The time limit for filing a lawsuit is called the statute of limitations. The general rule for medical malpractice cases is that a patient has two years from the date of the malpractice to file a lawsuit against all negligent healthcare providers. There are some exceptions to this rule, including cases for children or those involving wrongful death and whether or not the hospital committing the malpractice is a state-run institution. It is important to contact an experienced Michigan medical malpractice attorney immediately if you suspect that malpractice has occurred so that your right to sue is not taken away by virtue of the statute of limitations.