Medical Malpractice

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Trial-Ready Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Salt Lake City, UT

Steele Adams Hosman is proud to serve Salt Lake City and communities throughout Utah with trusted legal representation for patients and families harmed by medical negligence. When you seek medical care, you place your trust in doctors, nurses, hospitals, and healthcare providers to deliver treatment that meets accepted professional standards. When that trust is broken, the consequences can be life-changing.

Medical malpractice can result in severe injuries, permanent disabilities, worsening medical conditions, and even wrongful death. Victims often face additional surgeries, prolonged recovery periods, emotional trauma, and significant financial hardship because of preventable medical errors.

At Steele Adams Hosman, we understand the devastating impact medical negligence can have on individuals and families. Our attorneys work with medical experts to investigate complex cases and pursue the compensation victims deserve.

We offer free initial consultations and contingency fees, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Contact us today at (801) 816-3999 or contact us online using our secure submission form.

What You Need to Know About Medical Malpractice Claims

Not every poor medical outcome qualifies as malpractice. Medicine is complex, and even skilled healthcare providers cannot guarantee perfect results.

However, when a healthcare professional fails to provide treatment that meets accepted medical standards and a patient suffers harm as a result, medical malpractice may have occurred.

Medical malpractice cases often involve:

  • Misdiagnosis
  • Delayed diagnosis
  • Surgical errors
  • Medication mistakes
  • Birth injuries
  • Emergency room negligence
  • Anesthesia errors
  • Failure to treat
  • Hospital negligence
  • Nursing negligence

These cases can be highly technical and often require extensive investigation and expert testimony.

If you believe medical negligence caused serious harm, contact Steele Adams Hosman today for a free consultation.

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s actions fall below the accepted standard of care and directly cause injury to a patient.

To establish a medical malpractice claim, it is typically necessary to demonstrate:

  • A provider-patient relationship existed
  • The provider owed a duty of care
  • The provider breached the applicable standard of care
  • The breach caused injury
  • The patient suffered damages

Because these elements often require expert analysis, medical malpractice claims are among the most complex personal injury cases.

medical malpractice legal help

Common Types of Medical Malpractice Cases

Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis

Failure to diagnose a condition correctly or promptly can allow illnesses to worsen unnecessarily.

Common examples include:

  • Cancer misdiagnosis
  • Stroke misdiagnosis
  • Heart attack misdiagnosis
  • Infections
  • Internal injuries

Surgical Errors

Preventable surgical mistakes can lead to devastating consequences.

Examples include:

  • Wrong-site surgery
  • Operating on the wrong patient
  • Surgical instrument retention
  • Organ damage
  • Nerve injuries

Medication Errors

Mistakes involving medications may include:

  • Incorrect prescriptions
  • Wrong dosage administration
  • Drug interaction failures
  • Pharmacy errors

Birth Injuries

Medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can result in serious injuries affecting both mother and child.

Anesthesia Errors

Improper anesthesia administration can lead to brain damage, cardiac complications, or death.

Hospital Negligence

Hospitals may be responsible for:

  • Staffing failures
  • Inadequate supervision
  • Infection control failures
  • Emergency room mistakes

Common Injuries Caused by Medical Negligence

Medical malpractice can cause both temporary and permanent harm.

Victims may suffer:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Organ damage
  • Paralysis
  • Nerve injuries
  • Severe infections
  • Loss of limb
  • Birth injuries
  • Permanent disability
  • Chronic pain
  • Wrongful death

Many patients who experience medical negligence require additional treatment at facilities throughout Utah, including University of Utah Health, Intermountain Medical Center, and other healthcare providers.

How Utah Law Impacts Medical Malpractice Cases

Medical malpractice claims involve unique legal requirements under Utah law.

Statute of Limitations

Medical malpractice claims are generally subject to specific filing deadlines. Missing these deadlines can prevent recovery.

Because timing requirements can vary depending on the circumstances, it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Expert Review Requirements

Medical malpractice cases often require review and testimony from qualified medical experts.

Expert analysis may be necessary to establish:

  • The applicable standard of care
  • How the provider deviated from that standard
  • How the negligence caused injury

Complex Evidence Requirements

Medical malpractice cases frequently involve extensive review of:

  • Medical records
  • Treatment histories
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Hospital policies
  • Expert opinions

Why Medical Malpractice Cases Are Different From Other Injury Claims

Unlike a typical car accident case, medical malpractice claims often involve highly technical issues.

Challenges may include:

  • Complex medical terminology
  • Conflicting expert opinions
  • Extensive records review
  • Multiple responsible parties
  • Aggressive defense strategies

Healthcare providers and insurance companies often have substantial legal resources dedicated to defending these claims.

This makes experienced legal representation especially important.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Victims of medical malpractice may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Medical Expenses

These may include:

  • Corrective procedures
  • Additional surgeries
  • Rehabilitation
  • Hospitalization
  • Future medical treatment

Lost Income

Victims may recover compensation for:

  • Missed work
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Future lost earnings

Pain and Suffering

Medical negligence often causes significant physical and emotional hardship.

Disability and Disfigurement

Permanent injuries may substantially affect a victim’s quality of life.

Wrongful Death Damages

Families who lose loved ones because of medical negligence may have legal options through a wrongful death claim.

Common Challenges Patients Face After Medical Negligence

Victims often encounter numerous obstacles when pursuing justice.

These may include:

  • Difficulty obtaining records
  • Complex medical issues
  • Insurance disputes
  • Multiple providers involved
  • Long recovery periods
  • Financial stress

Many patients are unsure whether what happened qualifies as malpractice.

A thorough case evaluation can help answer those questions.

Your future deserves protection. Contact Steele Adams Hosman today for a free consultation.

How Steele Adams Hosman Helps Medical Malpractice Victims

Our attorneys understand the complexity of these cases and the impact they have on families.

Comprehensive Case Review

We carefully evaluate:

  • Medical records
  • Provider actions
  • Treatment decisions
  • Expert opinions

Collaboration With Medical Experts

Expert witnesses often play a crucial role in proving negligence and damages.

Thorough Damage Assessment

We work to identify both current and future losses.

Trial-Ready Advocacy

Medical malpractice cases are frequently contested. Steele Adams Hosman prepares every case as though it may ultimately be decided in court.

LET OUR FIRM FIGHT FOR YOU

At Steele Adams Hosman, we are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve after an injury. Call our team today for a free consultation with one of our attorneys. There is no fee unless we win your case!

GET STARTED WITH A FREE CASE EVALUATION TODAY; CALL (801) 816-3999  There are absolutely no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. We do not charge anything for initial consultations and can assist you in Spanish if necessary.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Medical Malpractice?

Important Steps to Protect Your Rights

  • Seek appropriate medical treatment.
  • Obtain copies of medical records.
  • Follow treatment recommendations.
  • Document symptoms and complications.
  • Preserve bills and expenses.
  • Avoid signing documents without review.
  • Contact an experienced attorney.

Prompt action can help preserve evidence and strengthen a potential claim.

Settlement vs. Trial in Medical Malpractice Cases

Many medical malpractice claims settle before trial.

However, litigation may become necessary when:

  • Liability is disputed
  • Expert opinions conflict
  • Damages are substantial
  • Settlement offers are inadequate

Steele Adams Hosman helps clients understand their options while pursuing the strongest possible outcome.

Why Hiring a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Early Matters

Early legal involvement can help:

  • Preserve critical evidence
  • Secure expert review
  • Meet legal deadlines
  • Identify responsible parties
  • Protect your rights throughout the process

Because medical malpractice claims are often highly time-sensitive and evidence-intensive, early action is important.

We’ve helped Utah families navigate some of life’s most difficult challenges. Let Steele Adams Hosman help you pursue accountability and compensation after medical negligence.

Let Us Fight For the Recovery You Deserve

Millions Recovered for Our Clients

Millions recovered in the last year alone. We do what it takes to get the best possible outcome for all our clients.

Medical Malpractice
$775,000

Our attorneys tripled the initial offer in this case.
Jury Trial
$2.8 MILLION

Trial verdict in excess of $2.8 Million.
Motion for Summary Judgment
$800,000

Judgment for $800,000.
Motor Vehicle Crash
CONFIDENTIAL SETTLEMENT

Our team settled this case for 4x the insurance policy limits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Malpractice Claims

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet accepted standards of care and causes injury to a patient.

In some situations, hospitals may be liable for negligence committed by employees or related institutional failures.

The applicable deadline depends on the circumstances. It is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

You may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, disability, and other losses.

A detailed review of your medical records and circumstances is typically necessary to determine whether malpractice occurred.

You may still have a claim if the error caused additional injuries, treatment, expenses, or other damages.

Most medical malpractice cases require expert testimony to establish negligence and causation.

These cases can be complex, but strong evidence and expert support can help establish liability.

What Our clients are saying

The Opinions that Matter Most

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Above and Beyond!

“Justin turned my sleepless nights and sick stomach to a level of comfort. I feel he went above and beyond what is expected of your attorney. Thanks Justin!”

-Cody

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Organized and Efficient.

“We have used Chase Adams extensively as our legal counsel for the past several years. I have recommended Chase to family and friends who are in need of legal services. He is very organized and efficient, and understands the law & does his research.”

-Terry

Steele Adams Hosman reviews

Professional and Transparent!

“Justin was very professional and transparent to what was going on with the case. I would recommend Justin or anyone he associates with in a heartbeat.”

-Nate L.

There is no fee unless we win your case

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