Limitations and misidentification – one “UT” is not like another.

The Taylors argued that their medical malpractice case against UT-Southwestern was timely filed, even though they erroneously filed it against the University of Texas System, relying on the doctrine of “misidentification.” While suing the wrong party does not ordinarily toll limitations, it can “if there are two separate, but related, entities that use a similar trade name and the correct entity had notice of the suit and was not misled of disadvantaged by the mistake.” The Fifth Court concluded that “University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center” and “University of Texas System” were not sufficiently similar to invoke this doctrine; additionally, the Taylors did not establish UTSW’s knowledge of the suit or a lack of prejudice to it. The opinion also addresses, and rejects, the related doctrine of “misnomer.” UT-Southwestern v. Taylor, No. 05-17-01221-CV (July 6, 2018).