A New York Times article recently discussed an emerging trend in hospitals that supports open disclosure of possible medical malpractice amongst doctors and patients.  It had been a long standing procedure for doctors NOT to disclose medical errors to patients, leaving the patients and lawyers to decide whether medical negligence had occurred.  Doctors are now being encouraged to disclose, even apologize, to patients when a medical mistake takes place.  According to a study by the University of Michigan Health System, this new approach of repentance has actually resulted in fewer medical malpractice claims being filed against physicians and hospitals. 

Coincidentally, the Missouri Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this week in a case advocating for the repeal/amendment of Missouri's non-economic damages cap for medical malpractice lawsuits.  In Klotz v. St. Anthony's Medical Center et al, the plaintiff challenges the constitutional validity of Missouri's non-economic damages cap of $350,000 in a med mal case.  The Klotzes will argue that Missouri Revised Statute 538.210 violates their constitutional rights to economic recovery, as well as challenging the reason (or lack thereof) for the Missouri legislature enacting this statutory damages cap in this first place.  Missouri has some of the most doctor-friendly medical malpractice laws in the country. 

To discuss your Missouri medical malpractice claim, contact attorney Stephen Schultz by calling (314) 448-0934 or toll-free at (866) 840-3636.  The medical malpractice lawyers at Schultz Legal Group hope to see the Klotz's win their argument in the Supreme Court this week.  It would be a victory for all future victims of medical malpractice.