Legal Definitions - continuous-treatment doctrine

The continuous-treatment doctrine is a legal principle that applies to medical malpractice cases. It states that the time limit for filing a lawsuit is paused while the patient is receiving ongoing treatment related to the negligent act or omission.

For example, if a patient undergoes surgery and experiences complications that require additional medical attention, the clock for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit would not start until the patient's treatment is complete. This means that the patient would have more time to file a lawsuit than if they had not received ongoing treatment.

The continuous-treatment doctrine is intended to protect patients who are still receiving care for a medical issue caused by a healthcare provider's negligence. It ensures that patients have enough time to fully recover and assess the extent of their injuries before pursuing legal action.