How long does a medical malpractice lawsuit take?

A medical malpractice lawsuit in Tennessee typically takes a long time to resolve. The length of the process can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the case, the availability of witnesses and attorneys, and the local court’s backlog. In Tennessee, the medical malpractice lawsuit process typically begins with a medical malpractice claim against the doctor or hospital who is accused of negligence. The claim is filed in court in the form of a “Complaint”. The Complaint will describe the negligence and damages caused. It will also list any prior medical records or other evidence that is necessary to prove the case. The defendant then responds to the Complaint by filing an “Answer” to the Complaint. This is where the defendant either admits to or denies the allegations in the Complaint. After the Answer has been filed, both parties will enter the process of discovery. During discovery, each side will conduct interviews, request information from the other party, and check medical records. This process can take months. After discovery is complete, the case will go to mediation or trial, depending on the agreement of the parties. A mediation hearing is when the parties try to agree on a settlement. If a settlement is not reached, the case will proceed to trial. The trial process can take several months or longer, depending on the complexity of the case. In summary, the length of a medical malpractice lawsuit in Tennessee can vary greatly. On average, a medical malpractice lawsuit can take up to a year or even longer to resolve.

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