Health & Medical in Tennessee
Key Tennessee Law
Tennessee Code Annotated Section 29-26-116
Tennessee requires medical malpractice claims to be filed within one year of discovery of the injury under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-26-116, with a three-year absolute repose period. The one-year period may be extended to 120 days from pre-suit notice.
View official statuteProcedural Details in Tennessee
Tennessee Agencies & Resources
Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners
Licenses and disciplines physicians in Tennessee; investigates professional conduct complaints.
Tennessee Department of Health
Oversees hospital licensing and patient safety regulations in Tennessee.
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
Regulates health insurance and handles consumer complaints in Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Tennessee?
Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-26-116 provides one year from discovery, with a three-year absolute repose period. Tennessee requires 60-day pre-suit notice under § 29-26-121, which extends the limitations period by 120 days. A certificate of good faith with an expert signature must also accompany the complaint under § 29-26-122.
What are Tennessee's non-economic damage caps in malpractice?
Tennessee caps non-economic damages (pain, suffering, emotional distress) in medical malpractice at $750,000 for most cases and $1,000,000 for cases involving catastrophic injury under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-39-102. Economic damages are uncapped.
What pre-suit notice does Tennessee require before filing a malpractice claim?
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-26-121, plaintiffs must serve 60-day pre-suit written notice on each defendant, accompanied by a HIPAA-compliant medical authorization. This notice extends the statute of limitations by 120 days. Failure to comply may result in dismissal.
How do I file a complaint against a doctor in Tennessee?
Complaints against physicians may be filed with the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners through the Department of Health at tn.gov/health. The Board investigates and may impose conditions, suspend, or revoke a physician's license. Board proceedings 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 Tennessee?
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