The Florida Jury Instruction — 1.3 Medical Malpractice Claim Against Hospital And Physician Statute Of Limitations Defense provides important guidance and instructions for jurors in medical malpractice cases in Florida. This defense involves the application of the statute of limitations, which establishes a time limit within which a lawsuit can be filed against a hospital and physician for medical negligence. In a medical malpractice claim, the plaintiff must file the lawsuit within a specific period after the alleged act of malpractice occurred or when it was discovered. This timeframe defined by the statute of limitations varies based on the nature of the claim and the state in which it is filed. The Florida Jury Instruction — 1.3 focuses specifically on the statute of limitations defense in medical malpractice cases involving hospitals and physicians. Different types of Florida Jury Instruction — 1.3 Medical Malpractice Claim Against Hospital And Physician Statute Of Limitations Defense may include: 1. Statutory Time Limit: This instruction explains the specific time limitations imposed by Florida law within which a medical malpractice claim must be filed. It outlines the commencement date of the limitations period and considerations for tolling or extending the time frame, depending on the circumstances. 2. Discovery Rule: Under this instruction, jurors are informed that the statute of limitations may be extended if the plaintiff reasonably could not have discovered the injury or malpractice within the standard limitation period. The jury must determine whether the plaintiff acted within a reasonable period after discovering, or should have discovered, the malpractice. 3. Continuous Treatment Doctrine: This jury instruction addresses situations where the plaintiff was under continuous treatment for a particular condition or received ongoing care for an underlying condition. It explains that the limitations period may be extended if the treatment or care for the condition in question continued after an alleged act of malpractice. 4. Childhood Exception: In cases involving minors, this instruction informs the jurors that different rules may apply. It specifies that medical malpractice claims filed before the minor's eighth birthday have no statute of limitations. However, if the claim is filed after the eighth birthday but before the child's majority, specific time limits may apply. 5. Fraudulent Concealment: This instruction addresses instances where the defendant fraudulently concealed the existence of malpractice, preventing the plaintiff from discovering it within the limitations period. It guides the jury on determining whether fraudulent concealment was established and whether it tolled the statute of limitations. The Florida Jury Instruction — 1.3 Medical Malpractice Claim Against Hospital And Physician Statute Of Limitations Defense serves as a crucial tool for jurors, ensuring they understand the various aspects and exceptions related to the statute of limitations defense in medical malpractice cases. With the knowledge of these instructions, jurors can make informed decisions based on the specific circumstances presented during the trial.