Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Liberty & Kansas City, Missouri
We trust doctors, nurses, and medical professionals with our health and the health of the people we love. When those professionals make preventable errors, the consequences can be life-altering or fatal.
If you believe you or a family member has been the victim of medical malpractice, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Missouri imposes strict time frames on medical malpractice claims, and failing to act within those deadlines can prevent you from pursuing your case entirely.
At Dougherty & Holloway, our attorneys have years of experience handling medical malpractice lawsuits and have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We understand the difference between an unexpected medical outcome and a preventable medical error, and we have the resources to investigate and prove your case.
When Does a Medical Error Become Malpractice?
Not every bad outcome is malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure causes injury or harm to the patient.
The standard of care is defined as what a reasonably competent medical professional in the same field would have done under similar circumstances. When a provider falls below that standard through action or inaction and a patient is harmed as a result, there may be grounds for a malpractice claim.
Proving this requires a thorough investigation of your medical records, consultation with qualified medical experts, and an understanding of both the medicine and the law involved. Dougherty & Holloway works with medical experts across multiple specialties to evaluate and build these cases.
Types of Medical Malpractice We Handle
Diagnosis Errors
- Failure to diagnose a disease or condition
- Misdiagnosis leading to incorrect treatment
- Failure to refer a patient to a specialist
- Failure to follow up on abnormal test results
Treatment Errors
- Surgical errors and mistakes during procedures
- Prescription and medication errors
- Nurse errors in administering care or medication
- Premature discharge from a hospital or medical facility
Consent & Birth
- Birth injuries to mother or child
- Failure to inform a patient of the risks of a procedure
- Anesthesia errors
- Hospital-acquired infections due to negligent care
This list is not exhaustive. If you believe a medical professional's error caused you or a loved one harm, contact us to discuss your case.
How We Handle Your Medical Malpractice Case
Review Your Medical Records
We obtain and review your complete medical records to understand what treatment was provided, what decisions were made, and where errors may have occurred.
Consult Medical Experts
We work with qualified medical experts in the relevant specialty to evaluate whether the care you received fell below the accepted standard and whether that failure caused your injury.
Build Your Case
Medical malpractice cases require substantial evidence. We compile expert opinions, medical records, and documentation of your damages to build a case that clearly establishes liability and the extent of your harm.
Pursue Full Compensation
We fight for compensation covering medical expenses, corrective treatments, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. If the responsible parties refuse to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Medical Malpractice FAQ
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim in Missouri?
Missouri's statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally two years from the date the malpractice occurred or was discovered. There is also a statute of repose that places an outer limit of ten years from the date of the act, regardless of when the injury was discovered. Because these deadlines are strict and there are limited exceptions, it is critical to consult with an attorney as soon as you suspect malpractice has occurred.
Do I need an expert to prove medical malpractice?
In most cases, yes. Missouri law generally requires that a qualified medical expert provide an opinion that the healthcare provider's care fell below the accepted standard and that this failure caused the patient's injury. Dougherty & Holloway works with medical experts across multiple specialties to evaluate and support these claims.
Can I file a malpractice claim against a hospital, not just a doctor?
Yes. Hospitals can be held liable for the actions of their employees, including nurses, technicians, and in some cases, attending physicians. Hospitals may also be liable for systemic failures such as inadequate staffing, failure to maintain proper protocols, or negligent credentialing of physicians.
What is the difference between medical malpractice and a bad outcome?
Not every unfavorable medical outcome is malpractice. Medicine involves inherent risks, and complications can occur even when a provider acts appropriately. Malpractice occurs specifically when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure directly causes harm. An experienced attorney can evaluate your situation and help determine whether your case involves a preventable error.
Related Practice Areas
Request a free consultation or call (816) 891-9990.
About Dougherty & Holloway, LLC
Dougherty & Holloway, LLC is a personal injury law firm based in Liberty, Missouri, serving clients throughout Kansas City, Clay County, and the surrounding communities in Missouri and Kansas. Our partners, Ed Dougherty and Philip Holloway, bring more than 70 years of combined trial experience to every case we handle.
We focus exclusively on personal injury law, including car accidents, motorcycle wrecks, semi-truck collisions, traumatic brain injuries, medical malpractice, wrongful death, slip and fall, nursing home abuse, product defect, construction site, highway and guardrail, and other personal injury claims. Every consultation is free and confidential, and we work on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Ed and Phil personally handle every case from intake through trial. You will never be passed off to a junior associate or a call center. To learn more, read who we are, review our verdicts and settlements, or contact us directly. You can also request a free consultation online or call (816) 891-9990.