Insurance and Medical Malpractice
Cowherd Reade Adair & Laney, L.L.C. offers the medical community an experienced and growing malpractice defense team whose goal it is to guide the medical professional through the complex and often stressful medical-legal arena. Having handled numerous medical malpractice cases involving a myriad of medical issues, specialties, and entities, Cowherd Reade Adair & Laney’s defense team draws upon that experience to offer unique insight and protection to healthcare professionals and organizations.
Led by founding partner, Randy R. Cowherd, Cowherd Reade Adair & Laney has served the medical community for over a decade. Original team members Randy R. Cowherd, Catherine A. Reade, and nurse-trained paralegal Shelly D. Richardson lead the malpractice section, having worked closely as a team on complex and high-risk litigation since 2002 when Randy R. Cowherd assumed the lead for Cowherd Reade Adair & Laney’s malpractice section. Cowherd Reade Adair & Laney’s original team has successfully tried cases ranging from more common procedures and complications to the rare and extreme. Most lawsuits involve multi-million dollar claims. In 2009, the team’s success was recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly publication, with Randy R. Cowherd being named the State’s top defense lawyer by defense verdicts and Catherine A. Reade the runner-up.
The success of Cowherd Reade Adair & Laney’s malpractice section has led to increased trust by a multitude of healthcare organizations, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. The medical malpractice section’s growth has led to the addition over the years of additional team members Philip Quinn, Carey A. Williamson, and Kimberly D. Valdez.
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Insurance & Medical Malpractice Defense Law Firm
Insurance companies are often the target of lawsuits. Some of these lawsuits are frivolous, but others have merit. Similarly, medical practitioners can be the target of malpractice suits, even when they have acted reasonably and per the standard of care.
Our law office has significant experience representing insurance companies and medical practitioners in negotiations and lawsuits. We are aggressive in defending our clients, but we also understand the need to be efficient and cost-effective.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation if you are an insurance company or medical practitioner facing a lawsuit. We will review your case and help you understand your options.
Insurance Litigation Defense
Our Insurance and Medical Malpractice attorneys have experience defending insurance companies in a wide variety of litigation matters, including:
- Bad Faith Insurance Claims: Claims brought against an insurance company when the policyholder believes the insurer has not acted in good faith in handling the claim.
- Coverage Disputes: Disputes between an insurance company and a policyholder over the terms of coverage
- Reinsurance Litigation: Claims and disputes between primary insurers and reinsurers
- Breach of Contract: When an insurance company is accused of breaching its contract with the policyholder
- Professional Negligence: When an insurance company is accused of professional negligence in its handling of a claim
We understand the unique challenges that insurance companies face in litigation. We are familiar with the relevant laws and regulations and know how to build a strong defense.
Defenses in an Insurance Lawsuit
There are many possible defenses that an insurance company can raise in litigation. Some of these defenses may be specific to the type of case, while others may be general defenses that can be raised in any insurance case.
Some possible defenses include:
- The policyholder did not suffer a covered loss
- The policyholder failed to comply with the policy requirements, such as failing to give notice of the loss or submit proper proof of loss
- The policyholder made material misrepresentations on the insurance application
- The policy exclusions apply to the loss in question
- The insurance company did not act in bad faith
- The statute of limitations had expired by the time the claim was filled
We will carefully review the facts and evidence in your case to identify any weaknesses in the plaintiff’s case. We will then use these weaknesses to our advantage in court.
Medical Malpractice Defense
Medical practitioners, including doctors, nurses, and dentists, have the difficult job of caring for patients while also complying with a complex web of laws and regulations. Unfortunately, even the most well-meaning and competent medical practitioners can be accused of medical malpractice.
If you are a medical practitioner who is facing a medical malpractice lawsuit, contact us today to schedule a consultation. our insurance and medical malpractice attorneys will review your case and help you understand your options.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice is any negligence by a medical practitioner that results in injury or death to a patient. To succeed in a medical malpractice claim, the plaintiff must prove four elements:
- The existence of a doctor-patient relationship
- The doctor owed the patient a duty of care
- The doctor breached the duty of care
- The breach caused the plaintiff’s injury
Penalties for Medical Malpractice
If a medical practitioner is found liable for medical malpractice, he or she may be subject to many penalties, including:
- Loss of medical license
- Civil damages
We understand the complex legal and medical issues involved in medical malpractice cases. We will work tirelessly to defend your rights and reputation.
Defenses in a Medical Malpractice Case
There are a number of possible defenses that a medical practitioner can raise in a medical malpractice case. Some of these defenses may be specific to the type of claim, while others may be general defenses that can be raised in any medical malpractice case.
Some possible defenses include:
- The plaintiff did not suffer any injury
- The doctor’s negligence did not cause the plaintiff’s injury
- The doctor did not breach the standard of care
- The plaintiff assumed the risk of injury
- The statute of limitations has expired
Even if the plaintiff can prove all of the elements of a medical malpractice claim, defenses may still be available. Our attorneys will carefully review the facts and evidence in your case to identify any defenses that may apply. We will then use these defenses to our advantage in court.
Representing Doctors in Medical Malpractice Cases
We represent doctors and medical practices in all types of medical malpractice cases, including.
- Birth injuries
- Cerebral palsy
- Erb’s palsy
- Shoulder dystocia
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
Part of our job is to shield you from the media circus that often surrounds these cases. We will handle all media inquiries and protect your privacy so that you can focus on what’s important – your career and your family.
Representing Nurses in Medical Malpractice Cases
Nurses are often the first line of defense against medical errors. They are also the ones who are most likely to be sued for medical malpractice.
Our attorneys have experience handling all types of medical malpractice cases involving nurses, including:
- Surgical errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Medication errors
- Birth injuries
- Brain injuries
We also represent nurses who have been accused of patient abuse or neglect. We understand the stress and anxiety that comes with these accusations. We will do everything we can to protect your rights and reputation.
Dental Malpractice and Negligence Defense
We represent dentists and dental practices in all types of malpractice cases. We have experience handling the following types of cases:
- Oral surgery errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Nerve damage
Our dental malpractice defense lawyers have successfully defended dentists against many different types of malpractice claims. We will put our experience to work for you.
Hospital Defense for Medical Malpractice Cases
The stakes are high for hospitals in medical malpractice cases. A single verdict or settlement can cost a hospital millions of dollars.
Our attorneys have experience handling all types of hospital defense cases, including:
- Surgical errors
- Anesthesia errors
- Emergency room errors
- Medication errors
- Birth injuries
Beyond the financial costs, a hospital’s reputation is also at stake. We understand the importance of protecting your hospital’s reputation. We will vigorously defend your interests in court.
Physician Defense for Medical Malpractice Cases
Being a doctor is not an easy job. Not only do you have to know an incredible amount of information, but you also have to be able to make split-second decisions that could mean life or death for your patients. Unfortunately, sometimes those decisions don’t always turn out the way you hoped, and you may face a medical malpractice case.
We take a team approach to defending physicians in medical malpractice cases. Our team includes experienced trial lawyers, medical experts, and dedicated support staff.
Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Defense
Pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers are subject to heightened scrutiny and attack. As a result, they need attorneys who understand the science, the law, and the industry to help them defend their products, business decisions, and reputations.
Our team of experienced litigators deeply understands the science behind pharmaceuticals and medical devices. We also have insight into how the regulatory landscape affects both approvals and post-market requirements. Additionally, our team has first-hand experience with product liability suits, government investigations, and qui tam actions.
This allows us to provide our clients with strategic and creative solutions that are tailored to their unique needs. With our help, companies can navigate these challenges and continue to bring innovative products to market.
Common Pitfalls in Insurance and Medical Malpractice Defense
- Admitting fault: Even if you think you may be at fault, you should not admit fault. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court.
- Failing to investigate: You should never assume that the facts are as they seem. Always investigate the facts and evidence in your case to ensure that you have a strong defense.
- Failing to develop a strategy: Every case is different. You should never use the same defense in every case. Always tailor your defense to the specific facts and circumstances of your case.
- Failing to prepare for trial: If your case goes to trial, you will need to be prepared. Trial preparation is key to success in court.
- Not hiring an attorney: Insurance and medical malpractice defense cases are complex. You should never try to handle these cases on your own. Always hire an experienced attorney to help you with your case.
Our Approach to Insurance and Medical Malpractice Defense
We employ a 6-step approach to all insurance and medical malpractice defense cases:
Our goal is to get you the best possible outcome in your case. We will use our experience, skill, and knowledge to achieve this goal.
Talk to Our Experienced Insurance and Medical Malpractice Defense Attorneys Today
Time is of the essence in insurance and medical malpractice defense cases. If you have been accused of negligence, you need to act quickly. Please fill out our online form or call us to request a consultation today with one of our experienced attorneys. We will review your case and help you develop a strong defense. Don’t wait, call us today.