Pediatricians exclusively treat children, and children often require more care than adult patients. Pediatric patients generally need lower doses of medication, respond differently to various treatments, have different normal vital signs, and in many cases, could have their medical condition deteriorate quicker than an adult.

When a physician fails to provide treatment that lives up to the accepted standard of pediatric medical care, they put their patients at risk. If one of their patients is injured due to their negligence, their family could hire a knowledgeable Poughkeepsie pediatric malpractice lawyer to pursue justice and compensation for damages. Let a seasoned medical malpractice attorney fight for you.

How Does the Statute of Limitations Apply in Pediatric Malpractice Cases?

Generally, the malpractice case filing deadline is two years and six months from the date of the injury as per New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214-a. If a case is not filed within the legally allowed timeline, the plaintiff or their parents could forfeit their right to pursue compensation. However, this statute of limitations applies differently to cases involving pediatric patients.

When the plaintiff is a minor, the period for filing suit does not begin until the child’s 18th birthday. For example – if a pediatric patient sustained an injury via malpractice when they were 15-years-old, they would have approximately five and a half years to file a legal complaint.

The only exception to this law is that the statute of limitations cannot extend over ten years after the alleged malpractice event occurred. When a minor child suffers a malpractice injury, their parent or guardian should consult with an experienced Poughkeepsie pediatric malpractice attorney to determine how the statute of limitations applies in their case.

Types of Pediatric Malpractice in Poughkeepsie

Pediatric malpractice could occur anywhere pediatric patients receive medical care; no facility is immune. The most common pediatric malpractice events involve:

No matter the type of malpractice a pediatric patient is subjected to, the negligent healthcare professional should be held accountable. An experienced pediatric malpractice lawyer in Poughkeepsie could provide advice and support during this difficult time and tirelessly pursue the damages they deserve.

Rely On a Compassionate Poughkeepsie Pediatric Malpractice Attorney

Unfortunately, children of any age could become a victim of medical malpractice. When your child suffers, it can be unbearable, but when they suffer because of the carelessness of a healthcare provider that you trusted, there may be no words to describe how you feel.

You need a compassionate Poughkeepsie pediatric malpractice lawyer who understands how to handle these delicate cases. Since your legal rights and options are time-limited under New York law, you should not hesitate before contacting an experienced attorney. You and your child are entitled to compensation for their injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and much more. To schedule a consultation and begin working towards the justice you deserve, call today.