In the medical malpractice case of McKinney v. Virginia Assocs., P.C., No. 111869 (Sep. 14, 2012), the Virginia Supreme Court interpreted Va. Code Ann, 8.01-229(E)(3) and 8.01-380. A survival action filed within six months of non-suit of a wrongful death action was held timely. Id. at *7.
McKinney found that the underlying “cause of action was the defendant’s alleged medical malpractice resulting in injury to the decedent.” Id. at *6. “From this cause of action, two rights of action arose: (1) the decedent’s right to bring an action for personal injury during his lifetime, which survived to be carried on by his personal representative after his death, and (2) the personal representative’s right to bring an action for wrongful death.” Id.
