Medical Malpractice
When Medical Care Falls Short, You Deserve Straight Answers
We trust doctors, nurses, and hospitals to help—not harm. If a preventable medical error led to serious injury or the loss of a loved one, you may have a medical malpractice claim. For 25+ years, Dan Rau has helped families across Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri find clarity, accountability, and fair compensation.
Medical errors can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial burdens. You don’t have to face this alone.
What Counts as Medical Malpractice?
Not every bad outcome is malpractice. A claim exists when a provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure causes injury. Common examples include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis (e.g., cancer, stroke, sepsis)
- Surgical errors (wrong site, retained instruments, avoidable complications)
- Birth injuries (to mother or child)
- Anesthesia mistakes
- Medication or pharmacy errors
- Failure to monitor, follow-up, or timely transfer
- Negligent policies or understaffing at hospitals or nursing homes
If the negligence resulted in death, see Wrongful Death for how Dan supports families.
What Dan Does for Medical Malpractice Victims
- Secures complete medical records, timelines, and audit trails
- Consults with independent specialists to evaluate standard of care
- Identifies all responsible providers and facilities
- Quantifies lifetime costs: treatment, rehab, lost earnings, and support
- Seeks full, fair compensation—negotiation or trial, whichever gets justice
“These cases are complex and emotional. My job is to bring clarity, tell the truth about what happened, and fight for the result you deserve.”
— Dan Rau
Missouri Law: Quick Guide
- Deadline to File (Statute of Limitations): Generally 2 years from the error or from when it was reasonably discovered. Certain exceptions may extend or shorten the timeline (e.g., minors, foreign objects). Acting early protects your case.
- Expert Affidavit: Medical negligence cases typically require supporting medical expert opinions.
- Non‑Economic Damage Caps: Missouri caps non‑economic damages (pain, suffering, etc.) in medical malpractice cases and adjusts the cap annually. Economic losses (like medical bills and lost income) are not capped.
- Comparative Fault: Missouri follows pure comparative fault; a patient’s share of responsibility (if any) can reduce recovery but does not necessarily bar a claim.
This is a quick overview—not legal advice. Dan can explain how Missouri rules apply to your case.
25+ Years Experience
Local to Cape Girardeau
No Fee Unless You Win
From Cape Girardeau to Dexter, Perryville to Poplar Bluff, Dan pairs steady guidance with thorough case preparation.
Get In Touch
Dan is available to answer your questions 24/7.
Medical Malpractice FAQs (Missouri)
How do I know if it was malpractice?
Dan reviews your records with medical experts to determine whether the standard of care was breached and caused harm.
What’s the deadline to file?
Often 2 years in Missouri (discovery and special rules can apply). Don’t wait—key evidence can be lost quickly.
Do I need my records first?
No—start the conversation. Dan’s team can request certified records and imaging on your behalf.
Are damages capped?
Missouri caps non‑economic damages in med‑mal; economic losses are not capped. Dan will explain how caps might affect your case.
What if my family member died from medical errors?
You may have a Wrongful Death claim. Dan can walk you through eligibility, deadlines, and damages.
Contact Us
Visit My Office in Cape Girardeau
Not Sure Where Your Situation Fits? That’s normal. Dan will help you sort it out in a free, no‑pressure consultation and explain the best path forward.