Medical Malpractice in South Jordan

Medical mistakes can lead to serious harm and even death. If you or a loved one has been hurt because of a medical professional’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks at (801) 500-4000 to discuss your situation with our South Jordan medical malpractice lawyers.

Medical care is meant to improve your health, but when mistakes are made, the consequences can be devastating. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our South Jordan personal injury lawyers have extensive experience handling medical malpractice cases.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or medication mistake, the effects can be severe, leading to new health complications, prolonged recovery, or even life-threatening conditions.

We understand that questioning a healthcare provider’s actions can be difficult. However, if medical negligence has caused or worsened your injury, you have the right to pursue justice and fair compensation. Our team of experienced South Jordan lawyers is here to guide you through the legal process with compassion and expertise.

On this page, we explain the different types of medical malpractice, what must be proven in a Utah negligence case, and the steps you can take if you suspect medical malpractice.

Common Types of Medical Malpractice

When you visit a hospital or clinic in South Jordan, you place your trust in the hands of medical professionals. While most doctors and nurses provide excellent care, mistakes happen.
Here are some of the most common medical malpractice accidents reported in South Jordan, Utah: 

Misdiagnosis

A misdiagnosis occurs when a doctor fails to identify your condition correctly. This could mean diagnosing a more mild illness when you actually have something more severe, or attributing symptoms to the wrong condition entirely. 

Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatments or delayed care for the real issue, causing your health to worsen over time.

Reasons for Misdiagnosis:

• Failure to order the proper tests
• Incorrect interpretation of lab results
• Rushed examinations or lack of attention to patient history

Surgical Errors

Surgical procedures are meant to fix health problems, but sometimes, serious mistakes happen during or after an operation. 

These errors can include operating on the wrong site or the wrong patient, leaving surgical instruments inside the body, or failing to control bleeding properly. Even small mistakes can lead to infections, organ damage, or the need for more surgeries.

Examples of Surgical Errors:

• Wrong-site surgeries
• Unintended lacerations of organs or tissues
• Neglect during post-operative care

If you have suffered complications after a surgery that do not seem normal, it might be a sign that negligence occurred.

Medication Mistakes

Medication errors can happen at any point in the process, from prescribing to dispensing and administering. A doctor might prescribe the wrong dosage or the wrong drug entirely.

Pharmacists can misread a prescription or place the wrong label on a medication bottle. Nurses might give the wrong dose or skip important instructions.

Common Medication Mistakes:

• Prescribing drugs that interact negatively with other medications
• Mixing up similar-sounding medication names
• Giving incorrect dosages to patients

Medication errors can lead to life-threatening reactions, prolonged hospital stays, or permanent harm.

Proving Medical Negligence in Utah

Before you can file a successful medical malpractice claim in South Jordan or anywhere in Utah, you need to prove that a healthcare provider acted negligently. 

Doing so typically involves meeting specific legal requirements known as the “elements of negligence.” Here are some elements you need to prove in a medical malpractice case in South Jordan.

1. 1. Duty of Care: First, you must establish that the healthcare professional had a duty of care toward you. Generally, this is created whenever you enter a doctor-patient relationship. For example, if you saw a doctor at a clinic or hospital, that provider likely owed you the standard duty of care.

• Breach of Duty: Meaning the medical practioner did not act as a reasonably skilled doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional would under similar circumstances. This can happen if they ignore standard protocols, fail to run necessary tests, or rush a diagnosis. We often rely on expert testimony from other medical professionals to explain the standard of care.

• Causation: Even if a doctor made a mistake, you have to show that this mistake caused your injury. In medical malpractice cases, causation can be complicated, especially if you had an underlying condition. However, if you can demonstrate that you would not have suffered additional harm without the provider’s negligence, you may be able to prove causation.

• Damages: Finally, you must prove that you suffered harm or losses due to the healthcare provider’s negligence. Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or the cost of future care. If a loved one died due to malpractice, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim.

The Role of Professional Witnesses in Proving Medical Negligence

Medical malpractice lawsuits in Utah are often based on the testimony of expert witnesses. These experts are typically other medical professionals who review your medical records and determine if the care you received fell below the accepted standard. An expert can also help show that the negligence directly caused your injuries.

Utah’s Statute of Limitations

Utah law places time limits on how long you have to file a medical malpractice claim. Usually, you have two years from the time you discovered or should have discovered the injury. In any case, you should talk to an attorney as soon as you suspect malpractice. Waiting too long can cause you to lose your right to compensation.

Proving negligence can be challenging, especially when you’re already dealing with the stress of a medical injury. That is why our team at Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks works closely with medical experts and uses our knowledge of Utah law to build a strong case for you. 

If you or someone you care about is dealing with the effects of potential medical malpractice, let us help you understand your legal rights and protect your best interests.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Medical Malpractice

Realizing that your medical provider may have harmed you instead of helping can be frightening. You might wonder whom to trust or how to move forward. Below are some steps we recommend if you suspect medical malpractice in South Jordan.

1. Seek a second opinion: If you feel uncertain about a diagnosis or treatment, get a second opinion from another healthcare professional. A fresh perspective can help confirm whether the initial treatment was correct or if errors were made. Make sure you keep copies of any new medical records or diagnoses.
2. Request your medical records: Obtain all your medical records related to the treatment in question. These documents will help paint a clear picture of what actually happened. Your records are also a key piece of evidence in any legal claim. It is your right as a patient to have access to these files.
3. Keep a detailed record of your symptoms: Write down how you feel each day, noting any unusual symptoms, pain levels, or changes in your condition. Include appointments, medications, and treatments you have received. This log can help show patterns and show the impact the suspected malpractice has had on your life.
4. Consult a medical malpractice attorney: Bringing a malpractice claim can be complicated, and insurance companies often use strong defenses. Speaking with an attorney who handles medical malpractice cases in Utah can help you understand your options. We can advise you on whether you have a valid case, the potential value of your claim, and the best strategy moving forward.
5. Avoid discussing your case publicly: You might feel tempted to vent on social media or discuss details with friends. However, be cautious about sharing too much information. Insurance companies and opposing lawyers could use your statements against you. When in doubt, talk to your attorney first.
6. Follow your doctor’s recommendations: If you are seeing a new doctor or continuing treatment with your original one, follow their orders. Not adhering to medical advice can undermine your claim, as it may appear you are not taking your recovery seriously.
7. Think about the time limits: As we mentioned earlier, Utah sets specific deadlines for filing malpractice claims. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to seek compensation. If you suspect malpractice, it is best to act sooner rather than later.

Taking these steps will help protect both your health and any potential legal claim. By being proactive, you will have a better chance of gathering strong evidence and proving your case. 

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we are ready to help you confidently navigate each step. We know this is a stressful time, and we aim to offer clear, compassionate guidance to make the process as smooth as possible.

How Our Firm Assists Medical Malpractice Victims in South Jordan

Medical malpractice cases can feel intimidating, especially when you are trying to heal from an injury at the same time. 

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we are dedicated to providing personalized, empathetic, and effective legal support for individuals in South Jordan, Utah, who have experienced medical negligence. Here is how we can help you:

In-Depth Case Evaluation

We begin by sitting down with you (in person or virtually) to listen to your story. We ask questions about your medical journey, review your records, and get to know your goals. 

Collaboration with Medical Professionals

Proving medical malpractice often depends on the testimony of knowledgeable healthcare professionals. 

We have a network of trusted medical experts who can evaluate your case and support your claim. These experts help us show how your doctor’s or nurse’s actions did not meet the accepted standard of care.

Detailed Evidence Gathering

From obtaining complete medical records to interviewing witnesses, we work diligently to gather all the proof needed to build a strong case. We look for inconsistencies in your documents, missing tests, or unexplained decisions that may indicate negligence. 

Our attorneys also communicate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf, so you do not have to handle these stressful conversations alone.

Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to settle malpractice claims quickly and for as little money as possible. 

Our legal team knows insurers’ tactics, and we work hard to negotiate a fair settlement. We are prepared to push back if we feel their offer does not fully address your injuries, lost wages, and future medical costs. We once obtained $1.8 million for a family who lost a loved one, and we can negotiate well with your insurance company and ensure you also get the fair compensation you deserve.

Trial-Ready Representation

If an insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we are ready to take your case to court. 

We prepare thoroughly by organizing evidence, refining expert testimony, and planning a solid courtroom strategy. Our goal is to advocate for you and show the judge and jury the full extent of the harm you have suffered due to medical negligence.

Compassion and Communication

Throughout this entire process, we remain committed to clear and open communication. We know how stressful it can be to face a legal battle while dealing with health issues. That is why we keep you informed every step of the way, from the early investigation to the final outcome.

Commitment to the South Jordan Community

As a local law firm, we care deeply about the well-being of the people in our community. By holding negligent medical providers accountable, we can help improve the overall standard of care in South Jordan. 

If you have experienced medical malpractice, we invite you to reach out. Let us stand by your side, fight for your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.