Norton & Spencer, P.C.Kansas City Medical Malpractice Attorney | Birth Injuries2026-05-15T19:31:45Zhttps://www.nnlawkc.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of Norton & Spencer, P.C.<![CDATA[Parents transporting kids are often distracted drivers]]>https://www.nnlawkc.com/?p=484122026-05-15T19:31:45Z2026-05-15T19:31:45ZOne driving distraction that can be very hard for some adults to avoid is having their children in the car with them. Many parents have to transport their children to and from school every day during the school year. Over the summer, they may have to transport them to daycare or to a grandparent’s house.
Children can be very distracting for their parents, as illustrated by these activities parents reported engaging in:
Handling toys and entertainment options: 40% of parents claimed they did this while driving the car
Handing the toddler a drink: 80%
Handing the toddler a snack: 78%
Dealing with disagreements and sibling interactions: 69%
Handling tantrums or fussy children: 67%
It is often very hard for parents to ignore their children in the car, even if they know doing so would be safer, so these distractions are a constant risk.
How can parents stay safe?
The biggest thing parents can do to avoid these distractions is to handle issues in advance. If a child is going to watch their tablet in the car, the parent should set it up before they start driving. They can distribute snacks and drinks in advance. They can talk to children about their behavior and reiterate that they should not be arguing or fighting in the car.Being proactive can lower the risk, but nothing eliminates it entirely. Even parents who seek to avoid common driving distractions, such as texting and driving, could find themselves facing challenges regarding their children.If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by a distracted driver, you may deserve financial compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.
]]>On Behalf of Norton & Spencer, P.C.<![CDATA[How nursing home neglect can appear in everyday situations]]>https://www.nnlawkc.com/?p=484112026-05-01T20:17:41Z2026-05-01T20:17:41ZResidents in nursing homes usually need specialized care in a variety of daily living activities. While most residents receive the care they need, it’s sometimes possible that neglect may occur.
Nursing home neglect in everyday situations isn’t always easy to spot, but it can have a lasting impact on the residents if they’re allowed to continue without being addressed. These often occur through changes in routines, hygiene, nutrition or communication. Anyone who has a loved one in a long-term care facility should pay close attention to signs that something is amiss.
Common signs of long-term care neglect
Many of the common signs of long-term care neglect involve physical health, emotional well-being, medication management, mobility, cleanliness and safety. These may develop slowly or after changes in staffing or medical needs. Everyday situations are often where signs of neglect can be spotted. Residents may be left in soiled clothing, lose weight, have unexplained bruises or seem withdrawn. Other concerns include poor grooming, dehydration, repeated falls, bedsores and untreated infections. Residents who are being neglected may experience mood changes, such as becoming anxious or fearful. Visitors may recognize that the resident seems fearful of speaking around certain staff members, which may signal intimidation by the staff member. Tracking patterns is often beneficial, even if neglect isn’t suspected. It might become evident after looking at the notes that something is amiss in the facility. Nursing home staff members must meet the basic care needs of the residents, so that failing to do so is a major red flag. If a resident suffers harm because of neglect, medical attention is necessary. Legal action may be necessary in these cases, so working with someone familiar with these matters is often beneficial. ]]>On Behalf of Norton & Spencer, P.C.<![CDATA[What happens when a surgeon operates on the wrong body part?]]>https://www.nnlawkc.com/?p=484082026-04-22T09:21:09Z2026-04-22T09:21:09ZUnderstanding wrong-site surgery errors
Wrong-site surgery takes place when a surgeon performs a procedure on the incorrect body part, the incorrect side or even on a different patient entirely. These mistakes might sound impossible today, but they are a real problem in hospitals across the country.
These errors can happen for several reasons. Poor communication between surgical team members, weak patient check procedures, missing or wrong surgical site markings and rushing through pre-surgery steps all lead to these preventable mistakes. Sometimes, multiple surgeries scheduled one after another create confusion, or incomplete medical records lead surgeons down the wrong path.
The devastating impact of these mistakes
The results can be life-changing. You might need another surgery to fix the mistake, which means a longer recovery time and more pain. You may also end up with permanent disabilities or health problems that would not have happened if the doctor had operated on the correct site.
The physical harm is just part of the story. These errors might also cause serious emotional trauma, anxiety and depression. You might face major financial problems from extra medical bills, lost wages from missing work and ongoing treatment costs. What should have been a routine procedure can turn into a long-term struggle affecting every part of your life.
Wrong-site surgery should never happen, but when it does, knowing your options can help you manage this difficult situation and work toward a favorable outcome for your health and future.
]]>On Behalf of Norton & Spencer, P.C.<![CDATA[Informed consent in the medical field]]>https://www.nnlawkc.com/?p=484072026-04-09T14:28:46Z2026-04-09T14:28:46ZInformed consent is a crucial aspect in the medical field. The American Medical Association (AMA) considers it fundamental in both ethics and law. As a patient, you should be adequately informed about a treatment or procedure before it’s administered.Here is what constitutes informed consent:
Key components of informed consent
A healthcare provider is required to have a formal conversation with their patient to discuss treatment. The physician should disclose the patient's condition, the nature and purpose of the recommended treatment, the benefits and risks of the treatment, alternative treatments and the benefits and risks of the alternative treatments. To seek informed consent, the physician should assess the patient’s ability to understand the medical information so they can make an independent, voluntary decision.To help a patient understand, the physician should consider using plain language, visual aids, or a qualified interpreter where applicable. They should provide written materials and ask the patient to explain in their own words what they are consenting to (teach-back method), among other methods.If there is doubt about the patient's comprehension ability, the physician should consider assessing the patient’s decision-making capacity.If they determine the patient lacks the capacity to understand the medical information due to incapacity or cognitive impairment, they should involve a surrogate, especially in emergencies. The physician should also assess the surrogate’s ability to understand the relevant medical information before seeking informed consent.Physicians should document the conversation and the decision made by the patient or their surrogate. Having a signed, detailed written consent form in the patient’s medical record is important.Lack of informed consent is a serious problem in the medical field. It can happen when a physician fails to disclose the risks of a procedure, explain alternatives or confirm whether a patient understands the relevant medical information. If you or your loved one did not give informed consent to a treatment, it's vital to learn more to understand your options.]]>On Behalf of Norton & Spencer, P.C.<![CDATA[4 surgical errors that can cause life-altering injuries]]>https://www.nnlawkc.com/?p=484052026-03-24T08:31:18Z2026-03-24T08:27:37ZInternal organ perforations
While a perforation may occur during surgery, the failure to identify and repair it constitutes a breach of the standard of care. A punctured bowel or sliced artery can leak toxins into the body and may cause permanent organ failure. A patient may need long-term dialysis or transplants to address the failure of a major organ system.
Wrong-level spinal procedures
A surgeon operating on the wrong vertebrae can cause permanent paralysis. This mistake may lead to paraplegia or quadriplegia, which requires a lifetime of nursing care. Such loss of limb function can involve massive costs for home changes and medical gear.
Anesthesia monitoring failures
Meanwhile, incorrect sedation levels or poor monitoring can deprive the brain of vital oxygen. This lack of oxygen can cause permanent cognitive impairment and a total loss of independence. A patient may lose the ability to eat, dress or walk without help.
Optic nerve damage
Further, errors during facial or brain surgeries can damage the optic nerves beyond repair. A patient may suffer vision loss or become legally blind because of a surgeon's mistake.
Aiming to restore one's future security
Medical errors during surgery can change the trajectory of a person's life and affect their financial stability. Since navigating the legal landscape can be overwhelming, seeking counsel from an advocate may help a patient fight for fair compensation. Also, having legal guidance may help them calculate the true cost of lifelong care as they aim to restore their future security.]]>On Behalf of Norton & Spencer, P.C.<![CDATA[Injured on someone else’s property? Here are steps to take next]]>https://www.nnlawkc.com/?p=484022026-03-09T15:43:15Z2026-03-13T15:33:53ZSeek medical attention
Many people seek medical care after an injury on someone else’s property, even when symptoms seem minor at first. Some injuries do not show their full effects right away. You can use a medical check to identify complications and create a formal record linking the injury to the incident.
Notify the property owner
You may consider immediately telling the property owner or resident about the incident. This person may be the homeowner, tenant or another person responsible for the property. Sharing this information helps clarify when and where the injury happened. It may also create a written or informal record of the event.
Document the conditions
If you are able, you may want to note the conditions that caused the injury. Details about the scene often help people understand how the accident happened. Examples of documentation include:
Photos of the hazard, such as uneven pavement, loose flooring or broken steps
Images of the surrounding area, including lighting or obstacles
Contact information for people who witnessed the incident
Conditions can change quickly after an accident. Early documentation can help show what happened.
Preserve items connected to the incident
Items involved in the incident may help show what happened. Clothing or personal belongings can provide context about how the accident occurred. In some situations, these items may help clarify what happened when questions arise about the incident.
Understanding property owner duties
Missouri law generally requires property owners to address hazards they know about or should reasonably discover. In some cases, they must also warn visitors about dangers that may not be obvious.
If a dangerous condition on private property leads to an injury, the situation may raise questions about owner liability. Learning how people review these situations may help you better understand how others may examine responsibility after an incident.]]>On Behalf of Norton & Spencer, P.C.<![CDATA[5 high-risk Kansas City intersections for car crashes]]>https://www.nnlawkc.com/?p=484012026-02-16T13:19:04Z2026-02-16T13:19:04ZHigh speed creates serious liability issues
According to recent data from the Missouri Department of Transportation, speed and aggressive driving are primary factors in local traffic fatalities. Several intersections in Kansas City are particularly prone to high-speed impacts:
The I-435 and I-70 interchange. This area handles massive commuter volumes where tight cloverleafs often lead to high-speed rear-end collisions.
US-71 and Gregory Boulevard. High-speed highway traffic must navigate sudden stoplights, which often results in violent T-bone crashes.
I-435 and 87th Street. Tight exit spacing and merging traffic frequently cause vehicles to lose control during peak rush hour times.
The Three Trails Crossing. The meeting of I-435, I-470, and US-71 is a hotspot for high-speed lane weaving and rollover accidents.
I-35 at the North Loop. Sharp curves and short merge ramps result in side-impact crashes as drivers struggle to match highway speeds.
High-speed collisions often result in internal injuries that do not appear immediately. Therefore, you should seek medical attention and avoid making statements to insurance adjusters until you understand your rights.
Evidence collection after a highway wreck
If you are involved in a crash at one of these high-risk locations, the scene changes quickly. Documenting evidence immediately is vital for your claim. An attorney can help preserve time-sensitive data such as traffic camera footage and "black box" records from commercial vehicles. This information often provides objective proof of speed and braking that memories alone cannot offer.
Because Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system, the insurance company will try to shift blame to you to reduce your payout. A lawyer can manage communications with adjusters to ensure your words are not used against you.]]>On Behalf of Norton & Spencer, P.C.<![CDATA[Do you need an Affidavit of Merit for a medical malpractice case?]]>https://www.nnlawkc.com/?p=483982026-02-12T08:59:12Z2026-02-12T08:59:12ZMissouri’s strict rules for obtaining an Affidavit of Merit
When you take legal action against a doctor, you must file an Affidavit of Merit with the court to prove that your case is not baseless. You can only obtain this statement from a legally qualified health care provider.
The expert must be licensed in the same profession as the doctor you are suing. Additionally, they must be actively practicing or retired for no more than five years.
The important paperwork and deadlines to consider
For an affidavit to be valid, the medical expert must state that your doctor failed to provide the level of care that a reasonably prudent provider would have under similar circumstances. Because of this failure, it contributed to the injuries or damages you claim.
Upon completion, you must file the affidavit within 90 days after starting a lawsuit. While the court can grant one extension of up to 90 additional days for good reason, it would be best to file on time. Missing the deadline typically results in the court dismissing your case.
Ensuring your case clears the bar
Finding a medical expert who is willing to testify against a colleague is a high hurdle, especially when working against statutory deadlines. Consulting with an attorney can give you access to a network of qualified health care professionals.]]>On Behalf of Norton & Spencer, P.C.<![CDATA[3 mistakes to avoid after a car crash in Missouri]]>https://www.nnlawkc.com/?p=483952026-02-11T16:28:33Z2026-02-11T16:21:45ZFailing to call the police
It is undeniable that being in an accident is a scary experience. However, as a responsible driver, you must also ensure that you follow the state’s standard car accident reporting protocols.
Under Missouri law, any accident that has caused an injury, death or over $500 in property damage must be reported to the police. Failing to comply with the state’s accident reporting regulations will cause legal penalties.
Admitting fault at the scene
While you may feel sorry for the other driver, admitting fault at the scene can imply that you are to blame for the accident. This statement can be used against you by the insurance company when you file your personal injury claim.
Additionally, if you sue the other driver for additional damages, your total compensation amount may decrease because of your statement. Since Missouri follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, the compensation you can receive from the other party will depend on each side’s percentage of fault and the evidence presented in court.
Delaying medical care
Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should still go to the hospital and have your condition checked by a doctor. Delaying this step can worsen your injuries, which in turn also puts your health at risk.
By seeking prompt medical care, you can receive proper treatments and medications that can help you recover better at home.
Staying informed can lead to better choices
By being proactive and learning about which common mistakes you need to avoid, you can make better decisions about your car accident that can lead you to more favorable outcomes.]]>On Behalf of Norton & Spencer, P.C.<![CDATA[How do courts decide if a doctor breached the standard of care?]]>https://www.nnlawkc.com/?p=483942026-02-03T17:16:02Z2026-02-03T17:16:02ZWhen medical treatment leads to harm, you may wonder how courts decide whether a doctor crossed a legal line. Courts focus on whether the doctor followed the accepted standard of care under the circumstances at the time of treatment. Understanding how judges and juries analyze that issue helps you see how these cases move forward.
What the standard of care means
Missouri law defines the standard of care as the degree of skill and learning ordinarily used by a reasonably careful health care provider in the same or similar circumstances. Courts do not measure care by perfect outcomes. Instead, they compare the doctor’s conduct to what other qualified providers would have done when facing a similar medical situation.
How expert testimony shapes the court’s decision
Missouri courts usually rely on qualified medical experts to explain the standard of care because medical issues fall outside common knowledge. These experts review records, test results, and treatment decisions, then explain what a reasonably careful provider should have done. Their testimony helps judges and juries understand whether the doctor’s actions met accepted medical practices.
How courts compare actions to accepted practices
Courts evaluate the doctor’s decisions based on information available at the time of care, not facts discovered later. A poor result alone does not establish a breach. Evidence such as medical records, treatment notes, and expert opinions may show whether the doctor ignored warning signs, delayed appropriate treatment, or chose an unreasonable course of care.
How causation connects to the breach
Even if a court finds that a doctor failed to meet the standard of care, you must still show that the failure caused harm. State law requires proof that the breach directly caused or contributed to the injury. This requirement prevents liability based on speculation and ties responsibility to actual medical consequences.Missouri courts use a structured, evidence-based approach to decide whether a doctor breached the standard of care. By focusing on reasonable medical conduct, expert guidance, and causation, courts aim to reach decisions based on facts rather than hindsight.]]>