In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit is generally two years from the date of injury or discovery of the injury. However, exceptions can apply, so it’s important to consult with our attorneys to ensure your case is filed timely.

compensation varies significantly depending on the specifics of the case, including the severity of the injury, the impact on quality of life, and the costs of future care. Our lawyers work diligently to maximize your settlement or verdict to reflect the full extent of your damages.

Medical malpractice claims require proof that a healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused injury or harm. A poor outcome alone is not sufficient to prove malpractice; however, we can help determine if negligence played a role in your case.

While it may seem convenient to trust the insurance company to provide fair compensation after an accident or injury, doing so can be a costly mistake. Insurance companies are primarily focused on protecting their bottom line, which means they often aim to minimize the amount they pay out in claims. Here’s why you should be cautious:

1. Insurance Companies Prioritize Their Profits
   Insurance companies are businesses, and their main goal is to minimize costs, including claim settlements. They may offer you a quick settlement that seems attractive but is often far less than what you are truly entitled to. Without legal representation, you may not realize the full extent of compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care.
2. Your Injuries May Be Underestimated
   Insurance adjusters are not medical professionals, and they may downplay the severity of your injuries. If you accept their initial offer without consulting an attorney or a medical expert, you might be left covering future medical bills out of pocket. Dr. Brad Bradshaw is uniquely qualified to assess your injury accurately, as he is both an attorney and a medical professional, ensuring you receive the compensation necessary for your long-term recovery.
3. Insurance Companies May Pressure You to Settle Quickly
   After an accident, insurance companies may push for a quick settlement, often before you fully understand the long-term consequences of your injuries. Once you agree to a settlement, you typically forfeit your right to pursue further compensation—even if unexpected medical complications arise later. Having an experienced attorney on your side ensures that your claim is handled with care, and that no important details are overlooked.
4. They May Deny or Delay Your Claim
   In some cases, insurance companies may deny or delay valid claims in an attempt to frustrate victims into accepting low offers. By working with an experienced attorney like Dr. Brad Bradshaw, you have a professional on your side who can navigate these tactics and negotiate effectively to get the compensation you deserve.
5. You May Not Be Aware of All Your Legal Rights
   Without the advice of a legal expert, it’s easy to overlook certain legal avenues for compensation. For example, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, or future medical expenses that an insurance company won’t mention. An attorney will help ensure that every possible form of compensation is considered and pursued.

Conclusion
Relying solely on insurance companies can result in you receiving less than you deserve. By working with an attorney who has both legal and medical expertise—like Dr. Brad Bradshaw—you can be sure that your case is evaluated thoroughly, and that you’re fighting for the full compensation you need for recovery and financial security.

When you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover several types of damages in a personal injury claim. These damages are meant to compensate you for the physical, emotional, and financial harm you’ve suffered. Below are the main categories of damages that can typically be recovered:

1. Economic Damages

Economic damages, also known as “special damages,” are intended to cover the tangible financial losses you’ve experienced as a result of your injury. These damages are easier to quantify because they involve specific costs and expenses, including:

• Medical Expenses
  This includes the cost of emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any future medical treatment that may be necessary as a result of the injury.
• Lost Wages
  If your injury has caused you to miss work, you can recover compensation for the income you have lost. This can also include compensation for future lost earning capacity if the injury prevents you from returning to work at your previous level or at all.
• Property Damage
  If your personal property, such as a car, was damaged in the accident, you can recover the costs of repair or replacement.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses
  You can also recover any additional out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the injury, such as transportation to medical appointments, modifications to your home, or hiring in-home care.

2. Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, also referred to as “general damages,” compensate you for the non-financial harm caused by the injury. These damages are more subjective and harder to quantify, but they are equally important:

• Pain and Suffering
  This covers the physical pain and discomfort you’ve endured as a result of the injury, as well as any ongoing pain that you may experience in the future.
• Emotional Distress
  Injuries can lead to psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other forms of emotional distress. Non-economic damages can compensate you for the emotional toll of your injury.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life
  If your injury has affected your ability to enjoy activities and hobbies that you once loved, you can be compensated for this loss. This is particularly relevant if the injury has caused a permanent disability or long-term impairment.
• Loss of Consortium
  In cases where the injury has negatively impacted your relationship with your spouse or partner, such as a loss of companionship or intimacy, you may be entitled to recover damages for loss of consortium.

3. Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not available in every personal injury case, but they may be awarded in situations where the defendant’s behavior was especially reckless, malicious, or egregious. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are meant to compensate the victim, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Dr. Brad Bradshaw can evaluate whether punitive damages may be applicable in your case.

Conclusion

The types of damages you can recover in a personal injury claim depend on the specifics of your case, but they generally fall into the categories of economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Dr. Brad Bradshaw, with his extensive legal and medical expertise, will help ensure that all possible damages are accounted for and pursued, so you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally five years from the date of the injury. This means you have up to five years to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. However, it’s important to note that waiting too long can weaken your case, as evidence can be lost and witnesses’ memories may fade over time.

Exceptions to the 5-Year Rule

While five years is the standard time limit, there are exceptions to this rule:

• Claims Involving Minors
  If the injured party is a minor, the five-year period doesn’t begin until they turn 18. This means they can file a personal injury claim until their 23rd birthday.
• Medical Malpractice Cases
  In Missouri, medical malpractice claims have a shorter statute of limitations. You generally have two years from the date of the alleged medical error or negligence to file a claim. There are exceptions for cases involving foreign objects left in the body or cases of fraud.
• Government Claims
  If your injury involves a government entity, such as a city or state, the filing period is much shorter—often within 90 days to one year, depending on the specifics of the case.

Why Act Quickly?

Even though five years may seem like a long time, it’s crucial to start your claim process as soon as possible. Building a strong case involves gathering evidence, consulting with medical professionals, and sometimes negotiating with insurance companies. Acting quickly gives Dr. Brad Bradshaw and his legal team the time they need to construct the most effective case and ensure that no key deadlines are missed.

Conclusion
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. While Missouri law allows up to five years to file most personal injury claims, it’s always best to begin the process as soon as possible. Contact Dr. Brad Bradshaw today for a free consultation, and let him guide you through the next steps in your case.

In Southwestern Missouri, a wide range of accidents and incidents can result in personal injury claims. These cases often arise when someone’s negligence or intentional actions cause harm to another person. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation. Below are some common types of incidents that frequently lead to personal injury claims in this region:

1. Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury claims. Whether due to distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, or reckless behavior, car accidents can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Victims of car accidents may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

2. Semi-Truck Accidents

Southwestern Missouri’s highways see significant commercial truck traffic, which can lead to devastating semi-truck accidents. Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, collisions with passenger cars can result in severe injuries or fatalities. Personal injury claims in truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, and vehicle manufacturers.

3. Medical Malpractice

When medical professionals in hospitals or clinics in Southwestern Missouri fail to provide proper care, it can lead to severe harm or death. Medical malpractice claims may arise from surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication errors, or failure to diagnose a condition in a timely manner. Dr. Brad Bradshaw, with his background as both a physician and a lawyer, is uniquely qualified to handle these complex cases.

4. Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries are common in places like grocery stores, parking lots, restaurants, and other commercial properties. These accidents often occur due to hazardous conditions such as wet floors, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe, and when they fail to do so, victims can file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for their injuries.

5. Product Liability

Defective or dangerous products can cause serious harm to consumers. From faulty machinery to dangerous pharmaceuticals, manufacturers and distributors can be held liable for injuries caused by their products. Product liability claims in Missouri can involve anything from defective car parts to harmful household items, and victims may recover damages for injuries sustained due to these faulty products.

6. Workplace Injuries

Although workers’ compensation typically covers workplace injuries, in some cases, a personal injury claim may be filed if the injury was caused by the negligence of a third party. Construction site accidents, industrial equipment failures, and exposure to hazardous materials are examples of situations that may warrant personal injury claims outside of traditional workers’ compensation.

7. Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders face a higher risk of serious injury in collisions with other vehicles due to the lack of protection. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include inattentive drivers, poor road conditions, and mechanical failures. Injuries can range from fractures and road rash to life-threatening head and spinal injuries, leading to significant medical costs and rehabilitation.

8. Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Injuries in nursing homes often result from neglect, abuse, or unsafe conditions. Victims of nursing home abuse may suffer from bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, or even physical or emotional abuse. Families of nursing home residents may file personal injury claims to hold facilities accountable for their negligence and seek justice for their loved ones.

Conclusion

Various types of incidents can lead to personal injury claims in Southwestern Missouri. From car accidents and medical malpractice to workplace injuries and slip-and-fall accidents, victims have the right to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence causes harm. If you or a loved one has been injured, Dr. Brad Bradshaw can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.