Published by Arfaa Law Group
People with critical health concerns will often seek treatment from multiple providers. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for more than one healthcare provider to offer negligent care that ultimately harms a patient. In such instances, the injured party can pursue claims against anyone involved in the treatment that ultimately led to their harm. In many instances, plaintiffs instituting such lawsuits without the assistance of an attorney will file them in federal court. Federal courts have limited jurisdiction, though, and if a pro se plaintiff does not demonstrate that a claim falls within the court’s purview, the court will likely dismiss their claims, as demonstrated in a recent ruling. If you sustained injuries due to incompetent medical care, it is in your best interest to talk to a Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer about your options for pursuing damages.
Factual and Procedural Background
It is alleged that the plaintiff initiated a lawsuit against the defendant medical center, which was located in Maine, and the defendant hospital, which was located in Washington DC, in federal court in August 2023. Initially, the court dismissed the complaint due to the absence of a substantial federal question. However, the court reconsidered this order upon the plaintiff’s motion, allowing him to refile the complaint with more detailed information regarding jurisdiction, legal claims, and the relief sought.
It is reported that the court gave the plaintiff until October 2023 to submit the amended complaint, but the plaintiff failed to do so. Despite not filing a new complaint, the plaintiff claimed to have served the defendants. The defendants subsequently filed motions to dismiss on various grounds, including lack of jurisdiction and failure to state a claim.
Federal Jurisdiction in Medical Malpractice Cases
The court ultimately granted the defendant’s motions. In reviewing the motions to dismiss, the court first addressed the claims against the defendant medical center, determining that it lacked personal jurisdiction over the defendant. The court explained that personal jurisdiction can be general or specific, but the plaintiff failed to demonstrate that the defendant medical center had continuous and systematic contacts with Washington DC or any conduct that occurred within the jurisdiction. As such, the court dismissed the claims against the defendant medical center for lack of personal jurisdiction.
The court then evaluated the claims against the defendant hospital to determine whether the plaintiff failed to state a claim. In doing so, the court noted several deficiencies in the plaintiff’s complaint, including the expiration of the statute of limitations for the battery claim and wrongful death claim and the failure to provide required notice for a medical malpractice claim. Additionally, the plaintiff did not clearly identify his legal basis for bringing suit on behalf of other family members or establish a factual connection to support his allegations.
Given these significant legal defects and the plaintiff’s failure to amend his complaint as previously instructed, the court found no grounds to proceed with the case. Consequently, the court granted the defendants’ motions to dismiss.
Get in Touch with a Capable Maryland Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you were injured due to the negligence of your healthcare provider, you might be entitled to compensation, and you should get in touch with an attorney to explore your claim options. The capable Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at Arfaa Law Group can review your case and aid you in seeking the maximum compensation available. To set up a consultation, connect with us via our online form or by calling (410) 889-1850.