For professional malpractice, the statute of limitations is 3 years from which event?

For professional malpractice, the statute of limitations is 3 years from which event?

• A. Date of injury
• B. Termination of services
• C. Date of discovery
• D. Date of filing

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that the statute of limitations for professional malpractice often accrues when the professional relationship ends—that is, when services are terminated. Once the last professional act is completed and the relationship ends, the patient can assess the full extent of any breach and resulting damages, and the 3-year period begins. Keeping the clock starting at termination protects against ongoing treatment masking when the malpractice occurred and focuses the claim on the final point in the provider-patient relationship. While some situations may involve discovery rules or tolling, the standard in this scenario is that the 3-year limit runs from the termination of services.

The key idea is that the statute of limitations for professional malpractice often accrues when the professional relationship ends—that is, when services are terminated. Once the last professional act is completed and the relationship ends, the patient can assess the full extent of any breach and resulting damages, and the 3-year period begins. Keeping the clock starting at termination protects against ongoing treatment masking when the malpractice occurred and focuses the claim on the final point in the provider-patient relationship. While some situations may involve discovery rules or tolling, the standard in this scenario is that the 3-year limit runs from the termination of services.