Iowa · Medical Malpractice
Iowa medical malpractice damage caps and statute of limitations
Refreshed 2026. $250,000 / $1,000,000 / $2,000,000 damage cap. 2 years from discovery of injury. Full breakdown below.
Damage caps
IA Code § 147.136ANon-economic damages cap
$250,000 / $1,000,000 / $2,000,000
Total damages cap
None
Status
active
Notes
Three-tier system (HF 161, signed Feb 2023): $250,000 for non-permanent/non-substantial injuries; $1,000,000 for permanent substantial injuries (clinics/doctors); $2,000,000 for permanent substantial injuries (hospitals). 2.1% annual inflation adjustment beginning Jan 1, 2028.
Statute of limitations
IA Code § 614.1(9)Standard SOL
2 years from discovery of injury
Discovery rule
Yes; runs from when plaintiff knew or should have known of injury and its cause
Statute of repose
6 years from act or omission
Minor exception
For children under 8: SOL extended until child's 10th birthday. Standard tolling for other minors.
Wrongful death SOL
2 years from date of death, subject to 6-year repose
Notes
Fraudulent concealment exception extends repose.
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Iowa med-mal FAQ
What is the medical malpractice statute of limitations in Iowa?+
2 years from discovery of injury. Yes; runs from when plaintiff knew or should have known of injury and its cause Statute of repose: 6 years from act or omission. Wrongful death: 2 years from date of death, subject to 6-year repose. Fraudulent concealment exception extends repose. Source: IA Code § 614.1(9).
Does Iowa have a medical malpractice damage cap?+
Non-economic cap: $250,000 / $1,000,000 / $2,000,000. Three-tier system (HF 161, signed Feb 2023): $250,000 for non-permanent/non-substantial injuries; $1,000,000 for permanent substantial injuries (clinics/doctors); $2,000,000 for permanent substantial injuries (hospitals). 2.1% annual inflation adjustment beginning Jan 1, 2028. Source: IA Code § 147.136A.
How does Iowa handle the discovery rule in med-mal cases?+
Yes; runs from when plaintiff knew or should have known of injury and its cause
What is the Iowa minor exception for medical malpractice?+
For children under 8: SOL extended until child's 10th birthday. Standard tolling for other minors.
What is the wrongful death statute of limitations for Iowa medical malpractice?+
2 years from date of death, subject to 6-year repose
Other state lookups
This tool is informational. It is not legal advice. Iowa damage caps and statute of limitations periods change frequently. Always verify against current statute and consult a licensed Iowa attorney before relying on a deadline. Data refreshed May 2026.