Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim is generally two years from the date the injury occurred or the date the patient reasonably discovered that malpractice caused their injury. This time limit is crucial—missing it can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. However, medical malpractice cases can be complex, and the “discovery rule” allows some flexibility. If a patient could not have known about the injury right away—such as a surgical error or a misdiagnosis that becomes evident later—the two-year period begins once the injury is discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence. There is also a seven-year statute of repose, which prevents claims from being filed more than seven years after the negligent act, regardless of when the injury was discovered. The only major exceptions are cases involving minors and foreign objects left in the body, which may extend filing deadlines. Because time limits vary depending on your circumstances, consulting an experienced Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible is essential. A lawyer can review your medical records, determine when the clock started running, and ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time. Don’t wait—acting quickly protects your rights and helps preserve critical evidence for your case.