Trusted St. Louis Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Dowd & Dowd has decades of experience representing clients injured by medical malpractice in the St. Louis area. Our years of experience allow us to handle a broad range of civil matters, including complex litigation, appeals, and even legal malpractice claims stemming from underlying medical malpractice cases that attorneys mishandled.
Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle
We provide legal representation for personal injury cases involving medical malpractice, including:
- Failure to Diagnose, Misdiagnosis, Delayed Diagnosis
- Birth Injuries
- Surgical Malpractice
- Nursing Home Neglect
- Patient Abandonment
- Failure to Treat
- Anesthesia Errors
- Failure to Obtain Informed Consent
Don't see the area of law or similar circumstances that apply to your particular case? Contact us anyway. We may still be able to provide you with the legal representation you need in Missouri and Illinois.
Why Choose Dowd & Dowd for Your Case?
Have you suffered serious injuries from a medical mistake? Has a loved one experienced wrongful death due to a healthcare professional's negligence or malice? Contact Dowd & Dowd. We have years of experience successfully representing victims of medical malpractice, helping them get justice, the money they need to recover, and holding negligent parties accountable.
We can help you turn the tables with:
- Decades of experience winning cases just like yours,
- Unmatched legal acumen that gives you a trusted partner in the legal system, and
- Services offered on a contingency fee basis, so you can focus on recovery and building your case.
Since 1957, Dowd & Dowd has earned the trust of our clients, the judiciary, and the surrounding community. It's all thanks to our unwavering commitment to personal service, integrity, and zealous legal representation.
We hope you will consider our firm to represent you the way you deserve.
Medical Malpractice FAQs
1.Is it worth suing for medical malpractice?
Is it worth suing for medical malpractice?
Yes, it is worth pursuing a medical malpractice claim if you have evidence driven by the medical records. This process ensures you get fair compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and more. It also means you can hold negligent or even malicious parties accountable, protecting future patients from harm due to substandard medical care.
2.What percentage of medical malpractice suits are successful?
What percentage of medical malpractice suits are successful?
Most medical malpractice claims are settled out of court. Those that proceed to trial, however, have a success rate of roughly 21%, according to one study.
3.What are the four things that must be proven to win a medical malpractice suit?
What are the four things that must be proven to win a medical malpractice suit?
What are the four things that must be proven to win a medical malpractice suit?
- There was an established doctor-patient relationship where the healthcare provider (defendant) was expected to provide treatment within the standard of care
- The medical provider failed to provide treatment within the standard of care (breach of duty)
- The breach of duty directly caused an injury (causation)
- The injury resulted in demonstrable losses, such as bills for medical treatment or injuries
4.What are 5 examples of medical negligence?
What are 5 examples of medical negligence?
Examples of medical negligence include:
- Anesthesia errors
- Medication errors/prescribing the wrong medication
- Misdiagnosis
- Delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
5.How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?
How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?
The best way to know if you have a viable medical malpractice case is to contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer who can help you review your situation during a free consultation.
Information to have ready during this initial case evaluation includes medical records and expenses related to the incident.
6.How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim?
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim?
Missouri law states that most medical malpractice claims must be filed within 2 years of the malpractice. Certain exceptions may apply depending on the specifics of your case. We must be informed of the facts of your case before providing legal advice related to any potential statute of limitations issues in your case.
7.What compensation can I get from a medical malpractice lawsuit?
What compensation can I get from a medical malpractice lawsuit?
Damages you may be entitled to in a successful medical malpractice claim include:
- Economic damages like medical expenses and loss of earning capacity
- Non-economic damages like pain and suffering, which are unfortunately capped by the Missouri legislature
- Punitive damages to punish negligent medical professionals
8.How much is my medical malpractice claim worth?
How much is my medical malpractice claim worth?
In 2015, Missouri’s legislature enacted protections for Missouri’s healthcare industrial complex that cap recovery of non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium and other non-monetary damages. For more information, please visit the Missouri Department of Insurance’s “Industry Limits and Caps Medical Malpractice Limits”.
Because of those protections, medical malpractice cases are heavily litigated and defended by the insurance companies and hospitals. Because the cards are stacked against medical malpractice victims from the very beginning, it is important for your lawyer to understand those protections because they are critical to evaluating and handling your medical malpractice lawsuit.
Your medical malpractice claim will be based on factors like:
- How severe your injury is and whether the injury is considered catastrophic or non-catastrophic under Missouri law – See RSMo Section 538.205
- How much you suffered financially from the malpractice, i.e., economic damages, including lost wages, loss of earning capacity, medical bills etc.
- What your medical records show, or what they do not show
- Pre-existing conditions or other co-morbidities
- Who and what, exactly, caused the injury
- Your exact jurisdiction
To get a personal estimate of your medical malpractice claim, contact the legal team at Dowd & Dowd.
9.How much does it cost to hire a lawyer in Missouri?
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer in Missouri?
We represent our medical malpractice clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if our clients receive a payout. That means you can work with our experienced attorneys to focus on what’s important: recovering after medical negligence and building your case so that you have the strongest chance of securing the winning verdict and compensation you deserve.
10.How do I choose the right medical malpractice attorney for my case?
How do I choose the right medical malpractice attorney for my case?
Medical malpractice cases have a lower success rate in court compared to other types of personal injury cases. That's why it's so important to choose a firm that has extensive experience with medical malpractice law.
Dowd & Dowd has a proven track record of success. We've been winning personal injury cases and more for our clients since 1957.
If You Have A Legal Problem, Dowd & Dowd Can Help You Turn The Tables
The experienced team of lawyers at Dowd & Dowd has a winning track record medical malpractice litigation and cares deeply about the St. Louis community. Choosing a legal team for representation is an extremely important and personal decision, which is why Dowd & Dowd will represent you the way you deserve. We feel a sincere sense of responsibility to help people, and we take tremendous pride in representing our clients with zeal, determination, and unmatched legal acumen.
Our law office is here to listen and help by answering your questions and taking the action necessary to protect your rights.
Call us at 314-621-2500, or Contact Us online and Get The Benefit of a Dowd.