Bill > HB1184

This bill modifies the definitions related to medical malpractice and tort actions in Missouri by updating key terminology in section 538.205 of the state's revised statutes. The bill primarily focuses on redefining critical terms such as "catastrophic personal injury", which now includes more precise descriptions of severe medical conditions like quadriplegia, paraplegia, limb loss, brain injuries causing permanent cognitive impairment, organ system failure, and significant vision loss. The bill also provides detailed definitions for terms like "economic damages" (pecuniary harm including medical expenses and lost wages), "noneconomic damages" (pain, suffering, impairment), and "health care provider" (which encompasses a wide range of medical professionals and institutions). Notably, the bill reduces the definition of limb loss from "two or more limbs" to "one or more limbs", which could potentially impact how medical malpractice claims are evaluated. The comprehensive redefinition aims to provide clearer, more specific language for legal proceedings involving medical negligence or improper healthcare, potentially influencing how damages are calculated and interpreted in tort actions.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1184&year=2025&code=R