requires suit within twelve months after the cause of action arises. Because the ordinary personal-injury period in Tennessee is already only one year, the GTLA deadline does not shorten it the way it does in most states — b…
How does Tennessee compare to other states for medical malpractice?
Tennessee's 1 year is among the shortest in the country. 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 Tennessee:
