Quick answer
In Louisiana, the deadline that generally applies to medical malpractice claims is 2 years from the date of discovery, under La. Rev. Stat. § 9:5628 (Act 423, eff. July 1, 2024). Certain circumstances can pause or extend this window. This is general legal information, not a personal deadline determination for your situation.
Louisiana
Medical Malpractice
General statute of limitations
In Louisiana, a medical malpractice claim must generally be filed within 2 years of the date of injury. Filing after this window typically bars the claim permanently.
Governing statute: La. Rev. Stat. § 9:5628 (Act 423, eff. July 1, 2024)
What starts the clock, and tolling exceptions
Clock typically starts
Date of discovery (or date of act)
Most states use a discovery rule: the clock may start when you knew or should have known about the injury. A hard outer cap from the date of the act also applies in most states.
Government defendants
Notice of claim may be required
If your claim is against a government entity (a city, county, state agency, or public employee), most states require a separate notice of claim within 30 to 180 days. Missing this notice deadline can bar your claim entirely, independent of the SOL.
State-specific note: Louisiana
Extended from 1 to 2 years by Act 423 (2024). Discovery rule; 3-year repose from act.
Tolling: when the clock may pause
Medical malpractice deadlines are among the most complex: most states apply a discovery rule (clock starts when you knew or should have known), but with a hard outer cap from the date of the act. Minor patients and cases involving foreign objects left in the body often have separate rules.
Filing deadlines by claim type in Louisiana
What cases like this have ranged for
Illustrative · national · not case-specific
$50,000 – $500,000+
Medical malpractice claims depend heavily on expert review and causation, and typically carry higher damages.
Educational information only: not legal advice
This result reflects the general statutory period for medical malpractice claims in Louisiana based on publicly available statutes. Your actual deadline may differ based on the specific facts of your case, applicable tolling rules, discovery rule application, government defendant requirements, and other circumstances. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Caseworth makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of this information. Consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana before making any decisions about your claim.
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What is the statute of limitations for a medical malpractice claim in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the general statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is 2 years under La. Rev. Stat. § 9:5628 (Act 423, eff. July 1, 2024). This is general educational information; the deadline that applies to matters like yours may differ based on the specific facts of the case. Extended from 1 to 2 years by Act 423 (2024). Discovery rule; 3-year repose from act. Consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana to confirm the deadline for your situation.
What starts the clock on the Louisiana medical malpractice deadline?
Most states use a discovery rule: the clock may start when you knew or should have known about the injury. A hard outer cap from the date of the act also applies in most states.
Are there tolling exceptions in Louisiana?
Yes. Medical malpractice deadlines are among the most complex: most states apply a discovery rule (clock starts when you knew or should have known), but with a hard outer cap from the date of the act. Minor patients and cases involving foreign objects left in the body often have separate rules. Tolling rules vary by state and case type, so it is worth confirming with a licensed attorney in Louisiana whether an exception applies to matters like yours.
What have cases like this ranged for?
Nationally, cases like this have historically ranged $50,000 – $500,000+ (illustrative, not specific to Louisiana or to any individual case). Medical malpractice claims depend heavily on expert review and causation, and typically carry higher damages. See the Settlement Data & Methodology hub for how these ranges are compiled.