Health & Medical in Michigan
Key Michigan Law
Michigan Compiled Laws Section 600.5838a
Michigan requires medical malpractice claims to be filed within two years of the act or omission, or within six months of when the patient knew or should have known of the injury, under MCL § 600.5838a, with a six-year absolute repose period.
View official statuteProcedural Details in Michigan
Michigan Agencies & Resources
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Bureau of Professional Licensing
Licenses and disciplines physicians in Michigan through the Michigan Board of Medicine; investigates complaints.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Oversees hospital licensing and patient safety regulations in Michigan.
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services
Regulates health insurance and handles consumer complaints in Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Michigan?
Michigan Code § 600.5838a provides two years from the act or six months from discovery (whichever is later, but no more than six years from the act). Critically, Michigan requires a 182-day pre-suit notice under § 600.2912b before filing, which tolls the limitations period during that window.
What is Michigan's 182-day pre-suit notice requirement?
Under MCL § 600.2912b, plaintiffs must provide written notice of intent to file a malpractice claim to each prospective defendant at least 182 days before filing the lawsuit. The notice tolls the statute of limitations for 182 days. Affidavits of merit from a qualified expert must also accompany the complaint at filing.
What are Michigan's non-economic damage caps in malpractice cases?
Michigan caps non-economic malpractice damages at approximately $471,200 for cases without permanent serious impairment, and approximately $842,900 for cases with permanent serious impairment (amounts adjusted annually). Economic damages are uncapped.
How do I file a complaint against a doctor in Michigan?
Complaints against physicians may be filed through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) at michigan.gov/lara. The Bureau of Professional Licensing investigates and may discipline, suspend, or revoke licenses. Board actions are independent of civil litigation.
Related Health & Medical Scenarios
Can I sue over incorrect or excessive medical bills?
Legal options when you receive incorrect, inflated, or surprise medical bills that violate billing regulations or the No Surprises Act.
Can I sue for wrongful death caused by medical negligence?
Legal options when a family member dies due to medical negligence, surgical errors, or hospital failures.
Can I sue for a medication or prescription error?
Legal options when pharmacy errors, wrong dosages, dangerous drug interactions, or failure to warn causes patient harm.
Can I sue for delayed cancer diagnosis?
Legal options when a physician's failure to timely diagnose cancer results in disease progression and reduced treatment options.
Have a Specific Situation in Michigan?
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