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Why Choose DKOW

Proven Trial Experience & Record Results
Trusted Legal Advocates

When you or a loved one has suffered from medical malpractice, a catastrophic injury, a brain injury, or a wrongful death in Utah, you need a law firm that combines extensive trial experience, record-setting results, legal leadership, and genuine compassion. DKOW is a Utah-based law firm that embodies all these qualities in advocating for injured clients. Below are the top reasons why individuals and families trust DKOW with their most serious medical malpractice, wrongful death, and injury cases.

Experience

Proven Trial Experience & Record Results

Established in 1990, DKOW has built a reputation as one of Utah’s most respected and successful trial firms. Our team of accomplished trial attorneys has litigated hundreds of cases to verdict or settlement, fighting for justice in complex personal injury and medical negligence matters. Through this extensive trial experience, DKOW consistently delivers exceptional outcomes for our clients. We don’t settle cases for less than they deserve—we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which empowers us to negotiate from a position of strength.

Record-Setting Verdicts and Settlements. DKOW has obtained some of the largest recoveries in Utah’s history. In fact, our trial lawyers have achieved results that set state records, including:

DKOW Law attorney
  • $36.7 million settlement for a client with a severe brain injury, one of the largest personal injury settlements ever in Utah.
  • $11.2 million medical malpractice verdict, the largest medical malpractice award in Utah as of that date, achieved in a complex brain surgery negligence case.
  • $25 million wrongful death verdict for the loss of a child, the highest wrongful death recovery in Utah’s history.
  • $10.5 million product liability punitive damages verdict, the first eight-figure punitive damages jury award in Utah, reflecting DKOW’s willingness to hold wrongdoers fully accountable.

These record-setting results demonstrate DKOW’s ability to obtain life-changing compensation for clients who have suffered devastating harm. Our attorneys have also led or secured numerous other multimillion-dollar outcomes, including over $60 million in opioid litigation recovery to an eight-figure settlement for victims of a mining disaster. When you choose DKOW, you are choosing a firm with a proven record of success in high-stakes medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death cases.

Leadership

Legal Leadership & Recognition

DKOW’s attorneys are not only effective in the courtroom, they are leaders in Utah’s legal community and highly respected by their peers. Our firm’s lawyers have earned prestigious awards and taken on leadership roles that set us apart:

Award-Winning Attorneys. Founding partner Colin King was named 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs in Salt Lake City by Best Lawyers in America, an honor given to only one lawyer per practice area each year. Partner Edward Havas was recognized by the Utah State Bar as an NLTP Mentor of the Year in 2024 for his outstanding mentorship of new attorneys. Paul Simmons was recognized as Lawyer of the Year by the Utah State Bar in 2017. Many of our attorneys are consistently listed in Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers for Utah, reflecting our excellence in plaintiff injury litigation.

Leadership in Major Cases. DKOW lawyers are often called upon to lead high-profile, complex cases. We served as lead counsel for the victims of the Crandall Canyon Mine disaster, securing a significant eight-figure settlement on their behalf. Our team members have held prominent positions in legal organizations and frequently lecture on trial practice. This legal leadership means we bring unparalleled knowledge, credibility, and influence to each case we handle.

Respected Reputation. Through decades of advocacy and community involvement, DKOW has earned the trust of judges, fellow attorneys, and clients alike. We are known for meticulous case preparation, professionalism, and ethical practice. Insurance companies know our track record, which often encourages fair settlements without the need for trial. When trial is necessary, our opponents know we won’t back down. This reputation as determined, skilled litigators benefits every DKOW client.

Client Care

Dedicated to Client Care and Compassion

At DKOW, we measure success not only by dollars recovered, but also by the difference we make in our clients’ lives. We understand that a catastrophic injury or loss is a deeply personal and painful experience. That’s why our approach is both professional and compassionate:

Personalized Attention. We take the time to listen to your story, answer all questions, and tailor our strategy to your unique needs. We keep our caseload selective to ensure each client gets the focus and attention they deserve.

Guidance & Support. Navigating a complex medical malpractice or injury case can be overwhelming. Our lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process, handling the paperwork, investigations, and negotiations so you can focus on healing. We pride ourselves on being accessible and responsive; we are always just a phone call away when you need us. As one of our guiding principles, we advocate for your rights and provide the support you need during this challenging time. At DKOW, you are not just a case number, we care about your unique story.

Client Testimonials. Our past clients often note the care and respect they received from DKOW. We invite you to read our client testimonials to hear in their own words how our dedication made a difference. We believe that building trust through honesty, empathy, and hard work is critical. Your goals are our goals, and we truly care about helping you rebuild your life.

DKOW attorneys standing outside
Our Commitment

Our Commitment to You

Choosing DKOW means choosing a law firm that will stand by your side and fight for you with every resource we have. We are confident in our ability to take on the toughest medical malpractice, birth injury, brain injury, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases—because we’ve done it, time and again, with success. Our promise to every client is that we will:

  • Thoroughly investigate your case.
  • Aggressively advocate for maximum compensation, whether through settlement or trial.
  • Communicate openly and honestly, so you are informed and empowered to make decisions.
  • Never charge a fee unless we win (no upfront costs – see our FAQ Page on fees).
  • Treat you with respect, compassion, and dignity at every step.

When your future is on the line, DKOW provides the strength, skill, and steadfast commitment you need. We have the results, reputation, and resources to take on powerful hospitals, insurance companies, and corporations on your behalf. Equally important, we have the heart to understand what you’re going through and to treat you with kindness and care.