Chase v. Sabin

In this appeal, we are asked to determine when a cause of action for the negligent *192acts of a hospital and its agent1 accrues for statute of limitations purposes.2 We hold that the discovery rule governs when the cause of action accrues. Accordingly, we reverse the decision of the Court of Appeals.

I

The plaintiff, Durward Chase, Jr., underwent consecutive eye surgeries on April 12 and April 17, 1963, to remove cataracts, apparently caused by job-related welding flashes. Defendant, Dr. Fred C. Sabin, performed both surgeries while the plaintiff was a patient at the defendant hospital.

In 1963,…