Medical Malpractice

Procedural Requirements

Pre-Suit Notice (Medical Malpractice)

Pre-Suit Notice (Medical Malpractice)

Pre-Suit Notice (Medical Malpractice)

Pre-suit notice statutes require a prospective plaintiff to notify each intended defendant before filing suit, typically with a description of the claim and sometimes supporting expert materials. A waiting period follows during which the parties may investigate and attempt resolution.

The limitations period is usually tolled during the notice period.

Alternative Names:

Notice of Intent to Sue, Pre-Suit Notice Requirement

Why it Matters?

Notice requirements are strictly enforced and are a frequent basis for dismissal. Because the underlying limitations period is often short, a claimant who serves defective notice may find the claim time-barred by the time the defect is identified. Defense counsel should verify compliance immediately: whether each defendant was served, whether the content satisfied the statute, and whether suit was filed within the correct window.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if pre-suit notice is defective?

Does the notice period toll the statute of limitations?