Ybarra

**Hospital Worker's Lawsuit Must Go Through Special Medical Review Process** A worker sued Winchester Hospital claiming negligence and breach of contract. The case involved allegations that appear to be related to medical malpractice rather than ordinary workplace negligence. The worker initially tried to skip a required pre-trial review process that Massachusetts law requires for medical malpractice cases. The appellate court overturned a lower court's decision and sent the case back for further proceedings. The court ruled that because the worker's complaints involved medical malpractice, the case must go through Massachusetts's special medical malpractice tribunal process before proceeding to trial. The court also found that the worker had waived her right to bypass this tribunal because she failed to file required paperwork on time. **Why this matters for workers:** If you work in healthcare and plan to sue your employer over medical-related issues, you may need to go through a special review process first. This tribunal system is designed to screen medical malpractice cases before they reach court. Workers should be aware of strict deadlines and procedural requirements in medical malpractice cases, as missing these deadlines can limit your legal options. Getting legal help early is important to navigate these complex requirements.