Colorado Springs’ healthcare landscape spans from the massive UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central campus to smaller urgent care clinics scattered across Powers Boulevard and Academy Boulevard. When a surgeon operates on the wrong limb at a facility near the Citadel Mall, or a physician at a clinic on North Nevada Avenue fails to diagnose a stroke despite textbook symptoms, you’re not just dealing with a medical error—you’re facing the complex intersection of El Paso County filing requirements, Colorado’s two-year statute of limitations, and hospital networks with dedicated legal teams whose sole job is to minimize payouts.
If you’ve been harmed by a medical professional’s negligence in Colorado Springs, you need an attorney who understands both the medicine and the local legal terrain.
Get a Free Medical Malpractice Case Review
As a dedicated Colorado Springs personal injury law firm, Cheney Galluzzi & Howard has spent years fighting for the rights of patients harmed by medical negligence. Medical malpractice claims demand more than general legal knowledge—they require an understanding of how hospitals operate, how medical records are documented, and how to prove that a provider’s actions fell below the accepted standard of care. Our work is part of our wider commitment to protecting the health, safety, and financial security of Colorado Springs residents who have been wronged by those they trusted most.
Local Success Story: Surviving a Surgical Error
Recently, we represented a client who underwent surgery at a facility near the intersection of Woodmen Road and I-25. The surgical team left a retractor inside the abdominal cavity, leading to a severe post-operative infection that required three additional surgeries and months of recovery. We worked with independent medical experts to review operative notes, anesthesia records, and post-op imaging—all while navigating the specific discovery protocols required by the El Paso County District Court. The case settled before trial, securing compensation that covered past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional toll of repeated procedures.
Navigating El Paso County Courts and Colorado Medical Malpractice Caps
Medical malpractice cases in Colorado Springs are governed by Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-64-401, which requires a Certificate of Review from a qualified medical expert before a lawsuit can proceed. We also navigate the procedural requirements of the El Paso County Combined Court, including mandatory mediation under local rules and the complexities of filing in a jurisdiction that handles both state and federal healthcare providers. Additionally, Colorado’s cap on non-economic damages (currently $642,180 for most cases, adjusted annually) means that how we frame your injuries and losses is critical to maximizing your recovery.
Step-by-Step: How We Handle Your Colorado Springs Medical Malpractice Case
Step 1: Initial Case Investigation and Medical Record Retrieval
We immediately request your complete medical records from the treating facility—whether that’s UCHealth, Penrose-St. Francis, or a private practice. We also consult with independent medical experts who can review charts, imaging, and lab results to identify where the standard of care was breached. In Colorado Springs, this often involves coordinating with specialists at local teaching hospitals who can provide credible testimony.
Step 2: Filing the Certificate of Review and Complaint
Before we can file your lawsuit, Colorado law requires us to obtain a Certificate of Review from a licensed medical professional in the same specialty as the defendant. Once secured, we file your complaint with the El Paso County District Court and serve the defendants, which may include individual physicians, nurses, hospital corporations, and administrative staff.
Step 3: Discovery, Expert Depositions, and Settlement Negotiation
We engage in formal discovery—requesting internal hospital policies, staffing records, and incident reports. We depose the defendant providers and their expert witnesses. Many cases settle during court-ordered mediation. If the defense refuses a fair offer, we prepare for trial at the El Paso County Justice Center, where we present your case to a jury of Colorado Springs residents.
Medical malpractice often results in catastrophic, life-altering injuries—traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, permanent disability, or wrongful death. If your case involves severe harm or the loss of a loved one, you may also benefit from our focused legal services in related areas:
- Suffered a permanent injury or disability due to medical negligence? See our Colorado Springs Catastrophic Injury services for guidance on long-term care planning and maximizing damages.
- Lost a family member due to a medical error? Our Colorado Springs Wrongful Death Lawyer page explains how we help families pursue justice and financial security after a preventable loss.
We keep our practice areas tightly focused on personal injury law, ensuring that every case receives the depth of expertise it demands.
Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard
If you or a loved one has been harmed by medical negligence in Colorado Springs, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and Colorado’s two-year statute of limitations is unforgiving. Our team is ready to investigate your case, consult with medical experts, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Get a Free Case Review today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Colorado Springs?
In Colorado, you generally have two years from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the injury to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. There are exceptions for minors and cases involving fraud or concealment, but waiting too long can permanently bar your claim. Contact us as soon as you suspect malpractice.
Which Colorado Springs hospitals and medical centers do you handle cases against?
We have experience with cases involving UCHealth Memorial Hospital, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, Peak Vista Community Health Centers, and numerous private practices and surgical centers throughout El Paso County. We understand the corporate structures, insurance carriers, and internal review processes these institutions use.
Do I need a medical expert to prove my case?
Yes. Colorado law requires a Certificate of Review from a qualified expert before you can file a lawsuit, and you’ll need expert testimony at trial to establish that the defendant’s care fell below the accepted standard. We work with a national network of board-certified physicians, surgeons, and nurses who can credibly explain what went wrong.