Alabama Jury Instruction — 1.3 Medical Malpractice Claim Against Hospital And Physician Statute Of Limitations Defense is a legal instruction given to the jury in medical malpractice cases in Alabama. This instruction provides guidance on determining whether a claim is barred by the statute of limitations defense, which limits the time within which a plaintiff can file a lawsuit. In medical malpractice cases, the statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a claim, ensuring that claims are brought within a reasonable time frame. The purpose of this defense is to protect healthcare providers from stale claims, where evidence may have deteriorated or witnesses may no longer be available. There are different aspects related to the Alabama Jury Instruction -1.3 Medical Malpractice Claim Against Hospital And Physician Statute Of Limitations Defense: 1. Definition of Statute of Limitations: This instruction clarifies the concept of statute of limitations, which refers to the time limit imposed by law for filing a lawsuit. It explains that medical malpractice claims must be filed within a specific timeframe from the date the alleged malpractice occurred. 2. The Discovery Rule: Alabama recognizes the "discovery rule" as an exception to the statute of limitations in medical malpractice cases. This instruction may include an explanation of the discovery rule, which allows the statute of limitations to be tolled until the plaintiff became aware or should have reasonably become aware of the injury or malpractice. 3. Statutory Limitation Period: This instruction also addresses the specific statutory limitation period applicable to medical malpractice claims against hospitals and physicians in Alabama. It may state the number of years within which a claimant must initiate legal action from the date of the injury or the date when the injury should have been discovered. 4. Factors to Consider: The instruction may provide guidance to the jury on the factors they should consider when evaluating whether the statute of limitations applies to a particular case. These factors may include the date of the alleged malpractice, the date of injury, the date on which the plaintiff knew or should have known about the injury, and any applicable exceptions or tolling rules. It is essential for the jury to understand the complexities involved in assessing the statute of limitations defense in a medical malpractice claim. By considering the relevant keywords such as 'statute of limitations defense,' 'medical malpractice claim,' 'hospital and physician,' and 'Alabama Jury Instruction — 1.3,' the relevant information for the description has been provided.