Maryland Jury Instruction — 1.3: Medical Malpractice Claim Against Hospital And Physician Statute Of Limitations Defense Keywords: Maryland, jury instruction, medical malpractice claim, hospital, physician, statute of limitations defense Description: Maryland Jury Instruction — 1.3 is a detailed instruction provided to the jury in medical malpractice cases filed against hospitals and physicians in the state of Maryland. This instruction specifically focuses on the defense of the statute of limitations, which acts as a limitation on the time period during which a plaintiff can legally file a medical malpractice claim. The statute of limitations is a critical aspect of any medical malpractice case as it sets a specific timeframe within which a claim must be filed. If a plaintiff fails to file within this timeframe, their claim may be barred, and they could lose their right to seek compensation for injuries caused by medical negligence or incompetence. Maryland recognizes different types of statutes of limitations for medical malpractice claims against hospitals and physicians. It is important for both the jury and the parties involved in the case to understand these variations: 1. Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims Against Hospitals: — Maryland law sets a general statute of limitations of five years from the date the alleged medical malpractice occurred or three years from the date the injury was discovered, whichever comes first. — However, if the plaintiff discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the presence of a foreign object left in their body after surgery, they have three years from the date of discovery or the date they should reasonably have discovered it, regardless of the five-year rule. 2. Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims Against Physicians: — Maryland law dictates that medical malpractice claims against physicians must generally be filed within five years from the date the alleged medical malpractice occurred or three years from the date the injury was discovered, whichever comes first. — Similar to claims against hospitals, if a foreign object is discovered inside the plaintiff's body after surgery, they have three years from the date of discovery or the date they could have reasonably discovered it, irrespective of the five-year rule. It is crucial for the jury to carefully consider the evidence provided during the trial and determine whether the plaintiff filed their medical malpractice claim within the applicable statute of limitations. If the defense successfully proves that the claim was filed beyond the prescribed time limit, the plaintiff's rights to seek legal remedies may be rendered invalid. In conclusion, Maryland Jury Instruction — 1.3 serves as a guideline for the jury to comprehend and evaluate the statute of limitations defense in medical malpractice claims against hospitals and physicians. Understanding the various types of statutes of limitations applicable to these cases is essential for rendering a fair and just verdict.