$275,000 Awarded for aggravation of a pre-existing L3-L4 fusion and herniation of L4-L5. Antioch, Lake County, Illinois read more ▹man injured while rear-ended on Route 173 requiring additional permanent spinal fusions.

$250,000 Settlement for back injuries. Client A.C. from Lisle, DuPage County, Illinois
read more ▹

a man was rear-ended by a semi-tractor resulting in a fusion of the L4-L5 vertebra.

$700,000 Settlement For Lumbar Herniated Disc for Antioch, Lake County, Illinois Man Who Injured Lower Back In a Car Accident: read more ▹

A parts driver for NAPA Auto parts was distracted while switching stations on the radio of his auto parts truck when he ran a red light at the intersection of Grass Lake Road and Rt. 83/Main Street in Antioch, Lake County, Illinois. The driver of the parts truck struck the Antioch resident in a T-Bone collision, resulting in, among other injuries, an L-4/L-5 Disc herniation. The injured man tried an IDET procedure, but it was unsuccessful in relieving his back pain and other symptoms. After physical therapy, he finally underwent an L-4/L-5 discectomy resulting in partial relief from his symptoms. His orthopedic surgeon testified that he would have a permanent injury caused by the loss of ability to perform activities of daily living, including his ability to work.

$390,000 Awarded for a side-impact collision. Client S.F. from Lake Villa, Lake County, Illinois read more ▹

man injured when the vehicle he was traveling in was struck on the passenger side on Route 173 by a semi-tractor that failed to stop at an intersection on Route 45.

$250,000 Settlement for aggravation of malsariff formation. Antioch, Lake County, Illinois read more ▹

woman injured when a driver ran a red light at Route 12 and Bonner Road causing aggravation of a malsariff formation requiring surgery.

$250,000 Awarded for multiple injuries. Client K.W. from Antioch, Lake County, Illinois was Awarded read more ▹

A gentleman who was injured when a vehicle he was a passenger in left the roadway traveling at 180 miles per hour on North Avenue in Antioch, Lake County, Illinois.

$125,000 Awarded for a car accident. Client A.M. from Antioch, Lake County, Illinois
read more ▹

Bob’s client was involved in a head-on collision when another driver turned left in front of her from Grass Lake Road onto Route 83 in Millburn, Lake County, Illinois. Injuries included fractures to both knees, a broken ankle, and neck pain.

$100,000 For rear-end collision. Client A.M. from Antioch, Lake County, Illinois
read more ▹

A Woman awarded six figures when the car she was traveling in was rear-ended on Route 173 in Zion, Lake County, Illinois, resulting in a herniated L4-L5 disc requiring fusion surgery.

$95,000 Awarded for a car crash in Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois. Client N.A. from Naperville read more ▹

man hit from behind at 40 miles per hour resulting in herniation of the L4 and L5 lumbar discs requiring spinal fusion surgery.

$95,000 Awarded for a car crash in Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois. Client N.A. from Naperville read more ▹

man hit from behind at 40 miles per hour resulting in herniation of the L4 and L5 lumbar discs requiring spinal fusion surgery.

$93,500 Awarded for a car accident victim. Client K.K. from Carol Stream, DuPage County, Illinois read more ▹

arbitration judgment for injured when a driver ran stop sign striking the passenger side of vehicle causing fracture of her wrist requiring open fixation, closed reduction, surgery.

Additional awards to Robert T Eden’s clients read more ▹

Client M.W. from Antioch, Lake County, Illinois was Awarded: $80,000

Client R.B. from Antioch, Lake County, Illinois was Awarded: $79,000

Client T.M. from Grayslake, Lake County, Illinois was Awarded: $55,000

Client R.H. from Grayslake, Lake County, Illinois was Awarded: $50,000

Client D.T. from Antioch, Lake County, Illinois was Awarded: $47,000

Client M.V. from Wauconda, Lake County, Illinois was Awarded: $38,000

Client R.G. from Antioch, Lake County, Illinois was Awarded: $25,000

Client M.M. from Antioch, Lake County, Illinois was Awarded: $25,000 & $15,000

Client M.S. from McHenry, McHenry County, Illinois was Awarded: $18,500

Animal Injury-Escaped Horses on Roadway Blamed for Motorist’s Injury

Verdict: $175,000 read more ▹

Date: September 2010

Verdict: $175,000

County: Madison

PLTF Medical: Dr. Kyle Shepperson (Orthopedist)

Summary: Plaintiff was driving in rural Madison County when he saw a minivan collide with two horses. He then swerved to avoid a horse in the roadway. He heard a pop in his right shoulder and was diagnosed with a SLAP tear. The horses had escaped from their fenced-in pasture. Plaintiff contended that there was a prior incident with Defendant’s horses escaping. Defendant argued the prior incident involved different horses and a different pen and that they had had no other incidents in decades. Plaintiff refused treatment at the scene but sought medical treatment the next day.

Rear End-Plaintiff Stopped at Red Light

Verdict: $9,000 read more ▹

Date: September 2010

Verdict: $9,000, Arbitration award was $17,000

County: Lake

PLTF Medical: Dr. Eguert Nagaj (Internist) and Igor Sher, D.C. (Chiropractor)

Summary: Plaintiff was stopped for a red light when he was rear-ended by Defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff sustained soft tissue sprain/strains to his neck, back, and right shoulder, resulting in pain, chiropractic care, and physical therapy. The defense admitted negligence but asserted that Plaintiff did not suffer any injury in the collision

Rear-End- By Teen-Defense Denies Spinal Surgery Related to Collision

Verdict: $15,000 read more ▹

Date: September 2010

Verdict: $15,000

County: Lake

PLTF Medical: Dr. Jonathan Stuart Citow (Neurosurgeon)
DEF Medical: Dr. Lori Siegel (Rheumatologist)

PLTF Experts: Dr. Dennis Gates (Orthopedist)

DEF Experts: Dr. Gary Skaletsky (Neurosurgeon)

Summary: Plaintiff was waiting to turn at the time of the collision. Plaintiff claimed the impact aggravated her pre-existing herniated C6-7 disc, bulging C5-6, and cervical arthritis requiring her to undergo cervical discectomy and fusion surgery. Plaintiff had a 20 years history of intermittent neck pain and radicular symptoms. The defense asserted the Plaintiff only suffered cervical/lumbar strains and that her surgery was solely caused by her pre-existing degenerative condition. A cervical MRI taken seven months prior to the occurrence was identical to the MRI taken after the accident.

Rear End-Defense Admits Negligence for Driver Distracted by Cell Phone

Verdict: $4,892 read more ▹

Date: September 2010

Verdict: $4,892, $2,505 to wife and $2,324 to husband

County: Christian

PLTF Medical: Roman Corso, D.C. (Chiropractor)

DEF Medical: Dr. Pavinderpal Gill (Internist)

Summary: Husband and Wife Plaintiffs were stopped waiting to turn when their van was rear-ended by Defendant’s vehicle. The defendant was distracted by their cell phone. Plaintiff’s wife suffered neck strain. Plaintiff’s husband claimed neck and low back strains. The defense admitted negligence but disputed the nature and extent of the Plaintiffs’ injuries as they did not seek chiropractic care until after they hired an attorney and Plaintiff’s husband was released to work after one week.

Plaintiffs Struck From Behind While Attempting Left Turn Into Driveway.

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: August 2010

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: Will

PLTF Medical: Dr. Juan Santiago-Palma (Pain Management) Dr. Alyce Jackson (Rehab/physical Medicine)

DEF Experts: Dr. Kenneth P. Sanders (Orthopedist)

Summary: Plaintiff Driver and Plaintiff Passenger state they were struck from behind by the Defendant’s vehicle when they slowed to make a left turn. Plaintiff Driver claimed cervical strain, back pain, and a laceration to the forehead resulting in a scar. Plaintiff Passenger claims cervical and lumbar injuries including herniated discs at L5-S1 and C3-4. Defendant asserted that Plaintiffs pulled off the roadway onto the right shoulder and then pulled back onto the roadway directly in front of Defendant’s vehicle. Impact occurred on the driver’s side of the Plaintiff’s vehicle.

Defendant Turning-Not Guilty Despite Defendant’s Guilty Plea to Ticket

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: September 2010

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: DuPage

Summary: Plaintiff entered bi-directional median left turn lane intending to make a left turn when she collided with Defendant who had just exited a private driveway. Plaintiff sustained a fractured sternum, cuts, and bruises, and required observation due to a prior kidney transplant. The defendant was attempting to make a left turn. The Defendant was ticketed and pled guilty in traffic court. Defendant stated that traffic was completely stopped and two other drivers waved her through the gap between cars, at which time she cautiously and slowly crossed the lanes and stopped before entering the bi-directional median. The defense contended that Plaintiff was traveling too fast and that Plaintiff’s testimony was not credible and in direct contradiction to the Defendant and his eyewitnesses as to how the crash occurred.

Teen Claims Police Vehicle Had No Headlights In the Dark

Verdict: $29,669 read more ▹

Date: April 2010

Verdict: $29,669 after 15% off $34,905

County: Will

PLTF Medical: Dr. Leonard Piazza (Otolaryngologist/ENT)

Summary: Plaintiff’s SUV was struck by a police car at an uncontrolled intersection. The impact caused Plaintiff SUV to flip over. Plaintiff suffered a broken nose, requiring surgery. Plaintiff claimed he had the right of way, that he had made it most of the way through the intersection, and that the police officer did not have his headlights on. Plaintiff’s passenger testified that the police car’s headlights were not on. Officer maintained that he did have his headlights on and that Plaintiff was driving too fast for conditions and failed to slow down when coming to an intersection.

Rear-End Defense Admits Liability for 85-year Old Driver

Verdict: $14,028 read more ▹

Date: July 2010

Verdict: $14,028

County: Adams

Summary: Defendant rear-ended Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff suffered soft tissue injuries to her neck, back, shoulder, and face. The defense admitted liability.

Read End-Plaintiff Hit While Waiting To Make Left Turn

Verdict: $38,956 read more ▹

Date: June 2010

Verdict: $38,956

County: Adams

PLTF Medical: Mark Wiegand, D.C. (Chiropractor)

Summary: Plaintiff was rear-ended by Defendant while waiting to make a left turn causing neck, back, shoulder, and had soft tissue injuries.

Collision Between Scooter and Car Caused Closed Head Injury

Verdict: $270,733 read more ▹

Date: March 2011

Verdict: $270,733 after 35% off
County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Onur Melen (Neuro-ophthalmologist) and Dr. Thomas Mizen (Neuro-ophthalmologist)

DEF Experts: Dr. Walter M. Jay (Neuro-ophthalmologist) and Dr. Richard Tuttle (Rehab/Physical Medicine)

Summary: Plaintiff was operating a scooter when the Defendant pulled out from a stop sign in front of her, causing her to collide with the Defendant’s car. Plaintiff did not have a stop sign. Plaintiff was thrown from her scooter and struck the back of her head on the pavement. Plaintiff sustained a subdural hematoma, closed head injury, and permanent brain injury with a visual field defect know as homonymous quadrantanopia scotoma, which caused a blind spot of approximately 5% in her field of vision. These injuries were undisputed. After missing six months of work, Plaintiff returned to work and was forced to transfer to a less critical position with less reading due to her vision impairment. Plaintiff was unhappy with this position and eventually resigned. Plaintiff also claimed the collision caused neck and upper back injuries and chronic headaches. Defendant contended that the cars parked along the side of the road obstructed her view forcing her to inch out into the intersection in order to see and that the Plaintiff failed to take any action to avoid the collision. Defendant alleged that Plaintiff’s neck and back injuries were pre-existing.

Rear End-Negligence Admitted For Hitting Police Car in Cubs Game Traffic

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: March 2011

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Violeta Avramov (Neurologist)

Summary: Defendant rear-ended an unmarked squad car in heavy traffic. Both plaintiffs were police officers. 1st Plaintiff claimed neck and back soft tissue injuries and the 2nd Plaintiff claimed a soft tissue neck injury and post-traumatic headaches. The defense admitted negligence but contended Plaintiffs were not injured to the extent they claimed.

Guest v. Other Driver-Husband and Wife Rear-Ended At Traffic Light

Verdict: $2,251 read more ▹

Date: January 2011

Verdict: $2,251

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Silvia Panitch (Internist) and Mohamed Malas, D.C. (Chiropractor)

Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a car stopped in traffic which was rear-ended. Plaintiff suffered soft tissue injuries. Defendant claimed that after she stopped behind Plaintiff’s vehicle, Plaintiff moved forward on a green light with other traffic then stopped suddenly

Pilot Claims Back Injury After Defendant’s Mirror Clipped his Car

Verdict: $27,832 read more ▹

Date: March 2011

Verdict: $27,832

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Herbert Lang (Internist), Dr. Joseph T. Alleva (Rehab/Physical Medicine), and Lina Bhat, P.T.

Summary: Plaintiff was stopped at a red light and the rear end driver’s side of his car was struck by the Defendant’s passenger-side mirror. Defendant alleged that Plaintiff’s injuries were caused by a previous accident one week prior to this accident.

Plaintiff Had Right Of Way-Defendant Had Obstructed View

Verdict: $177,624

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $177,624 read more ▹

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Richard Rabinowitz (Orthopedist)

DEF Experts: Dr. Frank Phillips (Orthopedist)

Summary: Defendant pulled out in front of Plaintiff causing Plaintiff to broadside the Defendant’s car. Plaintiff had the right of way and the Defendant had a stop sign. Defendant stopped at a stop sign and was waived through by stopped traffic. The defendant could not see oncoming traffic due to a semi-truck. Plaintiff sustained aggravation of a pre-existing herniated disc at C5-6, resulting in C5-6 anterior discectomy and fusion. The defense asserted that the Plaintiff’s surgery was not related to the accident

Defendant Ran Red Light While On Cell Phone

Verdict: $170,754 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $170,754

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. David Lerner (Internist) Dr. Egon Doppenberg (Neurosurgeon)

Summary: Plaintiff was proceeding on a green light through an intersection when the Defendant ran a red light while on her cell phone and entered the intersection. Plaintiff was able to stop in time to avoid hitting the Defendant. However, the Plaintiff was rear-ended by the driver behind her and pushed into the Defendant’s car. Plaintiff suffered a disc protrusion and aggravation of pre-existing degenerative disc disease in her lumbar spine requiring physical therapy and an epidural steroid injection. Surgery was recommended six years after the occurrence. The defense disputed the causation and extent of Plaintiff’s injuries.

Three Plaintiffs Claim Two Impacts From Truck

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Jacqueline Payne, D.O. (Family Practice)

DEF Experts: Dr. Nikhil Verma (Orthopedist)

Summary: The three Plaintiffs were in a parking lot when they were rear-ended by Defendant’s 18 wheeler in stop-and-go traffic-twice. Plaintiff Miyoshi went to the hospital in an ambulance where she claimed soft-tissue chest, back, neck, and right knee pain. She weighed 628 pounds at the time. Plaintiff Andre went to the hospital on the next day with complaints of headaches, lumbar pain, and cervical pain. Plaintiff Pierre also went to the hospital on the next day and claimed ankle, lumbar, and chest pain. The defendant admitted that he tapped the rear of the Plaintiffs car but denied he did it twice. The defense contended that Plaintiff Miyoshi’s knee was not aggravated by any trauma from the accident, but because of her morbid obesity and that she made no complaints about her knee when she was in the hospital.

Defendant Admits Negligence For Running Red Light

Verdict: $1,500 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $1,500

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. William A. Adair (Rehab/Physical Medicine)

Summary: Defendant admits that while he was approaching an intersection, he looked in his side mirror to check the load he was carrying in his pickup truck and when he looked up, the light had turned red. The defendant was unable to stop in time and T-Boned Plaintiff’s automobile causing it to spin and flipped over on the driver’s side. Plaintiff alleged injuries included deep swollen contusions to her left thigh and arm, cervical strain, lumbar strain, shoulder strain, myofascial pain, fibromyalgia, and emotional distress. Defense disputed the claims and stated that she refused medical treatment at the scene and only saw Dr. Adair one time.

Van Passenger Killed In Crash While Being Pursued by Police

Verdict: $2,000,000 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $2,000,000 v. Defendant Maluchnik, not guilty City of Chicago

County: Cook

Summary: A police officer spots a Ford Probe driving erratically and follows the car with his emergency lights activated. He got within a block of the car but could not obtain any identifying information on the car. The police officer continued to follow the car at which time was going approximately 80 miles an hour. The police officer then witnessed a van pull out from a stop sign into the path of the Probe at which time the van was stuck, ejecting the passenger through a side window killing him. Both the driver of the Probe, Maluchnik, and the driver of the van took off on foot. The City denied the officer was chasing the Probe. Maluchnik was sentenced to 7 years for leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Defense Denies Collision Led to Senior’s Spinal Fusion Surgery.

Verdict: $10,296 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $10,296

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Edward Goldberg (Orthopedist)

DEF Experts: Dr. Terence Lichtor (Neurosurgeon)

Summary: Plaintiff was rear-ended by Defendant while stopped. Plaintiff, who is 75, had undergone a prior L5S1 Laminectomy and fusion 13 years prior. Two days after the accident, Plaintiff complained of lumbar back pain and was radiating to his lower extremities. He underwent 2 ½ months of physical therapy, MRI, and EMG/NCV. During this time, it was revealed that Plaintiff had diffuse disc degeneration, desiccation, and bulges with L3-5 Stenosis and right L4-S1 radiculopathy. Plaintiff had surgery consisting of lumbar laminectomy and fusion at L3-5 with a bone graft, titanium rods, and screws. The defense argued that Plaintiff was not injured to the extent claimed and that he had been experiencing back pain since the 1995 surgery. There was no visible damage to the Defendant’s truck.

Plaintiff Unable To Afford Treatment For Injuries

Verdict: $43,000 read more ▹

Date: January 2011

Verdict: $43,000

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Rodney O. Swan (Orthopedist)

PLTF Experts: Rebecca Busch, R.N.

Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle that collided with another vehicle causing Plaintiff to suffer a torn meniscus requiring surgery to repair. Plaintiff could not afford the surgery. The defense pointed to the gap in treatment and the Judge allowed the jury to hear about Plaintiff’s economic hardship as the reason for the delay.

Not Guilty Despite Guilty Plea On Traffic Ticket

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Jon L. Andreshak (Orthopedist)

DEF Medical: Dr. Gergio Mercado (Family Practice)
DEF Experts: Dr. Gary Skaletsky (Neurosurgeon)

Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a car that was rear-ended. Plaintiff suffered a recurrence of a herniated disc at C6-7. She had undergone a discectomy 3 months earlier. This resulted in a C5-7 discectomy and fusion. Defendant plead guilty to the traffic ticket. The defense denied the impact caused or aggravated the Plaintiff’s disc injury.

Defendant hits Plaintiff Stopped at Red Light

Verdict: $3,300.00 read more ▹

Date: January 2011

Verdict: $3,300.00

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr, David Guelich (Orthopedist), Dr. Douglas Evans (Orthopedist), and Dr. Marily Sue Aden (Internist)

Summary: Plaintiff was stopped for a red light when the defendant rear-ended her. Plaintiff claimed torn rotator cuff requiring surgery and forcing her to retire. The defense admitted negligence.

Collision in Intersection read more ▹

Verdict: $28,417

Date: January 2011

Verdict: $28,417

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Anne Hong

Summary: Plaintiff and defendant collided in an intersection. Plaintiff asserted the collision caused her to sustain soft tissue injuries to her neck, back, should, and ankle prohibiting her from engaging in any activities for six weeks. The defense admitted negligence but asserted that Plaintiff’s injuries were not that severe

Rear Ended While Waiting to Turn read more ▹

Verdict: $7,014.00

Date: January 2011

Verdict: $7,014.00

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. David Calimag (Neurologist)

Summary: Plaintiff was stopped waiting to make a turn. Defendant rear-ended the car. Plaintiff was removed by paramedics and transported to the emergency room. Plaintiff claimed injuries consisting of herniated discs at C4-5 and C5-6, trigeminal facial nerve injury resulting in permanent numbness and tingling in the right side of the face. The defense admitted negligence but contended Plaintiff was not injured.

Volunteer Killed by Car Being Chased by Police

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: January 2011

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Michael Slater (Emergency Medicine) and Dr. Alan Hecht (Radiologist)

PLTF Experts: Geoffrey P. Alpert, Ph.D. (Police Procedure

Summary: Plaintiff church volunteer was killed instantly when her car was struck by a man as he was fleeing the police at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour. Her back seat passenger suffered a broken nose, multiple fractures to his right arm/elbow with partial degloving, and permanent scarring. Police insisted that they were not near the man’s car and had discontinued their attempt to apprehend him due to the excessive speeds he was driving. There was a video surveillance tape from a nearby store that showed the crash and the police arrival 57 seconds later.

T-Bone Flips SUV read more ▹

Verdict: $25,000.00

Date: January 2011

Verdict: $25,000.00

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Mary Belford (Psychiatrist) and Ruth McInnes, L.C.P.C. (Counselor)

DEF Medical: Herbert Stricklin, L.C.P.C. (Counselor)

Summary: Plaintiff was t-boned in an intersection causing her SUV to flip over and land on the roof. She was left hanging by her seatbelt for 15 minutes until paramedics arrived. Plaintiff claimed to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and soft tissue injuries. The defendant admitted negligence but contested the nature, extent, and proximate causation of the plaintiff’s injuries.

Plaintiff Claims Collision Cause Carotid Artery Dissection

Verdict: $5,900.00 read more ▹

Date: January 2011

Verdict: $5,900.00

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Thomas Grobelny (Neuroradiologist, Dr. David D/Souza (Internist) and Dr. Violeta Avramov (Neurologist)

Summary: Plaintiff was driving when she was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiff contended she suffered from a right internal carotid artery dissection with almost complete blockage of the artery, a left internal carotid artery dissection, and headaches. The defense denied the nature, extent and severity of injuries.

Head-on Crash Injures Olympic Hopeful

Verdict: $483,073 read more ▹

Date: January 2011

Verdict: $483,073

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Daniel Troy (Orthopedist)

PLTF Experts: Dr. Samuel J. Chmell (Orthopedist)

Summary: Defendant lost control of his vehicle and hit Plaintiff’s car head-on. Plaintiff sustained a compound fracture/dislocation of her right ankle including three tibia/fibula fractures and several torn ligaments, requiring three surgeries including insertion of a plate and screws. She suffers from a limp, no dorsiflexion of the ankle, and other permanent problems. Plaintiff was a two-time U.S. National weightlifting champion who had been projected to be a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. The defense contended that it is extremely difficult to predict athletic success. The defense also contended that the plaintiff’s continued weightlifting was exacerbating her ongoing ankle problems.

Motorcycle Van Collision –Traffic Light Disputed

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: January 2011

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: Cook

Summary: Plaintiff motorcyclist was struck in the intersection while attempting to turn right by Defendant who claimed that he had a green light. Plaintiff suffered fractures to his skull, vertebrae, and clavicle. Defendant maintained that he had a green left-turn arrow and that Plaintiff was in the intersection on a red light.

CTA Bus and Semi-Truck Collide

Verdict: $363,853 read more ▹

Date: January 2011

Verdict: $363,853

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Charles Slack (Orthopedist) and Dr. Harold T. Pye (Industrial/Occupational Medicine)

DEF Experts: Dr. Terence Lichtor (Neurosurgeon) and Thomas A. Grzesik (Vocational Rehabilitation)

Summary: Right front bumper of a bus was clipped by a semi-tractor-trailer while the bus was turning left. The semi, coming from the other direction, was also turning left but from the center straight only lane. Plaintiff sustained a herniated disc at L4-5 requiring a lumbar laminectomy and leaving her with permanent work restrictions. The defense admitted negligence but contested the nature and extent of the Plaintiff’s injuries.

Woman Run Down in Crosswalk

Verdict: $300,000.00 read more ▹

Date: January 2011

Verdict: $300,000.00

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Nishitkumar Patel (Orthopedist), Dr. Ryan Sullivan (Trauma Surgeon), and Dr. Patricia Hantsch (Rehab/Physical Medicine)

Summary: Retiree Plaintiff was crossing the street, in the crosswalk, when she was struck by the Defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff sustained a fractured left femur requiring open reduction and hardware, fractures of the left radius and ulna at the elbow requiring open reduction with hardware, multiple pelvis fractures, nasal bone fracture, multiple rib fractures, and a cerebral concussion with mild brain injury. Plaintiff suffers from a noticeable limp, walks with a cane, and has limited use of her left hand and fingers, including the inability to grasp objects. The defendant admitted the Plaintiff was in the crosswalk but that she should have maintained a better lookout before stepping off the curb. Phone records indicated that Defendant was on his cell phone at or about the time of the accident.

Car Versus Truck

Verdict: Deadlock read more ▹

Date: January 2011

Verdict: Deadlock

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Walter Virkus (Orthopedist) and Dr. Jorge Prieto (Orthopedist)

Summary: Plaintiff was driving his car when he claimed he was cut off by the Defendant’s delivery truck as it made a left turn causing Plaintiff’s car to strike the right rear axle of the trailer. Plaintiff sustained a fractured hip requiring pinning, fractured femur requiring rods and pins, ruptured patellar tendon, and damage to the weight-bearing surface of the knee (osteochondral defect). The defense denied liability and argued that the Plaintiff was drag racing at the time.

Driver Gets Lost on the Way to Great America

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: December 2010

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Scott Otto (general surgeon), Dr. Scot R. Christiansen (Family Practice) Dr. Dennis Hoffman (Pulmonologist), Richard Isaacson, D.D.S. (Oral Surgeon) and Dr. Grant Geissler (Pediatric Surgeon)

PLTF Experts: Michael Dilich (Accident Reconstruction)

DEF Experts: David Sallmann (Accident Reconstruction)

Summary: Parties were on their way to Great American when the driver missed her turn. The driver stated that she turned left into a driveway to turnaround. Plaintiff’s car was struck by Defendants vehicle. Plaintiff contended that the Defendant tried to improperly pass her on the left. Plaintiff’s minor child was airlifted to Lutheran General Hospital. She sustained lacerations to her spleen and liver and a non-displaced fracture to her right temporomandibular joint. Plaintiff’s mother suffered 6 broken ribs, bruised lung, pulmonary contusion, lacerated liver, and a parietal scalp laceration. Defendant stated that he saw the van brake, move onto the right shoulder of the road only to suddenly turn out in front of him in what he thought was a U-turn. He tried to prevent the impact but could not.

Police Officer Squad Car Struck

Verdict: $3,065.000 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $3,065.000

County: Cook

Summary: Defendant failed to obey a stop sign and struck a police officer’s vehicle as he responded to an armed robbery. Plaintiff sustained left ankle and tibial plateau fractures. Plaintiff is unable to return to work as a police officer.

Police Officer Squad Car Runs Red Light Strikes Car.

Verdict: $1,000,000 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $1,000,000

County: Cook

Summary: Defendant police officer ran a red light while in pursuant of a stolen vehicle and struck Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff suffered multiple pelvis and rib fractures, spleen and liver lacerations, and ongoing pelvic pain requiring implantation of spinal cord stimulator. Plaintiff alleged pursuit was not authorized. The defense contended that the squad card had its lights and siren activated.

Defendant Rear-Ends Vehicle While Drunk

Verdict: $850,000 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $850,000

County: Cook

Summary: Defendant rear-ended a vehicle in which the Plaintiff was a passenger while driving drunk. Plaintiff suffered right torn rotator cuff with surgery, right town meniscus with surgery, right wrist nerve injury, and traumatic carpal tunnel with surgery.

Defendant Rear-Ends Vehicle While Sliding on Snow

Verdict: $750,000 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $750,000

County:

Summary: Defendant skidded on snow and ice and struck Plaintiff’s vehicle from behind. Plaintiff suffered C4-C5 and C5-C6 radiculopathy with discectomy and fusion. Plaintiff had neck and back pain from an earlier gunshot wound.

Truck Driver Rear-Ends Vehicle At Low Speed

Verdict: $600,000 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $600,000

County: Cook

Summary: Defendant rear-ended a vehicle in which the Plaintiff was a passenger. The only damage to the Plaintiff’s vehicle was a cracked plastic bumper cover. Plaintiff sustained aggravation of degenerative disc disease and/or disc tears requiring 2-level cervical and 1-level lumbar fusion.

Head-On Collision

Verdict: $485,000 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $485,000

County: Lake

Summary: Defendant struck Plaintiff’s vehicle causing aggravation of asymptomatic lumbosacral degenerative condition, causing it to become symptomatic and require L5-S1 fusion and physical therapy.

Rear-End Collision

Verdict: $350,000 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $350,000

County: McHenry

Summary: Defendant rear-ended vehicle in which the Plaintiff was a passenger causing Plaintiff to suffer herniated cervical disc with fusion.

Defendant Runs Red Light

Verdict: $215,000 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $215,000

County: Cook

Summary: Defendant ran a red light crashing into Plaintiff’s car causing plaintiff to suffer a fractured sternum, rib fractures, and aggravation of pre-existing COPD.

Bus Driver Causes Accident

Verdict: $147,000 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $147,000

County: Cook

Summary: Defendant bus driver moved into Plaintiff’s lane causing Plaintiff to strike a median. Plaintiff suffered an ankle fracture requiring surgery. Defendant claimed Plaintiff changed lanes. Witness supported Plaintiff’s version of events.

Cab Crashes Into Back Of Car

Verdict: $61,484 read more ▹

Date: December 2010

Verdict: $61,484

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Denise Carradine, D.C. (Chiropractor)

Summary: Plaintiff was stopped at a red light when she was rear-ended by a cab. Plaintiff suffered cervical, thoracic, and lumbar strains/sprains. The taxi driver claimed Plaintiff cut him off and he could not stop in time. The defense also claimed that Plaintiff was not injured to that extent and that Plaintiff had pre-existing conditions.

SUV Hit By Truck

Verdict: $675,000 read more ▹

Date: December 2010

Verdict: $675,000

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Mark Cirella (Pain Management)
DEF Medical: Dr. Louis Allocco

PLTF Experts: Dr. Joseph Wu (Neuropsychiatrist), Dr. Michael Gelbort, Ph.D. (Neuropsychologist), David Gibson (Vocational Economics Analyst), Michael Rogers (Mechanical Engineer) and Kerry Nelson (Trucking Safety)

Summary: Plaintiff was rear-ended by Defendant at a speed in excess of 33 mph. The impact pushed Plaintiff’s car forward 5 feet into the rear of a pickup truck causing Plaintiff’s airbags to deploy and the headrest to break off from her driver’s seat. Plaintiff sustained neck and back injuries requiring treatment for 1.5 years and epidural injections to her cervical spine. Plaintiff claimed a traumatic brain injury with memory loss, fatigue, and attention/concentration difficulties. Plaintiff’s experts opined that Plaintiff was at an increased risk to suffer depression and/or dementia as a result of her brain injury.

Motorists Blame Each Other For Collision

Verdict: $11,497 read more ▹

Date: December 2010

Verdict: $11,497

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Albert Pawlusiewicz, D.C. (Chiropractor)

Summary: Plaintiff stated that she was t-boned by the Defendant when he cut into her lane causing left shoulder strains and cervical strains. Defendant claimed Plaintiff drove into his vehicle.

Truck Backs Into Car In Menards Lumber Yard

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: August 2010

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: Kane

PLTF Medical: Dr. John Hefferon (Orthopedist)

DEF Experts: Dr. William R. Dobozi (Orthopedist)

Summary: Defendant was a contractor who delivered materials for Menards. He noticed that his truck was loaded with the wrong materials. Defendant asserted that the guard at the gate in Menard’s lumber yard told him it was okay to back up. Defendant backed up into Plaintiff. Plaintiff claimed that the impact caused him to aggravate pre-existing arthritis in his right knee necessitating total knee replacement surgery. Defendant asserted that it was a low impact collision and caused no injuries to Plaintiff.

Child Hit By Newly Licensed Driver

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: August 2010

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: Will

PLTF Medical: Dr. Ramasamy Kalimuthu (Plastic Surgeon)

DEF Medical: Dr. Denise Ibrahim, D.O. (Orthopedist)

Summary: Plaintiff was riding his bicycle to school when he entered a 4-way stop intersection and was struck by the Defendant’s pickup truck. Plaintiff sustained a left inferior rami fracture of the pelvis, a 10 by 10 full-thickness eschar to his left inner thigh, and a hematoma requiring a full-thickness skin graft. Defendant, who had received her license 6 weeks prior to the accident, was also on her way to school. Defendant asserted that she stopped at the stop sign before proceeding into the intersection but that the Plaintiff did not stop at his stop sign and she could not stop in time to avoid the collision. The defense argued that the Plaintiff was more than 50% at fault because he did not stop at the stop sign.

Woman Admits Negligence For Hitting Plaintiff’s Car

Verdict: $24,410 read more ▹

Date: August 2010

Verdict: $24,410

County: Lake

PLTF Medical: Dr. N. M. Reddy (Rehab/Physical Medicine)

DEF Experts: Dr. Elizabeth Kessler (Neurologist)

Summary: Plaintiff was stopped waiting to make a turn when she was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiff complained that the impact aggravated her pre-existing cervical spine condition, caused her to have headaches, neck and back pain, and herniated her disc at L4-5, annular tear of L3-4. The defense admitted negligence but contested the nature and extent of injuries.

Defense Admits Liability But Disputes Damages

Verdict: $24,665 read more ▹

Date: August 2010

Verdict: $24,665

County: Lake

PLTF Medical: Dr. Gopal Bhalala (Internist)

DEF Experts: Dr. Elizabeth Kessler (Neurologist)

Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was broadsided by the Defendant’s when he failed to yield to a stop sign. Plaintiff suffered a cervical strain, lumbar strain, muscle spasms, bulging disc at L5-S1, and possible right hip dysfunction. The defense admitted negligence but asserted that the Plaintiff’s medical treatment was excessive.

Plaintiff Claims Defendant Ran Red Light

Verdict: $40,778 read more ▹

Date: December 2010

Verdict: $40,778

County: Cook

DEF Experts: Dr. Barbara Parke (Rehab/Physical Medicine)

Summary: Plaintiff was attempting to make a left turn when his car was struck in the intersection. Plaintiff contended he had a green arrow. Plaintiff had an underlying cardiac condition and suffered a chest contusion and soft tissue injuries for which he underwent chiropractic treatments.

Plaintiff With One Eye Doesn’t See Police Car on the Wrong Side of Road

Verdict: $774,988 read more ▹

Date: December 2010

Verdict: $774,988

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Augustyn Stec (Neurologist) and Adam Stricker, P.T. (Physical Therapist)

Summary: Plaintiff was exiting the parking lot of the Chicago Police Department 16th District Jefferson Park Police Station, where he was employed as a janitor and was struck by a police officer’s vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road. The defendant police officer did not have her lights or the siren activated on the squad car. Plaintiff was diagnosed with bulging discs at L4-5 and L5-S1, mild radiculopathy at S-1, and aggravation of pre-existing asymptomatic degenerative spondylolisthesis at L5-S1. Plaintiff eventually underwent L5-S1 fusion and disc decompression surgery leaving him with a 15 pd. maximum lifting restriction. He was unable to return to his job as a janitor. Defendant police officer claimed to have been driving on the median and that she made a proper left turn. The defense contended that the Plaintiff speed out of the parking garage. The defense also argued that because the Plaintiff had a glass eye he failed to see the defendant’s vehicle and caused the crash.

Plaintiffs Injured In Crash In Parking Lot

Verdict: $19,314 read more ▹

Date: December 2010

Verdict: $19,314

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Bruce Montella (Orthopedist)

Summary: Magdalena, her mother, Ewa, and her 3-week old daughter, Caroline, were in a parking lot when their vehicle was struck on the rear passenger side door by the Defendant. Magdalena claimed a herniated disc and compression fracture with permanent flare-ups of back pain. Ewa suffered back pain and bruises. Plaintiffs contend that the Defendant tried to flee the scene. The defense contended that the Defendant was just moving his car out of the way and contested the nature and extent of the injuries.

90-Year Old Driver Admits Negligence

Verdict: $11,753 read more ▹

Date: December 2010

Verdict: $11,753

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. M. Samer Kholoki (Internist)

Summary: Defendant made a left turn in front of Plaintiff causing a collision. Plaintiff claimed the impact caused abdominal abrasions, chest wall pain, finger laceration, three bulging discs at L3-S1, L4-5 stenosis, spondylolisthesis, facet hypertrophy, L-5 radiculopathy, lumbosacral strain, aggravation of pre-existing asymptomatic degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine, chronic discogenic and myofascial pain, and numerous steroid and facet injections. The defense admitted negligence but contested the extent of Plaintiff’s injuries and damages.

Not Guilty Despite Admitted Negligence

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: December 2010

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. William J. Sarantos (Internist)

Summary: Plaintiffs were rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiffs stated that the Defendant was going 70-80 when he hit their car. Plaintiff Michelle claimed cervical radiculitis, protrusion, cord compression, and stenosis at C5-6, plus severe headaches and lumbar/cervical strains. Plaintiff John claimed cervical and lumbar strain/sprain. The defense admitted negligence but denied Plaintiffs were injured. There were no photos of the damage to Plaintiffs’ automobile and the property damage bill was not admitted into evidence.

Cars Collide In Intersection

Verdict: $97,443 read more ▹

Date: November 2010

Verdict: $97,443

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. David L. Spencer (Orthopedist) and Dr. Lawrence Sullivan (Orthopedist)

Summary: Two cars collided in an intersection and then struck Plaintiff’s vehicle which was stopped. Plaintiff sustained acromial impingement and arthritis in his right shoulder, minor disc herniation at L4-5, and cervical strain. Both defendants argued that the Plaintiff was not injured in the accident or was not injured to the extent claimed as he refused an ambulance at the scene and there was a nine-month gap in the treatment of his shoulder.

Man Rear-Ended At Red Light

Verdict: $7,000 read more ▹

Date: December 2010

Verdict: $7,000

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Todd Sinai, D.C. (Chiropractor)

DEF Medical: Dr. Steven Sclamberg (Orthopedist)

Summary: Plaintiff was stopped at a red light when he was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiff suffered neck/back pain and a bulging lumbar disc confirmed by MRI. The Defense contended that the impact was minor, there was minimal property damage, the Plaintiff was not injured, and that no tests confirmed the Plaintiff’s subjective complaints.

Defendant Blames Ice For Crash

Verdict: $1,185 read more ▹

Date: November 2010

Verdict: $1,185

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Joseph Panzo D.C. (Chiropractor)

Summary: Defendant claims he slid on ice and snow when he caused a collision. Plaintiff claimed a neck/back injury, a herniated disc, and headaches. The defense contended that the Plaintiff had time to avoid the impact.

Car Hit On Side By Another Driver Causing Crash

Verdict: $55,000 read more ▹

Date: November 2010

Verdict: $55,000

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Christopher Plastaras (Rehab/Physical Medicine)

Summary: Plaintiff was driving on the expressway when the Defendant changed lanes and struck the side of her car causing her to rear-end another car and then crash into crash barrels on the opposite side of the highway. Plaintiff suffered a cervical strain, myofascial pain, and aggravation of a pre-existing cervical disc protrusion. The defense argued that the Plaintiff was not injured.

Truck And Car Collide On Highway

Verdict: $5,097 read more ▹

Date: October 2010

Verdict: $5,097

County: Cook

Summary: Plaintiff contended that Defendant‘s semi-truck changed lanes and impacted her car. The defense contended that Plaintiff changed lanes in front of the truck.

Defense Contends Plaintiff Exaggerated Illness

Verdict: $6,230 read more ▹

Date: July 2010

Verdict: $6,230

County: 10th Judicial District

PLTF Medical: Dean R. Trotter (Chiropractor)

DEF Medical: Dr. David M. Johnson (Internist)

Summary: Plaintiff was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiffs claimed to have suffered soft tissue neck/back strain/sprain. The Defense contended that the Plaintiff over-treated with his chiropractor, was exaggerating his pain, and the extent of his injuries did not warrant the amount of damages sought.

Fault Disputed In Collision

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: July 2010

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: DeKalb

PLTF Medical: Dr. Michele Glasgow (Orthopedist)

Summary: Plaintiff stated that he was stopped when his car was struck by the Defendant. The defendant maintained that she was stopped on the shoulder or the road when Plaintiff’s truck struck the side of her car. Plaintiff claimed the impact caused degeneration, thinning and fraying of his rotator cuff, or aggravation of a previously operated pre-existing rotator cuff tear requiring surgery. The defense denied negligence and denied Plaintiff suffered any new injury or aggravation of the pre-existing injury.

$375,000 For construction site injury caused by faulty equipment. Client C.C. from Antioch, Lake County, Illinois read more ▹

a man suffered torn rotator cuff and fractured knee requiring a knee replacement as a result of falling from faulty scaffolding on a construction site.

$180,000 Awarded for multiple injuries. Client K.K. from Antioch, Lake County, Illinois read more ▹

a woman suffered injuries to her right arm and injuries to her back as a result of falling debris from a construction project in downtown Waukegan, Lake County, Illinois

Construction Defect Blamed for Water Damage to Building

Verdict: $601,571 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $601,571

County: Cook

PLTF Experts: James I. Daniel (Civil Engineer) and James A. Blackmore (Construction)

DEF Experts: Norbert V. Krogstad (Architect), Daniel J. Dowell (Construction) and Meredith Miller (Document Examiner).

Summary: Plaintiff sued Defendant for breach of a construction contract. The subcontractor improperly applied masonry to the building resulting in extensive reconstruction costs and relocation.

Doctor Against Medical Group

Verdict: 125,000 read more ▹

Date: December 2010

Verdict: 125,000

County: Cook

Summary: Plaintiff cardiologist left his employment with his medical group. The medical group, per the employment contract, was supposed to send a letter to all of Plaintiff’s patients informing them of his departure and how to contact him. The medical group failed to do this.

Plaintiff Sues For Unpaid Commissions

Verdict: $222,184 read more ▹

Date: November 2010

Verdict: $222,184

County: USDC IL NE

Summary: Plaintiff claimed that she was owed commission on three accounts that she worked on while employed with Internap. Internap had provided Plaintiff with a document that provided the terms for how her commissions would be paid and paid them to her pursuant to that document, except for the three in question. The defense argued that there was another contract in force and that Internap had the right to reduce Plaintiff’s commissions at any time. The defense could not produce a signed copy of this second document.

Man severely scarred when bitten by his friend’s dog.

Verdict: $95,000 read more ▹

Verdict: $95,000

Summary: Client from Lake in the Hills, McHenry County, Illinois Severely scarred when bitten by his friend’s dog.

Face Fractured by Punch in Tavern Parking Lot

Verdict: $125,000 read more ▹

Date: September 2010

Verdict: $125,000

County: Madison

Summary: Plaintiff Thomas Rooney, D.M.D. (Maxillofacial Surgeon) was injured in a fight outside of a bar. Plaintiff asserted that the fight was because of Defendant’s intoxication which was due to alcohol that he consumed in bar. The Defense asserted that the fight was over union politics. Plaintiff suffered a shattered left eye socket which required surgery and insertion of two metal plates. Defendant pled guilty to misdemeanor battery charges in connection with the fight and settled with Plaintiff prior to trial for $10,000. The judge granted the bar a $10,000 set-off from the verdict.

Passenger Injured When Drunk Driver Has Accident

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: January 2011
Verdict: Not Guilty
County: Cook
Plaintiff Dr. Rajakumari Selvaraj (Ophthalmologist) and Dr. Mohamed Adenwalla (Ophthalmologist)
Plaintiff’s Expert: Dr. James Bryant (Pathologist)

Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a car when the driver ran into a guardrail. Plaintiff had her cell phone in her hand when the crash occurred. When the airbags deployed it caused her cell phone to leave a large cut in her right eyelid and the inside of her right eye/retina ripped requiring surgery and resulting in a permanent blind spot in her right eye. The driver of the car had a blood alcohol content of .17. Plaintiff sued the last night club that she and the driver were at. The defense contended that Plaintiff traveled to and drank with the driver of the car for a significant amount of time before going to the second nightclub where they only consumed two drinks each. Plaintiff previously received driver’s policy limits of $20,000.

Singer Hit By Car In Parking Lot

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: January 2011
Verdict: Not Guilty
County: Cook
Plaintiff: Dr. George Branovacki (Orthopedist)

Summary: A singer in a band performing at the bar, was out in the parking lot smoking a cigarette when a fight broke out between about 20 people. The Defendant was being threatened and his car was being vandalized so exited the parking lot quickly and when he returned to find his girlfriend, he struck the Plaintiff with his car. Plaintiff suffered tears of the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his left knee, as well as a fractured fibula. Plaintiff contended that the tavern and its owner were negligent in failing to provide adequate security for the premises. The defense stated that no fight occurred in the bar, that Plaintiff was part of the mob, and that Plaintiff was actually injured while jumping on the Defendant’s car trying to damage it.

Passenger Paralyzed After Drunk Driver Hits Tree

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: November 2010

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Charles Sisung (Rehab/Physical Medicine) and Yogest Gandhi (Neurosurgeon)

Summary: Plaintiff was a backseat passenger in a car that was driven by an intoxicated driver and which struck a light pole, parked cars, and a tree. Plaintiff contended that one of the Defendants operated the liquor store where the driver purchased the liquor, drank the liquor, and became intoxicated. Plaintiff and her cousin were on a date with the driver and his friend. The defense contended that Plaintiff was complicit in the drinking activities, drove around with him for several hours, and went to the liquor store with the driver to purchase the alcohol. Plaintiff had a blood alcohol content of .159.

Man Beaten With Crowbar

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: July 2010

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: 14th Judicial Circuit

PLTF Medical: Brian Bollaert, D.D.S. (Dentist)

Summary: Plaintiff was playing pool in a bar when he was struck in the face with a crowbar by an assailant who then fled. Plaintiff suffered severe facial injuries resulting in the removal of three teeth and placement of a dental bridge. Plaintiff contended that the assailant was over-served by the bar. The defense asserted that the assailant was not a customer at the bar that night and that the assailant only came in when he heard that the Plaintiff was there and assaulted the Plaintiff because of disparaging remarks he made about his girlfriend.

Man awarded damages for deceptive contract.

Verdict: $50,000 read more ▹

Grayslake man awarded $50,000 for intentional misrepresentation.

Nerve Damage, CRPS, Biceps Tendon Surgery

Verdict: $2,350,000 read more ▹

Date: November, 2010

Verdict: $2,350,000

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Irene Goldstein (Vascular Surgeon), Dr. John F. Shea (Neurosurgeon), Dr. James Ingram (Orthopedist), Dr. Thomas Wiedrich (Hand Surgeon), Dr. Scott Glaser (Pain Management) and Dr. John Fernandez, Jr. (Hand Surgeon)

PLTF Experts: Dr. Dean Louis (Hand Surgeon), Dr. Dane Chetkovich (Neurologist)

DEF Experts: Dr. Mark S. Gross (Orthopedist) and Dr. W. Bruce Ketel (Neurologist)

Summary: Plaintiff tore his left distal biceps tendon. Dr. Sheedy recommended surgical reattachment. Dr. Sheedy called in vascular surgeon, R. Irene Goldstein, who discovered the Plaintiff’s ulnar artery had been transected causing permanent median sensory nerve damage. The median nerve injury led to the development of CRPS or complex regional pain syndrome.

Mother Bleeds to Death After Childbirth

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: September 2010

Verdict: Not Guilty

Settlement: $1,500,000 – Swedish American Hospital prior to trial

County: Winnebago

PLTF Medical: Harriet Vance, R.N. (Nursing)

DEFT Medical: Dr. Mary Jo Ironside (Family Practice)

PLTF Experts: Dr. Paul Gatewood (Ob/Gyn)

DEF Experts: Dr. Julian Ullman (Ob/Gyn)

Summary: Plaintiff was admitted to Swedish American Hospital at 6:30 a.m. for the labor and delivery of her second child. At 11:00 p.m. that night a decision was made to deliver the baby via C-section. Dr. Schleicher was called to perform C-section. He was assisted by her family practitioner. After the procedure, the Plaintiff was transferred to Post-Anesthesia Care Unit at 1:03 a.m. Her pulse rates were elevated in the PACU, but all other vital signs were stable. Her care was transferred to a floor nurse at 2:15 a.m. Her vital signs were not checked again until 3:00 were it was discovered that her pulse rate had risen to 150 and her blood pressure dropped. Tests were performed and when the floor nurse checked the results at 4:10 a.m., Plaintiff’s hemoglobin had dropped to a critical level of 6.9. The family practitioner immediately ordered a transfusion and instructed the floor nurse to call Dr. Schleicher, who returned to the hospital immediately. When he arrived, the Plaintiff was in cardiac arrest and died of hemorrhagic shock. The defense argued that Dr. Schleicher properly performed the C-section. The defense also asserted that the cause of death was the nursing staff’s delay in taking her vital signs between 2:15 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., the delay in getting tests to the lab, and their lack of communication with Dr. Schleicher and other physicians.

Newborn’s Brachial Plexus Damaged During Delivery

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Michael Atherly, P.A. (Physician’s Assistant)

PLTF Experts: Dr. James Rice (Ob/Gyn)

DEF Experts: Dr. Michael G. Ross (Maternal & Fetal Medicine)

Summary: Newborn suffered left brachial plexus injury during birth. Plaintiff argued that Defendant encountered shoulder dystocia during the delivery of the infant and performed improper maneuvers in an attempt to relieve it causing stretched or torn nerves near the infant’s spine. The defense asserted that Defendant utilized the appropriate maneuvers.

Alzheimer’s Acceleration Allegedly Linked to Antibiotic

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: March 2011

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Phillip B. Gorelick (Neurologist)

PLTF Experts: Dr. Finley W. Brown, Jr. (Family Practice)

DEF Experts: Dr. Andrew B. Repasy (Geriatrics) and John P. Flaherty (Infectious Disease)

Summary: Plaintiff underwent total right knee replacement and was given intravenous Clindamycin. Plaintiff was soon transferred to a nursing home for rehab. Seven days later Plaintiff developed a fever and was prescribed Levaquin and tests were ordered. Tests revealed that the Plaintiff was positive for C. difficile infection and she was transferred back to the hospital. Plaintiff asserted that all of this led to the acceleration of her pre-existing Alzheimer’s dementia. The defense asserted that Plaintiff’s disease was already rapidly advancing and would have progressed to severe dementia in approximately the same period of time regardless of the C.difficile infection. The nursing home settled prior to trial.

Death From Undiagnosed Pulmonary Embolism

Verdict: Not Guilty, both Defendants read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: Not Guilty, both Defendants

County: Cook

PLTF Experts: Dr. Richard Zane (Emergency Medicine) Dr. David M. Systrom (Pulmonologist) and Philip Rushing Ph.D. (Economist)

DEF Experts: Dr. Richard Krause (Emergency Medicine) and Dr. Patrick Fahey (Pulmonologist)

Summary: Plaintiff was brought to the emergency room with symptoms of a heart attack. The defendant’s physician ordered cardiac consultation to rule out myocardial infarction. Six and a half hours later Plaintiff died of a massive saddle pulmonary embolus. Plaintiff’s estate contended that the Defendant physician should have ordered a diagnostic test to rule out pulmonary embolus and stated Heparin. The defense argued that a pulmonary embolism is very hard to diagnose and that the Heparin would not have helped because it would not have been administered in time to prevent the fatal pulmonary embolus.

Failure To Prevent Suicide Attempt

Verdict: Not Guilty read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: Not Guilty

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. Richard L Gamelli (Burns) and Dr. Darl Vandevender (Plastic Surgeon)

DEF Medical: Dr. Maelen Pantano (Internist)

PLTF Experts: Dr. Howard Sudak (Psychiatrist)

DEF Experts: Dr. John Zajecka (Psychiatrist) and Dr.Michael S. Easton (Psychiatrist)

Summary: Plaintiff was under the care of Defendant psychiatrist Timothy Cullinane for the five years leading up to the incident. Prior to Plaintiff seeking the help of Dr. Cullinane, he saw a different psychiatrist and had previously attempted suicide. Two years into his therapy with Dr. Cullinane he made his second suicide attempt. Plaintiff made his third suicide attempt two weeks after visiting Dr. Cullinane. At that time, he showed signs of severe depression. Plaintiff attempted suicide by dosing himself with gasoline and setting himself on fire while sitting in his car. He was rescued by a passer-by. Plaintiff suffered burns on over 70% percent of his body. Plaintiff is significantly disfigured, does not properly sweat due to the loss of his pores, and is at risk when the temperature is slightly above or below a narrow range. Plaintiff contended that Dr. Cullinane did not properly manage his psychiatric condition by failing to change his medication and offer psychotherapy. The defense asserted that Dr. Cullinane properly recommended therapy and medication changes within the standard of care and even with different medications, Plaintiff was at risk due to his mental illness.

Urinary Surgery Blamed for Bladder Damage

Verdict: $1,270.00 read more ▹

Date: February 2011

Verdict: $1,270.00

County: Cook