Hospital Malpractice Lawyer Salt Lake City, UT

Experienced Salt Lake City, UT Hospital Malpractice Lawyer

Hospital malpractice is a type of medical malpractice that involves error, omission, negligence, or improper conduct on part of the hospital employees or administration. When doctors or hospital workers act negligently, they can cause harm to the patient under their care. Injuries that are the result of hospital malpractice can be serious, catastrophic, and even deadly. Unfortunately, these incidents are more common in the U.S. than many people realize. Victims who suffered injuries due to hospital malpractice have a right to file a claim against the at-fault party.

At Rasmussen & Miner, our hospital malpractice lawyers are firmly committed to holding medical facilities in Salt Lake City, Utah accountable for hospital malpractice. When you need a hospital malpractice lawyer Salt Lake City UT residents trust, Rasmussen & Miner are prepared to help. Our lawyers have provided legal counsel to countless Utah residents who have been injured due to another person’s negligence. We value our clients and are committed to handling each case that comes our way with the utmost care and attention. We have successfully achieved excellent results for our clients who have suffered terrible injuries due to hospital malpractice. Malpractice cases are some of the most complex types of cases, leaving innocent victims severely impacted. As an affected victim, you deserve to be compensated for the lack of adequate care that you have received at a hospital. If you or someone you love has been injured due to a mistake made at a hospital, you may be able to claim financial compensation through a lawsuit or settlement claim. Hospital malpractice cases are highly complex. Because they involve many areas of law, they can be difficult for the average client to understand. Before contacting a hospital malpractice lawyer Salt Lake City UT has to offer, you might have some questions about how medical malpractice happens in a hospital setting. Here’s a quick look at hospital malpractice cases:

Hospital Malpractice: Why does it happen?

There are many possible reasons for a medical mistake in a hospital, as an experienced hospital malpractice lawyer Salt Lake City UT can provide might attest. In some cases, mistakes are made because the staff is undertrained, lacks experience, or isn’t given the proper equipment. Some hospitals experience budget cuts or understaffing, and this can lead to an overall decrease in medical care quality. For example, if nurses are assigned too many patients they may be more likely to make a mistake or not provide adequate care and attention for each patient. Other cases of hospital malpractice are simply caused by oversight of the staff. If a hospital lacks adequate supervision it can result in increased incidents of human error, putting patients at risk. 

The American Board of professional liability attorneys, otherwise known as the ABPLA, says that medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, hospital or other healthcare professional is found to be causing harm to a patient by an act of negligence, and Rasmussen & Miner agrees. Healthcare professionals are expected to have quality medical care during childbirth, and it may be considered medical malpractice if your child has experienced a brain injury due to careless mistakes during childbirth.

Medical malpractice can cause several types of birth injuries, such as the following listed below. This is not an exhaustive list, but it is some of the most common birth injuries that medical malpractice can cause.

• Brain damage
• Cerebral palsy
• Erb’s palsy otherwise noted regular plexus injuries
• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
• Kernicterus
• Newborn cephalohematoma
• Newborn jaundice
• Shoulder dystocia
• Spinal cord injury
• Wrongful death

If you believe that your child was the victim of birth injury via medical malpractice, you should try to record any birth injury symptoms in ecology dose from your child’s birth. You can then reach out to a hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, and our law firm Rasmussen & Miner can ensure that your needs are met. 

Some symptoms of earth injuries that are caused by medical malpractice are listed below. This is not an exhaustive list, but simply some of the most common symptoms of birth injuries.

• Arching neck and body
• Blindness or deafness
• Communication issues
• Excessive sleepiness
• Failure to meet development of science on such as crawling, sitting or standing
• Feeding difficulties
• Floppy or stiff muscles
• Inability to move on one side of the body
• Sharpen loud crying
• Seizures
• Swelling or soft spots on the head

The primary cause of birth injury malpractice is because the medical professionals were careless and made medical mistakes that could have been avoided during or shortly after the childbirth. Below is a list of situations that might be considered birth injury medical malpractice, and while this list does not exist of her exhaustive, it is a good place to start before you reach out to a hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT because you get to go to your lawyer with an idea of why you’re there.

• Excessively pulling on the baby’s head, shoulders and their arms
• Failure to diagnose maternal infection
• Failure to identify risk factors during pregnancy
• Failure to order necessary test for mother before delivery
• Fair to reform cesarean section
• Failure to recognize food or distress and lack of oxygen
• Improper use of forceps or vacuum
• Lack of aftercare for mother and child
• Misdiagnosing a life-threatening birth trauma as something less serious
• Prescribing medication that can harm the baby

It is important that you understand that the mother can also suffer permanent injuries that are sustained during childbirth from medical malpractice such as blood clots, diabetes, hemorrhage, infections, preeclampsia, severe regional tears, uterine ruptures and more.

Rasmussen & Miner understands that your case is just as important as any of our cases, and we will give you our undivided attention.

Causes of Hospital Malpractice

Patients have the right to count on a hospital or medical facility to provide a standard of care and safety. This does not always happen. Hospital staff who act negligently after misdiagnosing patients, failing to provide treatment, misreading lab results, or other critical errors can cause serious or even life-threatening injuries to patients. Supervisors are also responsible for ensuring that their staff is providing sufficient care and proper treatment for patients. When this standard of care is not met, and an injury results, it may be possible to file a hospital malpractice claim. More than one party may be held liable. Experienced hospital malpractice lawyers in Salt Lake City, UT have seen incidents of:

• Undertrained staff
• Insufficient staffing
• Unsafe facilities
• Unclean facilities
• Hygienic equipment
• Inadequate equipment
• Lost records or results
• Poor communication

Hospital malpractice can result in unpreventable injuries or death including:

• Infections
• Birth injuries
• Falls
• Misdiagnosis
• Over medication
• Prescription errors
• Failure to diagnose
• Improper care

Injuries due to medical malpractice in hospitals can affect a patient for years. They may require long-term care for months or years. A number of patients suffer from permanent health conditions. The injuries sustained can have a catastrophic impact on a person’s life and necessitate lifelong care. Permanent injuries or disability may also result. Victims who have experienced medical negligence as a result of a physician or medical professional’s carelessness or recklessness can take action and seek legal help. Having a lawyer at your side can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case, especially against a hospital that has a highly experienced legal team. There are many complex elements in a medical negligence case. Our team of hospital malpractice lawyers in the Salt Lake City, Utah area  understand the consequences of a hospital malpractice case and work hard to define and prove the elements to ensure our clients recover maximum compensation.

What counts as medical malpractice in a hospital?

There is a certain amount of risk involved in nearly any medical undertaking, as a seasoned hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City UT might explain. Medical teams draw from their knowledge and experience to determine the best treatments for their patients. However, every patient is affected differently by various treatments so there is no guarantee that a procedure or medication will be effective. Doctors and nurses rarely have the ability to promise a patient, with 100% certainty, that a procedure will happen without any risks. However, medical professionals still have a duty to provide a reasonable standard of care to their patients. They are responsible for making sure that a patient receives sufficient care and is treated properly. If they make errors or have acted in a manner that was careless or reckless and resulted in injury to a patient, the patient has a right to bring a claim against the involved parties. A patient may have a credible malpractice claim if he or she can prove that the medical professional displayed gross negligence, that this negligence directly led to an injury, and that this negligence could have been prevented or mitigated with a reasonable amount of care.

Some common examples of mistakes made in hospitals include:

• Medication errors
• Misdiagnosis or late diagnosis
• Malfunctioning medical equipment
• Unsanitary medical equipment

If you suspect that your injury was the result of hospital malpractice, you are urged to speak with a lawyer and discuss your experience. They will assess your case and gather the facts to see if you have a valid claim. If you have been a victim of negligence that amounts to hospital malpractice, the legal team at Rasmussen & Miner will fiercely advocate for your rights. There is limited time to file a claim, so schedule a confidential consultation to learn about your full legal options. 

Who is responsible for hospital negligence?

Liability in a medical malpractice case can be complicated, especially when it involves treatment at a hospital. Certain staff members tend to be employed directly by the hospital, such as nurses. Doctors, however, might not be employees of the hospital; instead, they could be independent contractors or employees of a particular medical group, and they have an agreement with the hospital to work there. In a medical malpractice case, the hospital might not be legally responsible for a doctor’s mistake if it does not directly employ the doctor. How do I prove that my surgeon was guilty of malpractice?  

Salt Lake City, UT Hospital Malpractice Infographic

 

 

Filing a Hospital Malpractice Claim

In order to file a claim, your Salt Lake City, UT hospital malpractice lawyer must be able to prove that the level of care given to you was below the normal standard of care. If it is shown that there was a lack of standard of care, there must also be a link between this and the injury or death. Hospital malpractice claims are complex and multifaceted. You should only proceed when you have an experienced Salt Lake City, UT hospital malpractice lawyer on your side. Please call Rasmussen & Miner to have your questions and concerns answered.

Compensation for Hospital Malpractice

If hospital malpractice was the cause of your injuries, a lawyer might help you to recover damage for:

• Medical care
• Rehabilitation and treatment
• Lost wages
• Lost future wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Funeral expenses

If you are the loved one of someone who lost their life, a lawyer can help you to understand what type of claim to file and how to recover compensation for any related losses.

Your Next Steps: Calling a Hospital Malpractice Law Firm

Time is of the essence. Hospital malpractice claims have strict statute of limitations which are often no more than two years from the date of the incident. If you believe a medical facility failed you, and you are now dealing with financial losses, pain, and suffering, our hospital malpractice lawyers in the Salt Lake City, UT area would like to listen to your story. Rasmussen & Miner is committed to protecting the rights of victims and their families.

Contact a Local Hospital Malpractice Lawyer Salt Lake City UT Has to Offer

Malpractice cases involving hospital negligence can be complex. If you’ve been injured due to hospital negligence, you might be interested in contacting a local Salt Lake City UT hospital malpractice lawyer for assistance. At Rasmussen & Miner, our lawyers have become strong advocates for individuals who have been injured by a medical professional. For more information about our law firm, or to set up a free case evaluation with a top hospital malpractice lawyer Salt Lake City UT trusts, contact us today.

Spinal Cord Injuries Caused by Malpractice

When a victim suffers a spinal cord injury, it can have a major impact on their quality of life, both physically and psychologically. A hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City UT understands that when the injury was caused by the negligence or carelessness of a medical professional, it can be even that much more devastating. The spinal cord is made up of a bundle of nerves that run from the brain down the back. These nerves allow the brain to control all the muscles that move the arms and legs, as well as control other body functions. When the spinal cord is injured, this causes a disruption of the signal between the brain and the nerves. Spinal cord injury victims often struggle with chronic pain, respiratory issues, and paralysis, depending on the extent of the injuries. The spine is one of the most delicate and vulnerable parts of the body and any medical professional who works with the spine needs to practice with the utmost standard of care.

When Malpractice Causes a Spinal Cord Injury

Many spinal cord injuries are caused by accidents, such as car accidents and slip and fall injuries. However, as a hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City UT can attest, there are also many spinal cord injuries which are caused by malpractice by a medical professional. Some of the more common types of spinal cord injury causes that a Salt Lake City UT hospital malpractice lawyer from Rasmussen & Miner has dealt with include:

• Emergency Room Errors: If there is a misdiagnosis of a broken back or spinal fracture when a victim seeks emergency care, this can cause the injury to worsen, sometimes to the point where it becomes permanent. One of the most common errors that a Salt Lake City UT hospital malpractice lawyer sees is failure of medical staff to properly immobilize the victim’s head and neck or the victim is moved incorrectly.
• Anesthesia Errors: If anesthesia is improperly administered during a medical procedure, this creates a dangerous risk of spinal epidural hematoma. This condition can cause an injury to the spinal cord.
• Surgical Errors: Any type of surgery to the spine is a very delicate procedure. When a patient is undergoing spinal surgery, it is critical that medical staff make sure that the patient is positioned correctly and constantly monitored. The surgeon performing the procedure must also have extensive medical training and experience in the procedure. Otherwise, catastrophic errors can occur during the surgery which can leave the patient with spinal cord damage and injury.

When a victim has suffered a spinal cord injury due to malpractice, the severity of the injury will depend on the area where the injury occurred. The higher the injury on the spine, the more severe the damage. Some of the more common complications include:

•       Chronic health issues
•       Loss of sensation
•       Chronic pain
•       Paralysis

Spinal cord injury victims often face a lifetime of medical bills, loss of earning potential, chronic pain, and negative impact on their quality of life. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of a medical professional, contact a hospital malpractice lawyer Salt Lake City UT clients recommended by Rasmussen & Miner for a free and confidential case evaluation.

The Challenges of a Medical Malpractice Case

A hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah, can help you get past the mistreatment you suffered at the hands of medical personnel. When we receive medical care, we expect that we’ll be looked after with attention and dedication. However, in some unfortunate situations, we leave the hospital with more problems than when we went in, and a lingering sense of betrayal after our pain and suffering. Medical malpractice is a betrayal of the patient’s trust and expectations, and the right financial compensation can help you move forward after your improper care. However, it can be a challenge to prove you suffered at the hands of medical professionals. That’s where the right lawyer comes in handy. After receiving improper or inadequate medical care, you may find yourself swamped with medical bills and rapidly sinking under the weight of other debts and financial obligations – and you may still be physically unwell. At Rasmussen & Miner, we’re ready to help you get the compensation you need, and we’re dedicated to making sure your case has a chance. Filing a medical malpractice suit takes lots of preparation, and it’s no easy task if you choose to fly solo. But what are the challenges of a medical malpractice suit, and what makes them so complicated to pursue?

Requirements of a Medical Malpractice Suit

For a successful medical malpractice suit, you have to prove you suffered at the hands of incompetent medical care providers. While the mistreatment seems obvious from your perspective, in order to win compensation for your claim, you’ll have to provide evidence. This important evidence is typically broken down into two elements: You have to prove that there was negligence involved in your care, and you have to prove that you received an injury. A hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, can help gather the evidence so you can move ahead with your case. Proving that your healthcare provider was negligent can be difficult. To prove negligence, you’ll have to provide examples of improper care, as well as examples of unreasonable conduct. This can be backed up by the input of another medical professional, and it can be tough to find one who is willing to go to bat against someone in the same field. It’s important to provide the right documentation of the proper care (or lack of care) that you experienced, to better prove hospital malpractice. Proving that you received an injury is also complicated. For example, if you had to undergo surgery, you would need to provide evidence that your injury was not related to the surgical procedure itself. In another case, you may have had to go to the hospital for an injury that was made worse by hospital staff. Again, the input from another medical professional can help you build an effective hospital malpractice case.

Examples of Hospital Negligence

When you go to a hospital to treat an illness or injury, you expect to come out feeling better. Unfortunately, it does not always work out this way. If doctors and other hospital staff are negligent, patients are more likely to suffer harm. Here are some examples of hospital negligence.

• Administering the wrong medication or incorrect dosage
• Diagnosing a patient with the wrong condition
• Dropping patients
• Failing to promptly respond to a patient’s needs
• Not sterilizing medical equipment
• Making surgical errors
• Inadequate hospital staffing
• Discharging a patient prematurely

Elements of Hospital Negligence

To have a successful hospital negligence case, you must show the following elements.

• The hospital violated the standard of care. Hospital staff are expected to deliver a certain standard of care to patients. If they fail to meet that standard of care, hospital negligence results.
• The patient suffered injuries due to the hospital’s negligence. To have a strong claim, a patient has to demonstrate that the hospital error led to an injury that he or she would not have suffered otherwise.
• Damages. As a hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT can confirm, a patient is also required to show that he or she suffered damages because of the medical error, such as medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Liable Parties in Hospital Negligence

Anyone who provides care to a patient can be held responsible in a hospital negligence case. This may include doctors, nurses and technicians.

If a doctor causes you harm and is directly employed by the hospital, then the hospital can be held responsible for the doctor’s negligent actions. However, if the doctor is an independent contractor, liability can be a little trickier. If the hospital knowingly hired a doctor they knew was incompetent, they may be a liable party in a hospital negligence claim. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT.

Hospital Malpractice Lawyer Salt Lake City, UT

When you were injured after a stay at the hospital, you may be looking for a hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT. Hospital malpractice falls under the general umbrella of medical malpractice and it is important to know that this type of lawsuit can be difficult to win. When you work with an attorney from Rasmussen & Miner, Attorneys at Law, you are working with someone who will be incredibly thorough when it comes to gathering evidence and will have the contacts necessary to provide a medical expert for the case at hand. If you want to know more about working with one of our attorneys when it comes to filing a legal claim like this, please call our office now. 

Is there a statute of limitations? 

Yes. Every state will have its own rules regarding the statute of limitations after a medical injury. In Utah, you will have up to two years to take action against the hospital from the time the injury occurred or from the time you realized you were injured. If you do not file your suit in time, then you run the risk that a court will throw your case out. There are two instances where the statute of limitations may differ, however. 

1. The surgeon responsible for your procedure left an instrument or foreign object in your body
2. There was fraud when your health care practitioner chose to hide evidence relating to the malpractice that occurred. 

What kinds of damages can I get after a hospital malpractice suit? 

There are different types of damages that you may be able to get if you are successful, as a Salt Lake City, Utah hospital malpractice lawyer knows. You may be able to get both economic and non-economic damages but there will be a limit to the amount of damages you can receive. For non-monetary damages, there is a cap of $450,000. This means if you are trying to receive compensation for things like diminished quality of life or pain and suffering, the max amount you could receive is $450,000. Your economic damages would not be capped because these can usually be very extensive due to the fact that settlements will typically cover both past and future expenses. 

If you would like to speak with a trusted hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lak City, Utah, please reach out to the team at Rasmussen & Miner, Attorneys at Law today. 

Types of Hospital Malpractice Cases

Cases of medical malpractice number in the hundreds of thousands in the United States each year. As a hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT can explain, there are many types of medical malpractice cases, ranging from medication errors to misdiagnoses of diseases and health conditions.  Common hospital malpractice cases include the following: 

• Failure to provide treatment or follow up care
• Misdiagnosis of medical condition
• Prescription errors
• Surgical errors 
• Misinterpretation of lab results
• Failure to provide recommendation to specialist 

Who Can I Sue for Medical Negligence?

It is not just medical professionals and hospitals who patients can sue for negligence. Patients can file medical malpractice claims against a wide range of healthcare professionals and providers, including dentists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, outpatient service centers, pharmacists and chiropractic clinics. 

Why Medical Malpractice Cases Are Challenging to Win

As one of the most complex personal injury cases to take on, even the most skilled and experienced lawyers are selective about which medical malpractice claims they choose to work on. The intricacy of the case, difficulty in proving negligence, strength of the hospital’s own legal team, and high costs are all important factors that a lawyer evaluates before assisting clients with medical malpractice claims. 

Request a Free Case Evaluation 

No one should get away with causing you or your loved one serious injury. Trusted institutions such as hospitals should be held accountable to the fullest extent. By working with an experienced and highly trusted legal team, like one from Rasmussen & Miner, you can obtain the justice you rightfully deserve. We can assist you through every aspect of your case. You deserve to receive full compensation for your damages. Call our law firm today for urgent legal guidance.   

The Impact of Hospital Malpractice

Hospital malpractice has the potential to completely ruin a life – but fortunately, you can count on a hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah to help you get the compensation and closure you need to move past any abuse or mistreatment you suffered at the hands of unprepared, poorly-equipped, or neglectful medical personnel.

Hospital malpractice is more than just medically harmful. It’s a betrayal of the trust that you placed in the doctors, nurses, and technicians who were supposed to help. Hospital malpractice can be frustrating at its most minor, and life-threatening or even fatal at its worst. If you or a loved one has experienced hospital malpractice, you should reach out to a qualified lawyer from Rasmussen & Miner.

But how do you hire a hospital malpractice lawyer, and do you know if you’re getting in touch with the best legal professional for your needs? Read on to learn more about how you should approach your hospital malpractice case, and see how Rasmussen & Miner can help.

Is Your Case Still Relevant?

Hospital malpractice claims take all shapes and sizes, and no two cases are alike. It’s important to get all the details as possible of your care (or lack thereof) when you’re trying to build your case, but it’s also important to act in a timely fashion. If you’ve suffered mistreatment at a hospital, you shouldn’t hesitate. There are many unfortunate examples of people choosing to file a lawsuit, only to find out that too much time has passed since their treatment and their decision to pursue legal damages.

This is called the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations prevents people from digging up cases from decades ago to seek damages, but it can negatively affect you if you’re hesitant about pursuing legal action. If you wait more than a few years before choosing to file a lawsuit, your opportunity may have already slipped through your fingers. 

Did You Try Any Other Options?

You may not expect to hear this from a hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, but filing a lawsuit should be your final option. If you reach out to the hospital that was responsible for your mistreatment, it’s entirely possible to reach an agreement without resorting to a lawsuit. It also has the added benefit of making you look like you’re not just jumping to a legal option as soon as possible.

If you and your hospital fail to reach an agreement – or if they avoid dealing with you altogether – you can file a complaint with the state licensing board. And if that doesn’t work, you’ve proven that you expended every other option to set things right. With no other options on the table, it’s time to contact a lawyer.

Who can be held accountable for medical malpractice?

One of the first steps during a consultation with a lawyer and the thorough review of the case is to determine who should be held responsible for negligence. At times more than one party may be involved, making it imperative to have a legal professional who is experienced in medical malpractice cases. There several professionals who could be held accountable, depending upon the case, for example:

• Doctors
• Dentists
• Anesthesiologists
• Hospitals
• Nurses
• Physicians Assistants
• Paramedics
• +More

What are some signs that medical malpractice was present?

Medical malpractice can sometimes be challenging to pinpoint, especially when a medical professional has not admitted fault or made complications appear as though they are not attributed to negligence. A Salt Lake City, UT hospital malpractice lawyer can share that there are some signs victim’s should look for if malpractice is suspected:

• Treatment isn’t working
• The doctor performed unnecessary procedures
• Lack of informed consent
• Surgical errors are evident
• You received a differing second opinion
• Misdiagnosis
• The condition worsens

How is the value of a medical malpractice case determined?

In addition to determining the value of a malpractice case, victims will also want to know the case’s potential value should they pursue the claims process. Case value will primarily rely upon the specifics of the case and the resulting damages. Typically, a lawyer will carefully assess damages to determine the case’s value. Remember that case values can vary depending upon whether a settlement is reached or the matter escalates to a lawsuit. While settlements can be a fast way to settle and offer a higher probability of walking away with some form of compensation, a lawsuit may result in a higher payout. However, it’s essential to be aware that if the judge doesn’t rule in favor of the victim, there is a risk of walking away empty-handed. 

What evidence is vital to prove the case?

Evidence is a crucial component for any successful case because it helps prove the presence of the elements needed to prove the case. For medical malpractice, the plaintiff must prove a duty of care, a breach of duty, damages resulted and causation. Victims and their lawyers should gather relevant information to reach the best possible outcome. Evidence may include:

• Medical Records
• Medical Bills
• Proof of Lost Income
• Receipts for Expenses
• Photographs

How does an expert witness add value to the claim?

Almost all cases involving medical malpractice will require an expert witness. An expert witness is usually a doctor or medical professional with experience in a specific practice area. They play a critical role in deciphering medical documentation for the case and determining whether the medical standard of care was upheld. Additionally, they can also testify for the case to help the court, and other non-medical professionals understand how medical malpractice occurred by deciphering the technical evidence. 
When dealing with the aftermath of medical mistakes, reaching out to a firm like Rasmussen & Miner will be one of the first steps to legal recourse. Medical malpractice cases should have an experienced legal team to ensure the best possible outcome. Because of the nature of these cases, it’s not recommended that victims represent themselves. The process is too complex, and with so much on the line, a legal professional is the best approach to be taken seriously and protect the victim’s rights. Do not delay another moment; contact our Salt Lake City, Utah hospital malpractice lawyer. 

Reach out to Rasmussen & Miner Today

When you look for a hospital malpractice lawyer, you want to get in touch with legal professionals who have plenty of experience. And of course, you’ll want to reach out to a legal team that will offer personalized case management and a free consultation – without treating you like just another paycheck.

Fortunately, at Rasmussen & Miner, we understand your pain, and we understand that you need the best legal help possible to get your life back on track. Get in touch with Rasmussen & Miner today, and see how a qualified hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT can help.

Malpractice in the Delivery Room

The birth of your child should be the most magic moment of your life, but if incompetent medical staff injure you or your baby, you should contact a hospital malpractice lawyer Salt Lake City UT trusts as soon as possible.

A new life is fragile, but there are some instances in which your medical care providers will need to get a little more involved in your child’s delivery. Read on to learn more about forceps deliveries, and see how you can get compensation if you or your child have suffered at the hands of delivery room staff.

• Forceps are a common delivery room tool.

You may have seen them before, or heard of them. Forceps are basically oversized salad tongs that doctors can use to assist your baby if he or she is having a little trouble leaving the birth canal. The forceps fit around your baby’s head, and your doctor pulls gently and in time with your contractions.

• Forceps are generally safe to use.

They’re a common tool because they’re effective, and in the right hands they shouldn’t cause any serious problems. In fact, there are some types of forceps that are set up more like suction cups that use a gentle vacuum to further reduce the risk of injury to your child.

• Untrained or unprepared personnel can hurt your child.

While forceps can be a useful tool in the delivery room, like all tools there’s a proper time and place for their use. As a Salt Lake City hospital malpractice lawyer from our office can explain, if a doctor or other delivery room personnel fails to use their forceps safely and properly, your child can be injured in the very first moments of his or her life outside of the womb.

• Some forceps injuries can be very serious.

Forceps injuries are most commonly bruises or scratches, but in other cases they can be much more severe. There’s a very real risk of eye damage when an untrained medical professional misuses forceps, and if he or she uses them with too much force, your child may even suffer skull fractures or seizures.

• The right hospital malpractice lawyer can help.

Hurting your child is inexcusable, especially if it’s in the first few moments of his or her life. Forceps may be a relatively simple tool, but they can cause serious injury that your child may potentially never recover from. While forceps are effective in the right hands, if they caused an injury to you or your child, the responsible party should be held accountable for those injuries, and you deserve compensation. The right lawyer can investigate your case.

Request a Free Case Evaluation 

No one should get away with causing you or your loved one serious injury. Trusted institutions such as hospitals should be held accountable to the fullest extent. By working with an experienced and highly trusted legal team, like one from Rasmussen & Miner, you can obtain the justice you rightfully deserve. We can assist you through every aspect of your case. You deserve to receive full compensation for your damages. Call our law firm today for urgent legal guidance.

MALPRACTICE IN THE DELIVERY ROOM INFOGRAPHIC

 

Get in Touch with a Hospital Malpractice Lawyer Today

Don’t let your child suffer any more than he or she already has. Get in touch with a qualified hospital malpractice lawyer, and get started on the road to justice, closure, and compensation.

When you contact a lawyer, you’re getting a legal advocate who can help you get much-needed compensation that can help pay for the injuries you and your child experienced – and you’re also taking a step towards ensuring those injuries don’t happen to anyone else. Contact a Salt Lake City hospital malpractice lawyer from Rasmussen & Miner today.

Hospital Malpractice FAQs

If you or a loved one have experienced harm or negligence from a medical professional, it would be in your best interest to contact a hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT today, and start your journey toward justice and compensation. 

What is considered medical malpractice?

Medical malpractice is when an individual experiences unnecessary pain, treatment, lack of care, negligence, or abuse at the hands of a medical professional.  Examples of medical malpractice in a hospital include the misdiagnosis of a patient’s medical condition, prescription and surgical errors, misinterpretation of lab results, failure to treat or recommend specialists, and withholding of care from the patient. Patients may also experience unnecessary complications following medical negligence or abuse from a medical professional. If a baby is injured during birth from a poor forceps operation, the parents should contact a Salt Lake City hospital malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. 

Where does medical malpractice take place?

Medical malpractice can, unfortunately, take place anywhere medical professionals work. Often times this occurs in a hospital, but it can also take place in nursing homes, outpatient centers, chiropractic offices, and in the patient’s own home. 

How can a hospital malpractice lawyer help with your case?

Not only will hospital malpractice lawyers, such as those at Rasmussen & Miner provide clients with an initial free consultation, but they will also be with their clients every step of the legal process. Medical malpractice can greatly harm a patient, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Experienced attorneys understand this, and will strive towards creating a positive, and thoughtful legal experience as they help clients pursue justice and compensation. A malpractice lawyer advocates on behalf of their clients, collecting the proper documentation, and working towards the compensation their clients rightfully deserve. 

What steps should I take following a malpractice event?

In the event of harm or negligence have occurred by a medical professional, the patient should contact a malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. By sharing their experience with an attorney, documenting the malpractice, and collecting evidence, the victim ensures they have everything they need for their case and can proceed to the next step. At Rasmussen & Miner, clients receive a free consult with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer. Following the consultation, the attorney will advise the client on what they think would be the best course of action in pursuing justice and compensation. 

Will every medical malpractice case go to trial?

The short answer is no, not every medical or hospital malpractice case will go to trial. Most individuals may be surprised to hear that lawsuits should be a client’s final option. Many malpractice attorneys counsel their clients to pursue other means of justice and compensation first before filing an official lawsuit that may result in a trial. For example, if medical malpractice has occurred in a hospital, the client should contact the hospital responsible, or have their attorney contact the hospital on their behalf. Sometimes an agreement can be reached with the hospital at fault directly, rather than filing a lawsuit. If the hospital is not willing to cooperate or communicate, the client has made steps toward settlement instead of rushing to a legal option for a solution. Contact a Salt Lake City hospital malpractice lawyer today to schedule a risk-free consultation today and fight for fair compensation, accountability, and justice.

What factors must be present to file a malpractice claim?

In general, the following must exist for an individual to make a medical malpractice claim:

·        A doctor-patient relationship

·        The doctor, hospital, or medical professional acted negligently in diagnosing or treating the patient, which is proven by showing that a competent doctor under the same circumstances would not have caused the harm the patient suffered

·        The negligence caused the patient’s injury

·        The patient suffered specific damages, which may include physical pain, mental suffering, increased medical bills, or the inability to work

How long do I have to file my claim?

Under Utah law, a victim must file a claim within two years of the date he or she became aware of or should have become aware of, the medical malpractice (this period is known as the statute of limitations). However, a claim cannot be made more than four years after the date of the malpractice, regardless of when the malpractice was discovered.

If the victim is under 18 years old, the statute of limitations is usually extended. A Salt Lake City UT hospital malpractice lawyer can help determine what it would be in your case.

Is there a cap on how much in damages I can collect?

There is a restrictive non-economic damages cap under Utah’s malpractice law. Utah law does not cap economic damages. Economic damages are medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages that have a quantifiable (actual financial) value. In other words, whatever the past, present, and future cost of those damages are, the victim is entitled to the full value.

Non-economic damages are those losses that do not have a quantifiable value and must be determined using other factors. Non-economic factors include pain and suffering, emotional trauma, scarring, disfigurement, loss of life enjoyment, and more. Unfortunately, because of Utah’s cap, a malpractice victim can only collect up to $450,000 in damages.

Reach out to Rasmussen & Miner Today

At Rasmussen & Miner, we understand how challenging and frustrating it can be to deal with hospital malpractice. When we rely on healthcare providers, we expect proper care and attention – not further injuries or negligence. Fortunately, we’re dedicated to ensuring each of our clients has a chance to get the compensation they deserve for their pain and suffering. Reach out to a hospital malpractice lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, today, and see how Rasmussen & Miner can help you tomorrow.