Best Birth Injury Lawyers in Missouri

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The Santos Law Firm
Houston, United States

English
The Santos Law Firm in Houston stands out for its comprehensive legal expertise in criminal defense, personal injury, and trial law. Led by a dedicated team of seasoned attorneys, the firm consistently delivers effective legal strategies for individuals facing complex challenges in the justice...
Houston, United States

Founded in 1990
English
Littleton Law Firm, based in Houston, Texas, has been a steadfast advocate for personal injury victims since its establishment in 1990. With over 40 years of combined experience, the firm's attorneys have successfully recovered millions in compensation for clients affected by automobile accidents,...
Danziger & De Llano Law Firm
Houston, United States

Founded in 1997
English
Danziger & De Llano Law Firm, based in Houston, delivers comprehensive legal services across a diverse range of practice areas. With a strong emphasis on general practice, the firm's experienced attorneys handle legal matters with skill and diligence. Their capabilities include personal injury law...
The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian
Houston, United States

Founded in 2004
English
The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian, located in Houston, Texas, is a distinguished legal firm specializing in personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, and workplace injuries. Founded in 2004, the firm is led by attorney Hilda Sibrian, who brings over two decades of experience...
Adam Henderson Law Firm
Houston, United States

Founded in 1996
English
Adam Henderson Law Firm is a respected Houston-based legal practice dedicated to representing individuals in personal injury matters. The firm’s principal attorney, Adam Henderson, brings extensive legal knowledge and a strong track record of success to every case, guiding clients through complex...
MAVERICK RAY LAW
Houston, United States

Founded in 2013
English
Maverick Ray Law stands out in Houston's legal landscape for its exceptional representation in criminal justice, trial advocacy, and personal injury cases. The firm is distinguished by its deep understanding of both state and federal law, allowing its attorneys to craft strategic defenses for...
Houston, United States

English
Rivera Law Group PLLC, based in Houston, Texas, focuses exclusively on personal injury law, assisting clients who have suffered severe injuries or fatalities due to others' negligence. The firm handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including automobile accidents, workplace injuries,...
Emigrando USA / John Dutton Law PLLC
Houston, United States

English
Emigrando USA / John Dutton Law PLLC is a respected Houston-based law firm recognized for its thorough expertise in immigration law, naturalization services, and personal injury cases. The firm serves a diverse client base, offering comprehensive guidance through the complexities of U.S....

Founded in 1988
English
Charles J. Argento & Associates Accident & Injury Lawyers in Houston provides comprehensive legal representation for individuals facing personal injury and accident-related claims. With an unwavering focus on personal injury law, the firm combines a wealth of trial experience with deep knowledge of...
Johnson Law Group
Houston, United States

Founded in 1998
English
Johnson Law Group, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a distinguished law firm with over 25 years of experience in civil litigation. The firm specializes in mass torts, wrongful death, personal injury, and product liability cases. Additionally, they offer expert counsel in pharmaceutical...
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About Birth Injury Law in Missouri, United States

Birth injuries refer to any harm or injury a baby sustains before, during, or shortly after birth. In Missouri, birth injury law falls under the broader area of medical malpractice, holding healthcare professionals and facilities accountable when negligent care leads to injury. Some common birth injuries include cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, oxygen deprivation, fractures, and nerve damage. Missouri law provides a way for families to seek compensation when medical errors or negligent actions result in a child's injury or disability at birth.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Birth injury cases are often complex and emotionally challenging. You may need a lawyer in situations such as:

  • Your child suffers from an unexplained or serious injury after birth.
  • You suspect medical mistakes or negligence during prenatal care, labor, or delivery.
  • You need help understanding your legal rights regarding medical malpractice claims.
  • You want to secure financial compensation for medical bills, ongoing care needs, or other damages caused by a birth injury.
  • The hospital or doctor is denying wrongdoing or is pressuring you to accept a settlement.

An experienced birth injury lawyer helps you understand your options, gathers medical evidence, negotiates settlements, and represents you in court if necessary.

Local Laws Overview

There are several important aspects of Missouri law related to birth injuries:

  • Statute of Limitations: In Missouri, you generally have two years to file a medical malpractice lawsuit, starting from the date of the injury. However, if the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations is extended until their 20th birthday.
  • Damage Caps: Missouri places limits on how much non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) can be recovered in medical malpractice cases. The cap is adjusted each year for inflation.
  • Expert Affidavit Requirement: To file a medical malpractice claim in Missouri, you must submit an affidavit from a qualified healthcare provider stating that negligence likely occurred.
  • Comparative Fault: Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning compensation may be reduced in proportion to the plaintiff's own fault, if any.
  • Pre-Suit Notice: Missouri does not require you to provide advance notice to a healthcare provider before filing suit, but some attorneys recommend it for settlement purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as a birth injury in Missouri?

A birth injury is any physical harm that comes to a baby or mother due to medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or shortly after birth. This can include head injuries, nerve damage, fractures, or oxygen deprivation.

How do I know if my baby's injury was preventable?

Medical records and expert opinions are essential for determining if an injury was due to negligence or unavoidable complications. An experienced lawyer can help investigate your case and consult medical experts.

How long do I have to file a birth injury lawsuit in Missouri?

Most claims must be filed within two years of the injury. If the injured child is a minor, they may file until their 20th birthday. It is best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing important deadlines.

Who can be held liable for a birth injury?

Doctors, nurses, midwives, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals or entities involved in the birth can potentially be held responsible if their negligence caused the injury.

What compensation can I seek in a birth injury case?

You may seek compensation for medical expenses, future care costs, pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, and sometimes punitive damages if the conduct was especially egregious.

What is the process for filing a birth injury lawsuit?

The process typically involves consulting a lawyer, reviewing medical records, obtaining an expert affidavit, filing a lawsuit, engaging in discovery, negotiating settlements, or proceeding to trial if needed.

Do I need expert witnesses or affidavits?

Yes, Missouri law requires an affidavit from a qualified medical expert stating that negligence likely occurred. Expert testimony is also critical in proving your case in court.

Can a birth injury lawyer help negotiate a settlement?

Absolutely. Lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies and healthcare providers to seek a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, they can represent you in trial.

What types of evidence are helpful in a birth injury case?

Medical records, witness statements, expert evaluations, photographs, and documentation of expenses are all important. A lawyer can help you gather and organize this evidence.

How much does it cost to hire a birth injury lawyer?

Many birth injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if you obtain a settlement or verdict. During your initial consultation, ask about fee structure and any potential costs.

Additional Resources

For additional support and information, consider the following resources:

  • Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
  • Missouri State Medical Association
  • Missouri Bar Association - Lawyer referral services
  • Missouri Courts - Judicial information about filing lawsuits
  • Missouri Department of Insurance
  • United Cerebral Palsy of Missouri
  • March of Dimes Missouri Chapter
  • Birth Injury Legal Advocacy Groups

Next Steps

If you believe your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence in Missouri, take these steps:

  • Collect and organize all medical records and documentation related to the pregnancy, birth, and subsequent care.
  • Note down all details, including dates, healthcare providers involved, and the sequence of events.
  • Consult with a qualified birth injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case and learn about your legal rights and options.
  • Ask questions during your consultation about their experience in birth injury cases, fee arrangements, and what to expect from the process.
  • Follow your lawyer’s advice on obtaining any necessary expert opinions and moving forward with your claim.

Prompt action can be crucial in preserving your rights and helping your family secure the financial support needed for your child’s care and future well-being.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Missouri through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Birth Injury, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Missouri, United States - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.