st. louis medical malpractice lawyer
St. Louis Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Kevin Etzkorn Law is one of St. Louis’ premier medical malpractice law firms. Our St. Louis medical malpractice lawyers have trial-tested experience winning cases on behalf of injured patients with large confidential settlements.
Unfortunately, medical malpractice often leaves patients with permanent injuries, countless medical expenses, or tragically ends in their death. While a lawsuit cannot undo the pain and suffering, it can provide financial resources, emotional closure, and prevent similar errors from happening to other people in the future.
Our experienced St Louis medical malpractice lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable for their actions and seeking justice for our clients. We understand that pursuing a medical malpractice lawsuit can be a complex and emotional process, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical negligence, call 314-987-0009 for a free consultation.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or medical facility fails to meet the standard of care expected in their profession, leading to harm or injury to a patient. These situations can result in life-altering consequences for patients and their families, often requiring costly additional treatment, prolonged recovery, or, tragically, permanent disability or death.
If you or a loved one has been affected by medical negligence, our St. Louis medical malpractice lawyers can guide you through the complex process of seeking justice and compensation. Working with an experienced attorney can make all the difference in ensuring your rights are protected and that those responsible are held accountable.
Types of Medical Malpractice in St. Louis
Medical malpractice can take many forms, each with serious potential consequences for patients. Some of the most common types include misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, which can prevent a patient from receiving timely and effective treatment. Surgical errors, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, are also distressingly common and can lead to significant complications. Medication errors, including prescribing the wrong dosage or drug, can cause harmful or even life-threatening reactions.
When any of these errors occur, victims and their families may be entitled to seek justice with the help of a St. Louis medical malpractice lawyer. With the support of an experienced attorney, individuals can navigate the legal process, gather critical evidence, and build a strong case to pursue fair compensation for the harm they have suffered.
Causes of Medical Malpractice in St. Louis
Medical malpractice in St. Louis can arise from various factors, often stemming from a combination of human error, inadequate procedures, or system failures within healthcare settings. Common causes include miscommunication among medical staff, fatigue, insufficient training, and failure to adhere to established medical protocols. When healthcare providers neglect these critical aspects, patients are left vulnerable to potentially harmful mistakes, such as delayed diagnoses, improper treatment, or surgical errors.
How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in St. Louis?
In St. Louis, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, certain circumstances may extend this timeframe, such as cases where the injury wasn’t immediately discoverable or if the patient was a minor at the time of the malpractice. Once this period expires, victims typically lose the right to pursue compensation, making it crucial to understand and adhere to these legal deadlines.
Two years is not a long time. Compared to other states, Missouri has one of the shortest statutes of limitations. If you are a victim of medical malpractice, it is critical that you seek legal help immediately.
Missouri Laws Related to Medical Malpractice
Damages in Missouri Medical Malpractice Cases
A St. Louis Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help You Recover
A St. Louis medical malpractice lawyer can be a vital ally in helping you seek justice and financial recovery after experiencing medical negligence. Navigating the complexities of a malpractice claim requires a deep understanding of both medical and legal principles, as well as the ability to effectively gather and present evidence. An experienced attorney will work with medical experts to establish liability, proving that your injuries were a direct result of substandard care.
Beyond handling the legal aspects, a skilled malpractice lawyer also provides invaluable support, guiding you through each step of the process so you can focus on healing. From negotiating settlements to representing you in court if needed, a dedicated attorney strives to secure the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages, giving you the resources to move forward with peace of mind.
Hospitals in St. Louis
Healing from the injuries sustained as a result of medical malpractice is of vital importance. In St. Louis, there are many trusted hospitals and medical providers. Here is a list of reputable places to potentially seek further treatment after a malpractice incident.
- One Barnes Jewish Hospital Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63110
- (314) 747-3000
- One Children’s Pl, St. Louis, MO 63110
- (314) 454-6000
- 1201 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104
- (314) 257-8000
- 615 S New Ballas Rd, St. Louis, MO 63141
- (314) 251-6000
- 232 S Woods Mill Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63017
- (314) 434-1500
- 3015 N Ballas Rd, St. Louis, MO 63131
- (314) 996-5000
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Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle
- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose
- Surgical errors
- Medication errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Birth injuries
- Physician and nursing errors
- Pharmacy negligence (Walgreens, CVS)
- Dental negligence
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
Our Process For Medical Malpractice Cases
Kevin Etzkorn spent the first 10 years of his career defending medical providers. During this time, he learned the ins and outs of the modern healthcare system, including various ways patients are neglected and harmed because of profits being prioritized before safety. Now, as a St Louis medical malpractice lawyer, he leverages this experience to advocate for victims of medical negligence. Our firm has the experience and resources necessary to investigate and prosecute your claim by doing the following:
- Preliminarily reviewing the merits of your case.
- Assessing the financial “feasibility” of pursuing a case. We have to evaluate whether the case is one that could end in a manner where you the client are satisfied (i.e., enough could be recovered so that after attorney fees and expenses, there is an acceptable amount of money going to the client). Our extensive experience allows us to get a good idea of financial “feasibility” very early, often in the initial consult.
- Dealing with medical providers to access medical records and other relevant evidence to support a case.
- Locating and hiring qualified, respected medical experts to evaluate your case and to offer the opinions that the law requires us to have in order to pursue a case.
- Meeting with experts and educating ourselves on the liability issues.
- Meeting with experts to work on damage calculations.
- Filing the case in court with proper support and in a timely fashion. The statute of limitations on medical malpractice cases can be very short and can often be more difficult to decipher than what people think.
- Preparing clients for depositions.
- Deposing healthcare providers and corporate representatives.
- Trying the case.
Recent Outcomes
Our goal is to provide exceptional legal representation and achieve justice for those who have suffered due to others’ negligence. Explore our case results to see the impact of our commitment and expertise. Here are a few recent outcomes:
- Confidential settlement against paramedics for failure to timely intubate a patient suffering respiratory distress.
- Confidential settlement with dentist for wrongful extraction of 2 permanent teeth.
- A medical malpractice case settled in the fourth week of a lengthy trial. The suit involved claims of paralysis due to a delayed diagnosis and treatment of a spinal infection. Kevin worked with another attorney representing a hospital. Kevin conducted years of discovery, deposed numerous liability experts and handled virtually every aspect of the case and assisted throughout trial with bringing the case to a favorable resolution.
- A physical therapist was sued for malpractice. Kevin and another lawyer defended the therapist and a hospital for several years. The case went to trial, where Kevin served a crucial role handling damage expert witnesses. The case ended in a defense verdict.
What Our Clients Say
Contact Our St. Louis Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today
Submit your information for a free case evaluation. Once we have your information, we will contact you, usually within 24 hours. And you will not owe anything for a case review.
Call: (314) 987-0009
Text: (314) 804-0953