Rhode Island Jury Instruction — 1.3 Medical Malpractice Claim Against Hospital And Physician Statute Of Limitations Defense is a crucial legal instruction in medical malpractice cases in Rhode Island. This instruction specifically addresses the defense of statute of limitations, which imposes time limits within which a medical malpractice claim must be filed. In Rhode Island, a medical malpractice claim against a hospital and physician must be filed within three years from the date the cause of action occurred or within three years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence. However, under no circumstances can the claim be filed more than three years from the date of the alleged act or omission. The defense of statute of limitations is an important aspect of medical malpractice cases, as it allows defendants to raise the argument that the plaintiff failed to file the claim within the specified time period. If successful, this defense can result in the dismissal of the claim. It is essential for attorneys and jury members to understand the requirements and implications of this defense. By following the Rhode Island Jury Instruction — 1.3 Medical Malpractice Claim Against Hospital And Physician Statute Of Limitations Defense, they can assess whether the plaintiff's claim was filed within the allowed timeframe and evaluate the validity of the defense raised by the defendant. Different types or variations of Rhode Island Jury Instruction — 1.3 Medical Malpractice Claim Against Hospital And Physician Statute Of Limitations Defense may include the following: 1. Standard Statute of Limitations Defense: This defense argues that the plaintiff failed to file the medical malpractice claim against the hospital and physician within the specified time period, and therefore, the claim should be dismissed. 2. Discovery Rule Defense: Under the discovery rule, this defense argues that the plaintiff did not discover or should not have reasonably discovered their injury until a later date. As a result, the claim should be allowed to proceed beyond the standard statute of limitations period. 3. Minors or Incapacitated Individuals Defense: When the plaintiff is a minor or mentally incapacitated, this defense may argue that the statute of limitations should be tolled or extended, as the plaintiff may not have been able to understand or assert their rights within the specified timeframe. 4. Continuing Treatment Defense: This defense asserts that the statute of limitations should be paused or extended when the plaintiff continues to receive treatment from the same physician or hospital for the same condition. This defense contends that the plaintiff's relationship with the defendant, and the continuing treatment, suspended the running of the statute of limitations. Understanding Rhode Island Jury Instruction — 1.3 Medical Malpractice Claim Against Hospital And Physician Statute Of Limitations Defense is vital for all parties involved in medical malpractice litigation. By knowing the specific requirements, exceptions, and possible variations of this defense, attorneys and jurors can make well-informed decisions on the validity of a medical malpractice claim filing within the specified timeframe.