Anatomy of a Medical Malpractice Case: Skills for Success at Every Stage

Medical malpractice litigation is among the most complex and expert-driven areas of civil practice. To succeed, attorneys must understand the full lifecycle of a case-from initial screening and early expert input to navigating standard of care disputes, causation theories, and damages proof. In this practical skills program, trial attorney Jonathan J. Schutrum walks legal professionals through the real-time decisions that shape a med-mal case, offering guidance on intake evaluation, discovery strategy, expert witness management, dispositive motion practice, and valuation for settlement or trial.

Attendees will gain insights into building or defending a case around the "three pillars" of medical malpractice-standard of care, causation, and damages-and how to avoid ethical pitfalls involving protected health information, treating physician contact, and expert disclosures. This course provides concrete, litigation-tested strategies for both plaintiff and defense attorneys handling complex medical liability claims.

Learning Objectives:

1. Map the stages of a medical malpractice case from intake through post-trial, identifying key moments for strategic impact

2. Screen cases for liability and causation using medical records, timelines, and early expert consultation

3. Develop discovery and deposition strategies that effectively build-or challenge-claims involving standard of care and causation

4. Assess damages using expert and lay evidence, and apply proven approaches for valuation, mediation, and settlement

5. Identify and navigate common ethical issues in med-mal litigation, including PHI handling, expert candor, and communications with treating providers