Affidavit of Merit (AOM)

Definition

A sworn statement by a qualified expert — here, a medical professional — filed at or near the beginning of a lawsuit, asserting that there are reasonable grounds for the claim. Many states require AOMs in medical malpractice cases to filter out frivolous lawsuits before they proceed.

Examples

• •Delaware law requires that a medical malpractice complaint cannot even be docketed unless accompanied by an affidavit from a medical expert stating there are reasonable grounds to believe the standard of care was violated.

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