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Utah Surgical Mistake Lawyer: Your Advocate in Salt Lake City

Surgical procedures, whether routine or complex, carry inherent risks. While many surgeries are performed without complications, mistakes can and do happen. Surgical errors can result from negligence, lack of proper care, or even simple miscommunication among medical staff. These mistakes can lead to severe consequences, including prolonged recovery, additional surgeries, permanent injuries, or even death.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a surgical mistake in Utah, you need a skilled Utah surgical mistake lawyer to help you seek justice and secure the compensation you deserve.

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Surgical Error Statistics

  • Surgical errors account for 4,000+ preventable mistakes each year in the U.S.
  • Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., contributing to more than 250,000 deaths per year.
  • Wrong-site, wrong-patient, and wrong-procedure surgeries occur up to 40 times per week in U.S. hospitals.

Common Types of Surgical Errors

Surgical mistakes can occur in various forms, with some of the most common including:

  • Wrong-Site Surgery: Operating on the wrong body part.
  • Anesthesia Errors: Incorrect administration of anesthesia, leading to complications such as brain damage or death.
  • Infections: Post-surgical infections due to unsanitary conditions or improper sterilization of instruments.
  • Foreign Objects Left in the Body: Surgical instruments or sponges left inside the patient’s body. Each year, around 1,500 patients have surgical instruments, sponges, or towels left inside their bodies after surgery.
  • Nerve Damage: Unintentional injury to nerves during surgery, causing long-term pain or disability.
  • Organ Perforation: Accidental puncturing of organs, leading to internal bleeding and other serious issues.

The Consequences of Surgical Errors

  • Surgical errors can increase hospital stays by 2-3 weeks, leading to significant medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
  • More than 33% of surgical error cases involve permanent injury or death due to medical negligence.

Why You Need a Utah Surgical Mistake Lawyer

Handling a surgical mistake case on your own can be overwhelming and complex. A Utah surgical mistake lawyer can provide the expertise and support you need to navigate the legal system effectively. Here are key reasons to hire a specialized attorney:

  • Know Your Rights: Surgeons and hospitals often fail to disclose mistakes—meaning many victims never realize malpractice has occurred. Over 80% of victims of medical malpractice never file a claim, often due to lack of awareness about their legal rights.
  • Fair Compensation: Studies show that families who seek legal representation receive, on average, three times higher settlements than those who try to negotiate on their own.
  • Medical and Legal Expertise: Surgical mistake cases require a deep understanding of both medical procedures and legal principles. An experienced attorney can bridge the gap between these two fields.
  • Thorough Investigation: Your lawyer will conduct a detailed investigation, including reviewing medical records, consulting with medical experts, and gathering evidence to build a strong case.
  • Maximized Compensation: An attorney will fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a knowledgeable advocate on your side allows you to focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the legal complexities.

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How to Choose the Right Surgical Mistake Attorney in Salt Lake City

Selecting the right attorney is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a surgical mistake attorney in Salt Lake City:

  • Experience and Specialization: Look for an attorney with extensive experience in handling surgical mistake cases and a proven track record of successful outcomes.
  • Communication and Compassion: Choose an attorney who communicates clearly, listens to your concerns, and demonstrates genuine compassion for your situation.

Resources and Network: Ensure the attorney has access to a network of medical experts and resources to support your case.

What to Expect in a Surgical Mistake Case

Understanding the process of a surgical mistake case can help you feel more prepared and confident. Here are the typical steps involved:

  • Consultation: The process begins with a free consultation where you discuss your case with the attorney. This allows the attorney to assess the merits of your case and explain your legal options.
  • Investigation: The attorney will gather all necessary evidence, especially medical records. The attorney will need to consult with medical experts to build the strongest case possible.
  • Filing the Claim: Once the investigation is complete, your attorney will file a claim on your behalf, detailing the extent of the injuries and why the medical care provided was substandard.
  • Negotiation: Many cases are resolved through negotiation with the responsible parties and their insurance companies. Your attorney will negotiate to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

Trial Preparation and Trial: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. Your attorney will represent you in court, utilizing expert witnesses to demonstrate the care provided was negligent, and argue your case to secure the best possible outcome.

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Compensation in Surgical Mistake Cases

The compensation you may receive in a surgical mistake case can cover various damages, including:

  • Past and Future Medical Expenses: Costs for immediate and ongoing medical care, surgeries, therapies, and medications.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain endured due to the surgical mistake.
  • Loss of Future Earnings: If the injury affects your ability to work in the future, you may receive compensation for lost earning potential.

Past and Future Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses for physical, occupational, and other forms of rehabilitation.

Trust DKOW: Your Utah Surgical Mistake Lawyer

At DKOW, we understand the profound impact a surgical mistake can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. Our team of dedicated surgical mistake attorneys in Salt Lake City is committed to providing compassionate and skilled legal representation to help you through this difficult time.

We have a proven track record of success, including a 2023 settlement of $10.1 million for a surgical error

We will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. With our extensive experience, personalized approach, and unwavering support, you can trust DKOW to be your advocate and guide you every step of the way.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a surgical mistake, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact DKOW today for a free consultation with an experienced Utah surgical mistake lawyer. Let us help you secure the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.

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Contingent fee basis

Medical malpractice cases, like other personal injury cases, are handled on a contingent fee basis, so there is no attorney’s fee unless we obtain a settlement or judgment for the client. We often advance the costs of the case for discovery, expert fees, and other expenses, as these can be substantial and we understand that our clients may not be able afford them.

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Get Your Case Started Today

Are you facing a legal challenge and unsure where to turn? Don’t navigate the complexities of the legal system alone! Our experienced team at DKOW is here to guide you every step of the way. We understand that every case is unique and deserves personalized attention. You can schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options by contacting us today.

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