When you trust a healthcare professional with your wellbeing, the last thing you expect is negligence. Yet, medical malpractice occurs more often than we’d like to believe. If you suspect you’ve been a victim of medical negligence in Missouri, you have legal rights. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to sue for medical malpractice in Missouri, underscoring the importance of expert legal assistance in the process.
Understanding Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is a subset of personal injury law, which occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the established standards of care, causing harm to a patient. This deviation can involve an act of negligence or a failure to act when necessary.
What You Must Prove: Duty, Breach, Causation & Damages
To establish a valid medical malpractice claim in Missouri, four key elements must be proven:
Duty of Care – The healthcare provider had a professional responsibility to treat the patient.
Breach of Duty – The provider failed to meet the accepted standard of medical care.
Causation – The breach directly caused or worsened the patient’s injury.
Damages – The patient suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional distress.
Each element must be supported by expert testimony and documented evidence—making professional legal guidance essential.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Missouri
1. Seek Medical Assistance: Your health should be your top priority. Get an independent medical assessment to determine the extent of your injuries.
2. Hire an Attorney: Enlisting the services of an experienced Missouri medical malpractice attorney is critical. Your attorney will review your case, advise you on your rights, and help you understand whether you have a valid claim.
3. File a Notice of Intent: Missouri law requires that you give the healthcare provider a Notice of Intent to file a malpractice claim. You must deliver this notice at least 90 days before filing the lawsuit.
4. Medical Expert Evaluation: In Missouri, you must have a medical expert validate your claim. The expert must testify that the healthcare provider failed to provide the standard of care, resulting in your injury.
5. Filing the Lawsuit: Your attorney will draft a complaint outlining the allegations and damages you’re seeking. Once filed in court, the healthcare provider will be served with a copy of the complaint.
6. Discovery Process: Both sides exchange information pertaining to the case. This process may include depositions, interrogatories, and document production.
7. Settlement or Trial: Most medical malpractice cases are settled before they reach trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial where a verdict will be determined.
The Role of an Experienced Missouri Medical Malpractice Attorney
Medical malpractice litigation in Missouri can be complex, requiring both medical insight and legal strategy. Strict procedural rules and expert requirements make it vital to have skilled representation on your side.
At the Law Office of Chad G. Mann, LLC, we believe that justice begins with integrity. Attorney Chad G. Mann offers transparent communication, detailed case preparation, and steadfast advocacy to ensure clients are treated with dignity and respect throughout the process.
Whether you’re pursuing a claim involving surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or hospital negligence, our firm provides principled, client-focused representation—fighting for accountability and the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Rights After Medical Negligence in 2025
Filing a medical malpractice claim in Missouri can feel daunting, but understanding your rights—and working with the right attorney—makes all the difference. Missouri law continues to evolve in 2025, so having knowledgeable legal guidance is essential to ensure every deadline, affidavit, and procedure is handled correctly.
At the Law Office of Chad G. Mann, LLC, we help clients across Springfield and Southwest Missouri seek justice after medical negligence. Our mission is simple: to uphold integrity, protect your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome for every client. To discuss your case confidentially, visit our Contact Page or explore our Practice Areas.
