Timeliness is a critical factor in bringing a medical malpractice claim against a public hospital in New York. Under the General Municipal Law, plaintiffs must file a notice of claim within 90 days of the alleged malpractice. However, courts may permit a late filing if specific conditions are met. A recent decision from a New York court illustrates how such requests are evaluated, particularly when actual knowledge, reasonable excuse, and prejudice are at issue. If you have questions about whether your injury may give rise to a viable claim, a Rochester medical malpractice attorney can adivse you of your rights.
History of the Case
It is reported that the plaintiff received treatment at a public hospital operated by the defendant between January 22 and February 7, 2024. She first presented to the emergency department on January 22 with abdominal and chest pain. After initial diagnostic imaging, she was discharged without surgical intervention. She returned two days later and was diagnosed with a gangrenous and perforated gallbladder. An emergency cholecystectomy was performed on January 24. The plaintiff was discharged on January 28 and returned for a follow-up on February 7.
It is alleged that in the months following her discharge, the plaintiff continued to experience significant abdominal and back pain. Nearly a year later, diagnostic imaging revealed that a remnant of her gallbladder had been left behind during the earlier surgery. On March 7, 2025, she underwent corrective surgery to remove the residual tissue. The plaintiff subsequently filed a petition for leave to serve a late notice of claim, asserting that the hospital staff negligently discharged her on January 22 and performed the initial cholecystectomy improperly. Continue Reading ›