Medical Malpractice, Birth Injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injuries, Wrongful Death, Women’s and Children’s Health Issues
	6955 Union Park Center Suite 570 Midvale UT 84047
	Phone: (801) 352-9330
	FAX: (801) 352-9339

Thomas A. Schaffer

Since my admission to the Bar in 1972, I have handled approximately 125 jury trials, both civil and criminal. My practice now is concentrated on medical malpractice cases, with an emphasis on women’s and children’s health issues.

Background

• 1969 B.A. University of Michigan
• 1972 J.D. University of Cincinnati
• 1975 Argued Barrett v. United States, United States Supreme Court
• AV rating, Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory’s highest rating

Member

• Board of Governors, Utah Trial Lawyers Association
• American Trial Lawyers Association, Birth Trauma Litigation Group

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does this cost?

My fee is a contingent fee of 33? % of the total settlement. I advance all of the costs, and if we are successful in either settling your case or winning at trial, I deduct the costs from the settlement amount. If we are not successful, you pay no fee, nor do I require you to pay the costs.

2. How much is an office consultation?

I do not charge for the office consultation, regardless of whether or not I take your case.

3. If the case involves an injury to a child, how are the proceeds of the settlement distributed?

The money is placed in a trust for the child until age eighteen and cannot be removed except with court permission.

4. Can cerebral palsy be caused by negligence?

Yes, it can—especially in deliveries when the flow of oxygen to the fetus is interrupted or lessened.

5. Can shoulder dystocia be caused by negligence or malpractice?

Yes, if the doctor does not perform the proper maneuvers to deliver the child.

6. How is it determined that malpractice caused an injury?

Another doctor or nurse acting as an “expert” must review the medical records to determine whether malpractice occurred and if that malpractice is the direct cause of the injury.

If you have questions about whether your or your child’s injury was caused by a doctor’s, a nurse’s, or a hospital’s negligence, please allow us to review your medical records and find an answer for you.

Nurse Consultants

• Stephen Ostergaard, R.N., F.N.P.
• Marjorie Atkinson, R.N.
• Michelle Swift, J.D., R.N.