Medical Negligence and Healthcare

When faced with a catastrophic injury lawsuit, hospitals and doctors need experienced trial lawyers who will protect their interests at every phase of the case, including jury trial. Because of the depth and excellence of Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP’s medical malpractice group, the firm has been chosen to represent many of Chicago’s major teaching hospitals, community hospitals, and long-term care facilities. At least three of those institutions first retained Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP after a Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP lawyer defended a co-defendant at trial, and the hospital decided to make the switch. The firm also has long-standing relationships with medical malpractice insurance carriers—both primary and excess—and its lawyers are often requested by individual physicians because of their reputation in the medical community.
 

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP lawyers have a reputation for taking high exposure cases to trial, which is necessary to successful negotiation of selected cases. The firm’s lawyers work with clients to achieve their goals in a cost efficient manner. They are experienced in alternative dispute resolution and are creative in developing settlement strategies when warranted. Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys identify systems and practices that might increase the risk of future litigation and work with their clients to minimize those risks.

Not only do Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys understand the complex medical and technical issues crucial to presenting a winning case to a jury, they also use that understanding to counsel physicians and hospital personnel about management of cases and potential claims. The firm’s attorneys lecture frequently at local law schools and bar associations concerning medical malpractice and healthcare issues, and often make presentations at risk management seminars and meetings of physician groups to discuss the legal and tactical aspects of medical malpractice litigation.

Attorneys

News

Reveille and Charles Secure Defense Verdict for Client in Multi-Defendant Medical Negligence Case (Mar. 18, 2025)
Greubel, Judge and Slovis Obtain A Not Guilty Verdict in High-Stakes Medical Negligence Case (Mar. 12, 2025)
Thevatheril & Acuna Obtain Defense Verdict on behalf of Radiologist and Group in a Medical Negligence Case in Winnebago County, IL (Jan. 31, 2025)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Recognized as 2025 Illinois Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars (Jan. 23, 2025)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Recognized as Leading Lawyers and Emerging Lawyers for 2025 (Jan. 10, 2025)
Thevatheril and Masini Obtain Defense Verdict In One of The Last Cook-County Medical Malpractice Cases for 2024 (Dec. 31, 2024)
Kettering to Serve on IAHA Board of Directors for 2025-26 Term (Dec. 02, 2024)
Thevatheril and Buckley Obtain A Defense Verdict in High-Exposure Medical Malpractice Case (Nov. 25, 2024)
Greubel and Slovis Obtain A Not Guilty Verdict in High-Stakes Medical Negligence Case (Nov. 25, 2024)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Recognized in 2025 Best Law Firms Rankings (Nov. 07, 2024)
Todorceva to Moderate Panel at Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys' 42nd Annual Health Law Symposium (Oct. 29, 2024)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Sponsors IAHA 42nd Annual Health Law Symposium (Oct. 16, 2024)
Bruer and Buckley Obtain Defense Verdict in High-Stakes Medical Malpractice Case (Sep. 30, 2024)
Henne Obtains a Not Guilty Verdict In High-Stakes Criminal Jury Trial (Sep. 27, 2024)
Levitt Acuna Named to 2024 Law Bulletin Media's 40 Under Forty List (Sep. 10, 2024)
Thevatheril and Masini Obtain Defense Verdict In High-Stakes Medical Malpractice Case (Sep. 09, 2024)
Ferrill and Keig Obtain Defense Verdict In High-Stakes Medical Malpractice Case (Aug. 07, 2024)
Bruer and Buckley Obtain Defense Verdict in Medical Malpractice Case (Aug. 01, 2024)
Reveille and Fahrenbach Secure Defense Verdict in High-Stakes Medical Malpractice Case (Jun. 19, 2024)
Ferrill and Slovis Obtain Defense Verdict In High-Stakes Medical Malpractice Case (Apr. 05, 2024)
Danekas, Acuna and Slovis Obtain Defense Verdict In High-Stakes Medical Malpractice Case (Mar. 12, 2024)
Keig to Speak at Loyola University Chicago School of Law's Panel Discussion (Feb. 27, 2024)
Acuna Named to Crain's 2024 Notable Women in Law List (Feb. 19, 2024)
Charles and Masini to Speak on Legal and Healthcare Careers at Evanston Township High School (Feb. 07, 2024)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Sponsors Chicagoland Healthcare Risk Management Society 2024 Winter Meeting (Feb. 05, 2024)
Rogers and Fallon Secure Defense Verdict in High-Stakes Medical Malpractice Case (Jan. 31, 2024)
Masini to Serve as a Mentor for the Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Section 2024 Law Practice Tracks Program (Jan. 30, 2024)
Greubel and Charles Obtain Defense Verdict In Medical Malpractice Case (Jan. 15, 2024)
Masini to Speak at The Chicago Bar Association's Health Law Committee Meeting (Jan. 03, 2024)
Bruer and Buckley Obtain Defense Verdict in Medical Malpractice Case (Dec. 19, 2023)
Nickels and Griffin Secure Defense Verdict In High Stakes Medical Malpractice Case (Dec. 18, 2023)
Kettering to Moderate Panel At Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys' 41st Annual Health Law Symposium (Nov. 06, 2023)
Reveille and Judge Secure Defense Verdict in High Stakes Medical Malpractice Case (Nov. 03, 2023)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Recognized in 2024 Best Law Firms Rankings (Nov. 02, 2023)
Bruer and Acuna Obtain Defense Verdict In Medical Malpractice Case (Oct. 23, 2023)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Sponsors Duly Health and Care Charitable Fund Fundraiser (Sep. 26, 2023)
William J. Rogers to Speak at 7th Annual Chicago Sports Summit 2023 (Aug. 30, 2023)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Two Associates (Aug. 29, 2023)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2024 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch Lists (Aug. 17, 2023)
Greubel and Buckley Obtain Defense Verdict In Retrial of Medical Malpractice Case (Aug. 09, 2023)
Keating, Hogan and Vantine to Speak in WTW Healthcare Risk Management Webinar (Jun. 21, 2023)
Ferrill to Speak on ‘Social Media and Health Care Professionals' During 2023 Medical Staff Grand Rounds (May. 09, 2023)
Thevatheril and Acuna Obtain Defense Verdict In Medical Malpractice Case (May. 08, 2023)
Thevatheril and Kramer to Present at Medical Professional Liability Association's Claims Defense Forum (Apr. 26, 2023)
Kettering Moderates Fertility Medicine Panel at DePaul College of Law - JHLI Symposium (Mar. 14, 2023)
Henne, Masini to Present at Chicago Healthcare Risk Management Society Winter Meeting (Feb. 03, 2023)
Danekas, Acuna Obtain Defense Verdict In Medical Malpractice Case (Jan. 30, 2023)
Wiegler, Buckley Obtain Defense Verdict in High-Stakes Medical Negligence Case (Jan. 27, 2023)
Four Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Associates Named Partner (Jan. 05, 2022)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Lateral Associate, New Law School Graduates (Dec. 09, 2021)
Weiler, Reveille Speak at CHRMS Chicago Law Day on Prejudgment Interest (Nov. 16, 2021)
Greubel Speaks at ACI Forum on Obstetric Malpractice Claims (Nov. 11, 2021)
Best Lawyers Names Mass Tort Litigation, Environmental, Product Liability Practices to Annual List (Nov. 04, 2021)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2022 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch Lists (Aug. 19, 2021)
Five Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP (Aug. 10, 2021)
Monaco Speaks at CBA Seminar on Litigating During COVID-19 (Mar. 22, 2021)
Nickels Discusses Medical Negligence Trial Topics at ISBA Panel (Mar. 09, 2021)
Recent Law School Graduates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP (Feb. 19, 2021)
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 25 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys (Feb. 02, 2021)
Ferrill, Boyle Speak at Chicago Healthcare Risk Management Society Winter Meeting (Jan. 18, 2021)
Three Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Partner (Jan. 18, 2021)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2021 (Jan. 11, 2021)
Albright Speaks at Chicago Healthcare Risk Management Society Law Day (Nov. 16, 2020)
Best Lawyers Names Mass Tort Litigation, Personal Injury, Product Liability Practices to Annual List (Nov. 05, 2020)
Thevatheril Speaks at Obstetric Malpractice Claims Conference (Nov. 04, 2020)
Ferrill Named to Law Bulletin Media's 40 Under 40 (Oct. 05, 2020)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2021 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch Lists (Aug. 20, 2020)
Three Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP (Jul. 16, 2020)
Reveille Addresses Litigating High Stakes Medical Malpractice Trials at CBA Presentation (Feb. 26, 2020)
Seven Associates Named Partner at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP (Jan. 29, 2020)
Switzer, Ferrill Recognized with Trial Lawyer Excellence Award (Nov. 05, 2019)
Best Lawyers Names Mass Tort Litigation, Personal Injury, Product Liability Practices to Annual List (Nov. 01, 2019)
Seven Lateral Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP (Sep. 16, 2019)
Kramer Speaks at Chicagoland Risk Forum (Sep. 09, 2019)
Seven Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2020 Best Lawyers List (Aug. 15, 2019)
Crain's Chicago Business Names Five Attorneys to Notable Gen X Leaders in Law list (May. 31, 2019)
Law360 Profiles New Lateral Partner Will Greubel (Apr. 10, 2019)
Lateral Partner Joins Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP's Medical Negligence and Healthcare Practice (Mar. 27, 2019)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names Six New Partners (Feb. 01, 2019)
Report Names Illinois, Missouri Courts as "Judicial Hellholes" (Dec. 05, 2018)
Reveille, Ferrill Address Anatomy of a Medical Malpractice Trial (Nov. 02, 2018)
Best Lawyers Names Mass Tort Litigation, Personal Injury, Product Liability Practices to Annual List (Nov. 01, 2018)
BTI Consulting Names Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP A Standout in Commercial Litigation (Oct. 19, 2018)
Ferrill Speaks at CBA Trial Tips Presentation (Oct. 17, 2018)
Chicago Lawyer Magazine Names Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Case "One of Three Best Defense Wins" of 2018 (Oct. 10, 2018)
Law360 Profiles Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP for 2018 Illinois Regional Powerhouse Series (Sep. 12, 2018)
Leading Lawyers Names Drumke, Schichtel, Rogers to Top 10 Lists (Aug. 31, 2018)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Recognized as Law360 Illinois Regional Powerhouse (Aug. 29, 2018)
Schichtel Profiled in Leading Lawyers Magazine (Aug. 27, 2018)
Five Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2019 Best Lawyers List (Aug. 15, 2018)
Seven Lateral Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP (Jun. 29, 2018)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Obtains Five Defense Verdicts in 25 Days (Jun. 19, 2018)
Lateral Associates, Law School Graduates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP (Feb. 05, 2018)
Ferrill Guest Lectures at Notre Dame Law School (Jan. 30, 2018)
Illinois Appellate Court Affirms Trial Court Ruling for Medical Client (Jan. 24, 2018)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names Four New Partners (Jan. 05, 2018)
Schichtel, Weiler Successfully Appeal Apparent Agency Question to Illinois Supreme Court (Jan. 04, 2018)
Kanter Speaks at Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Annual Meeting (Nov. 27, 2017)
Fitzgerald, Rogers Author Article for "In Session" Insurance Publication (Nov. 20, 2017)
Best Lawyers Recognizes Mass Tort Litigation, Personal Injury, Product Liability Practices (Nov. 01, 2017)
Snow City Arts Receives 25th Anniversary Donation (Oct. 26, 2017)
Ferrill Guest Lectures at Notre Dame Law School (Oct. 10, 2017)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Opens Indiana Office (Oct. 06, 2017)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Celebrates 25th Anniversary, Continued Growth (Oct. 02, 2017)
Rogers Named President for Society of Trial Lawyers (Sep. 13, 2017)
Thumbuddy Special Receives 25th Anniversary Donation (Aug. 28, 2017)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2018 Best Lawyers List (Aug. 23, 2017)
Three Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP (Jul. 25, 2017)
Kramer Authors Article for IDC Civil Practice Committee Newsletter (May. 17, 2017)
Kocour Profiled in WBAI Newsletter for Member Monday (Feb. 20, 2017)
Thevatheril Speaks at National Forum on Neurotrauma, Brain & Spine Medical Legal Issues (Jan. 17, 2017)
Ferrill Offers Trial Tips on CBA Panel (Jan. 13, 2017)
Report Names Illinois, Missouri Courts as “Judicial Hellholes” (Jan. 04, 2017)
Law Bulletin Recognizes Wiegler on "40 Under Forty" List (Nov. 22, 2016)
Reveille Presents Case Law Update at CHRMS Law Day (Nov. 17, 2016)
Levitt Completes Second Ironman Long-Distance Triathlon (Oct. 27, 2016)
SMB Recognized for “Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case” (Oct. 27, 2016)
Ferrill Talks Trial Preparation and Presentation at CBA Event (Oct. 26, 2016)
Larson, Terselic Obtain Defense Verdict in Lake County Case (Sep. 23, 2016)
Rogers Named Vice President for Society of Trial Lawyers (Sep. 12, 2016)
Thevatheril, Anderson Earn Dismissal in Medical Negligence Case (Aug. 15, 2016)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers List (Aug. 15, 2016)
Rogers, Lengerich Win Summary Judgment Motion in Medical Negligence Action (Aug. 03, 2016)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Four Lateral Attorneys (Jul. 27, 2016)
Kocour, Schneider Win Summary Judgment Motion in Medical Negligence Case (Jul. 27, 2016)
Switzer, Albright Obtain Defense Verdict in Medical Negligence Case (Jun. 30, 2016)
Four Lateral Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP (Jun. 23, 2016)
Kocour Elected to Membership in American Board of Trial Advocates (Jun. 01, 2016)
Rogers, Donohue Obtain Defense Verdict for Anesthesiologist (May. 25, 2016)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Receives Not Guilty Verdict in Medical Malpractice Defense Case (Apr. 18, 2016)
Kanter Moderates Judges' Panel at Medical Malpractice Catastrophic Injury Conference (Mar. 02, 2016)
Wiegler Speaks at Perioperative Medicine Summit (Feb. 29, 2016)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names New Partners (Jan. 12, 2016)
Thevatheril Moderates Judges' Panel at ACI Medical Malpractice Catastrophic Injury Seminar (Jan. 05, 2016)
Lateral Associates, Law School Grads Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP (Dec. 17, 2015)
Three Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers (Aug. 17, 2015)
Associate General Counsel, Lateral Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP (Jul. 30, 2015)
Schichtel, Weiler and Schneider Win Opinion in Illinois Appellate Court for Hospital Client (Jun. 26, 2015)
Thevatheril Speaks at American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Meeting (Jun. 01, 2015)
Kramer Addresses Nursing Home Litigation at CBA Seminar (May. 08, 2015)
Schichtel Named to "Top 10 Women Civil Defense" Attorney List (Apr. 09, 2015)
Wiegler Speaks at Perioperative Medical Summit (Mar. 03, 2015)
Best Lawyers Recognizes Personal Injury Defense, Product Liability Practices (Jan. 29, 2015)
'12 Day Defensive Hot Streak' Highlighted in Law Bulletin Article (Nov. 25, 2014)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Obtains Four Not Guilty Verdicts in 11 Days (Nov. 19, 2014)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP's Indiana Practice, New Attorneys Highlighted in Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Article (Oct. 28, 2014)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Obtains Not Guilty Verdict for Client Centegra Hospital - McHenry (Oct. 27, 2014)
Schichtel Honored with Two Awards in October (Oct. 24, 2014)
Lateral Partner, Four Lateral Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP (Oct. 21, 2014)
Three Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers (Aug. 21, 2014)
Kramer Speaks at Illinois Nursing Home Administrators Conference (Aug. 14, 2014)
Nickels Spotlighted in "Law Firm Leaders" Article (Jun. 27, 2014)
Lateral Associates, New Grad Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP (Jun. 04, 2014)
Wiegler Speaks at Perioperative Medicine Summit (Feb. 24, 2014)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names New Equity, Non-Equity Partners (Jan. 13, 2014)
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law Names Martin Alumnus of Distinction (Dec. 10, 2013)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Three Associates (Nov. 18, 2013)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Named to Best Lawyers' List (Nov. 01, 2013)
Wills, Martin Named to 2014 Best Lawyers in America List (Aug. 15, 2013)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names New Partners, Welcomes New Associate (Jan. 14, 2013)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Three New Associates (Nov. 26, 2012)
Helms Receives Jury Verdict Reporter Trial Lawyer Excellence Award For Career Achievement (Nov. 08, 2012)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys, Guests Go “Retro” For Thumbuddy Special (Oct. 03, 2012)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Two Associates (May. 15, 2012)
Toxic Tort Team, Former Patent Examiner Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP (Mar. 19, 2012)
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Profiles Wehrman, New CARA President (Feb. 17, 2012)
Verdict Recognized in Chicago Lawyer Year in Review Supplement (Jan. 31, 2012)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names New Partners (Jan. 23, 2012)
Swanson Receives Jury Verdict Reporter Trial Lawyer Excellence Award For Lifetime Achievement (Nov. 11, 2011)
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys and Guests “Glow” For Thumbuddy Special (Oct. 19, 2011)
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Features Article on SMB Event (Oct. 18, 2010)