San Jose California Jury Instruction — 1.3 Medical Malpractice Claim Against Hospital And Physician Statute Of Limitations Defense is a legal instruction provided to jurors in medical malpractice trials held in San Jose, California. This instruction specifically pertains to the defense's argument based on the statute of limitations in medical malpractice cases involving hospitals and physicians. In a medical malpractice claim against a hospital and physician, the statute of limitations serves as a time limit for filing a lawsuit. This defense argues that the plaintiff's claim should be barred if it is filed outside the specified time period outlined by the statute of limitations. There are several types of medical malpractice claim against hospital and physician statute of limitations defenses that may be presented to the jury. These defenses include: 1. Absolute Statute of Limitations Defense: This defense asserts that the plaintiff's claim should be completely dismissed because it was filed after the statute of limitations period has expired. The defense argues that regardless of any circumstances of the case, the claim is invalid due to untimely filing. 2. Discovery Rule Defense: In certain cases, where the injury or harm resulting from medical malpractice might not have been immediately discovered, the discovery rule may apply. This defense argues that the statute of limitations should be extended based on the date the plaintiff discovered the injury or became aware of the potential malpractice, rather than the date of the actual incident. 3. Tolling of Statute of Limitations Defense: This defense suggests that the statute of limitations period should be paused or suspended temporarily due to specific circumstances, such as the plaintiff's age or mental incapacity. It argues that the plaintiff should not be penalized for circumstances beyond their control. 4. Continuing Treatment Doctrine Defense: If the plaintiff received ongoing treatment from the defendant physician or hospital, this defense claims that the statute of limitations should not begin until the last date of treatment. It argues that the plaintiff reasonably relied on the continuing relationship with the medical provider and, therefore, their claim should not be time-barred. These different types of defenses related to the statute of limitations in medical malpractice cases involving hospitals and physicians aim to provide jurors with a comprehensive understanding of the time-related aspects surrounding the filing of a lawsuit. Jurors must carefully consider these defenses, along with other evidence and testimony, to make an informed decision in the case.