Bret A. Clark

Bret A. Clark

Partner

Assistant :

Bret A. Clark is an accomplished trial attorney focusing on medical malpractice defense in Missouri and Kansas. Trusted by healthcare professionals and institutions, he delivers strategic counsel and disciplined advocacy in high-stakes litigation.

About

Bret A. Clark is a Partner at SAKG, where his practice centers on defending medical professionals, healthcare institutions, and related entities in complex civil litigation. Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for his work in medical malpractice defense, Bret is known for his meticulous preparation, persuasive advocacy, and ability to guide clients through the most challenging cases.

He frequently represents physicians, hospitals, and long-term care providers facing significant exposure, navigating both jury trials and negotiated resolutions with skill and precision. Trusted for his ability to simplify complex medical issues for juries, Bret has earned the respect of clients and peers alike for his results-driven, ethical, and client-focused approach. His work across Missouri and Kansas reflects a deep commitment to protecting the professional reputations and interests of his clients.

Areas of Practice

Healthcare

Defense verdict in a case involving a female patient with primary thyroid lymphoma. Plaintiff alleged primary thyroid lymphoma is treated with chemotherapy, rather than surgical resection. Defendant admitted this diagnosis is, in fact, generally treated with chemotherapy, though argued other surgical indications existed. Plaintiff challenged the absence of a pre-operative biopsy and the decision to proceed with surgery without a diagnosis. Total thyroidectomy was attempted. Plaintiff alleged complications during surgery which resulted in airway trauma, prolonged endotracheal intubation, a tracheotomy, esophageal injury, and the need for supplemental feedings via a PEG tube.
Achieved successful verdict in case where the plaintiff suffered a brain injury involving multiple subdural hematomas and nerve palsy.
Served as second chair and achieved a unanimous defense jury verdict in a case alleging permanent lower extremity nerve paralysis. Following a total hip replacement, the plaintiff experienced massive blood loss in the hip and thigh and was alleged to have developed compartment syndrome. Plaintiff alleged the standard of care required immediate return to the operating room for hematoma evacuation and nerve decompression. The surgeon, in exercising his professional judgment, determined the risks of immediate exploration greatly outweighed the potential benefits. The patient was returned to the operating room four days later when it was believed he was better able to withstand a second operative procedure.
Served as lead counsel and obtained successful jury verdict in a wrongful death case. Following hernia repair surgery, the patient presented to emergency department on two occasions with complaints of abdominal pain and was alleged to have developed bowel ischemia. Plaintiff alleged emergency medicine providers were negligent in failing to recognize and appropriately treat the patient’s acute abdomen. The patient passed away approximately 24 hours following second emergency department presentation.
Successfully litigated catastrophic brain injury case involving labor and delivery. Plaintiff alleged defendant health care provider failed to timely recognize and respond to fetal distress, causing extensive injury to both the infant and delivering mother.
Achieved positive resolution in numerous bowel injury cases in which plaintiffs alleged damages in excess of $1 million. These include allegations of intraoperative errors and the alleged failure to diagnose bowel injury postoperatively.
Successfully litigated case involving a minor patient who suffered paralysis during posterior spinal surgery. Plaintiff alleged extensive injury to the patient’s spinal cord during operative process.
Successfully resolved claims involving peripheral nerve injuries, anoxic encephalopathy, compartment syndrome, acute ischemic stroke, pulmonary embolism, loss of airways, ocular injuries, claims of delayed diagnoses of various conditions, failure to diagnose various conditions, and numerous types of alleged intra-operative errors on behalf of hospitals and physicians in both Kansas and Missouri.
Extensive experience litigating long-term care matters throughout Kansas and Missouri, including claims involving falls, the development of pressure sores, and injuries resulting from medication errors, among many others.