Recent Changes in Missouri Law

Have You Kept Up-to-Date with Missouri Law Changes?

The Missouri Supreme Court has ruled that the noneconomic damages cap in
Missouri statute section 538.210 does not violate the Missouri Constitution. So, noneconomic
damage recovery for the families of Missourians who die as a result of medical malpractice is capped under the
statute. In Dodson, et al. v. Ferrara, et al., — S.W.3d –, No. SC95151 (Mo. 2016), the plaintiffs
obtained a $9 Million noneconomic damages verdict for medical malpractice in the death of a 34 year old wife and
mother. The trial court reduced that recovery to $350,000 under 538.210.

The Missouri Supreme Court relied on Sanders v. Ahmed, 364 S.W.3d 195 (Mo. 2012), and affirmed the trial
court’s imposition of the damages cap. Please click here for the Dodson opinion, and click here for the current R.S.Mo. 538.210. the court rejected right to jury trial and equal
protection challenges to the tort reform cap.

Just in case you thought there were too many laws constraining the second amendment, the
Missouri legislature has passed and sent a bill to governor Nixon called
“Stand your ground” or conceal and carry without a permit. If signed, courts would have a lot of
work clarifying what it means – click here for article about it. Terrible tragedy in Orlando –
so sad. But we get these mass shootings weekly in America.

Can’t legislate restrictions or guidelines for guns because its in the bill of rights?

What about the huge amount of tort reform and constraints on the rights of injured people and their families
despite the Right to Trial by Jury (7th Amendment) (like Dodson decision)?

What about libel and slander laws and constraints on the First Amendment? Warrantless wiretaps and searches since
9/11 straining the language of the Fourth Amendment?

Right to Vote? It seems its harder to vote in Missouri than buy a gun – you need more identification for sure.
Alright, off my soapbox.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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