Attorneys
Steven A. Michalek
Shareholder
Phone: 303.825.2700
Steve Michalek is a trial lawyer who utilizes his experience in the courtroom to help his clients limit their risk and exposure to litigation. The costs of litigation– both in time and money – can be substantial to health care providers, which is why Steve Michalek firmly believes that a good offense is the best defense. Steve spends a considerable portion of his time assisting healthcare providers implementing risk management techniques to limit their exposure to litigation. Preventing legal issues enables healthcare providers to focus instead on treating patients and managing their organizations and practices.
If a claim does arise, clients who have worked with Steve are in a much better position to defend the allegations that have been made against them. Steve handles malpractice actions, licensing procedures, peer review and quality assurance matters. In litigation, Steve is an aggressive advocate for his clients' best interests. Most recently, he:
- Represented an orthopedic surgeon in a pulmonary embolism malpractice claim. The jury returned a verdict for the surgeon on all claims.
- Represented a health care provider in a jury trial where the plaintiff alleged several million dollars in compensatory and punitive damages. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendant. The court awarded the defendant more than $50,000 in costs against the plaintiff.
- Represented a physician in a jury trial where the plaintiff dismissed the case part way through trial due to the strength of the physician's defense.
- Represented a medical provider in a medical board matter where the board sought probation and practice restrictions against the practitioner. The case was dismissed prior to the hearing with no adverse action taken against the client.
In addition to risk management and litigation, Steve also works on legislative issues affecting healthcare providers. Steve is on the Colorado Division of Regulatory Agency's task force to improve the disciplinary process for licensed professionals. Finally, Steve is a frequent speaker on medical records and healthcare liability issues. If you have a question about healthcare issues, Steve is the person to call.
Memberships
Denver Bar Association (Professionalism Committee 2000-present)
Board of Governors Representative (2005 - 2007)
Colorado Bar Foundation (Fellow, 2005-present)
Colorado Bar Association (Interprofessional Committee 2000-2004)
American Bar Association (Health Law Section, 2001-present); (Medicine and Law Committee, 2001-present)
Colorado Defense Lawyer Association (President 2003-2004); (Executive Board, 2000-2005)
Catholic Lawyers Guild of Colorado (President 2006-2007); (Board of Directors, 2002-present)
Defense Research Institute Exceptional Performance Citation (2004)
International Association of Defense Counsel (Present)
Awards & Recognition
St. Thomas More Award (2008)
KIND (Kids in Need of Dentistry) Board of Directors, 2010-Present
Benefit dinner host for Mt. St. Vincent Home (2004); Father Woody's homeless shelter (2005); the Bolivian Mission of Las Adorices de la Sangre de Cristo (2006); and the APAINE Mission in Peru
Blessed Sacrament Parish Council, School Building Committee, Lector
Arrupe Jesuit High School fundraiser