Biography
Elizabeth Bruer focuses her practice in the representation of hospitals, physicians, nurses and other health care providers. Since joining the firm in 2002, Elizabeth has tried jury trials in medical negligence, product liability and transportation matters. Most recently, in 2016, Elizabeth was part of the team that achieved a not guilty verdict on behalf of a hospital after plaintiff asked the jury to award damages of $84 million.
At Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, Elizabeth serves as co-chair of the firm’s Medical Negligence and Healthcare practice group. She is also a member of the Recruiting Committee.
Practices
Medical Negligence and Healthcare
Product Liability
General Trial Practice
Awards
- Selected for inclusion in Leading Lawyers, 2024-2025
- Selected for inclusion in Leading Lawyers, 2021
- Selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers - Rising Stars Edition in 2012-2017
- Selected as one of Leading Lawyers’ Illinois Emerging Lawyers in 2015
Presentations
- “Medical Malpractice: An Attorney’s Perspective,” American College of Radiology Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., May 2015
- “Anatomy of a Medical-Legal Case,” Chicago-area perinatal hospital network, June 2014
News
January 10, 2025
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Recognized as Leading Lawyers and Emerging Lawyers for 2025
Fifty-three Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 edition of Leading Lawyers, published by Law Bulletin Media. This honor highlights their outstanding skill and leadership in the legal field. Attorneys selected were nominated by their peers as among the top in Illinois. Leading Lawyers recognizes the most qualified and trusted attorneys within their respective practice areas and geographical regions.
Chicago, September 30, 2024
Bruer and Buckley Obtain Defense Verdict in High-Stakes Medical Malpractice Case
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys Elizabeth A. Bruer and Shannon E. Buckley secured a defense verdict at trial on behalf of their client, a surgeon and physician group, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.
Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, St. Louis, Madison County, Indiana, Kansas City, August 15, 2024
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2025 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch Lists
Fifty-six Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys were named to the 2025 Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® lists. In addition, Partners Michael W. Drumke and Gary C. Pinter were recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" in their respective practice areas.
Chicago, August 01, 2024
Bruer and Buckley Obtain Defense Verdict in Medical Malpractice Case
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys Elizabeth A. Bruer and Shannon E. Buckley secured a defense verdict at trial on behalf of their client, an obstetrician, in the Circuit Court of DuPage County, Illinois.
Chicago, December 19, 2023
Bruer and Buckley Obtain Defense Verdict in Medical Malpractice Case
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys Elizabeth A. Bruer and Shannon E. Buckley secured a defense verdict at trial on behalf of their client, a prominent hospital, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.
Chicago, October 23, 2023
Bruer and Acuna Obtain Defense Verdict In Medical Malpractice Case
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys Elizabeth A. Bruer and Jessica Levitt Acuna secured a defense verdict at trial on behalf of their client, a prominent hospital, in the Circuit Court of DuPage County, Illinois.
September 26, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Sponsors Duly Health and Care Charitable Fund Fundraiser
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP and partners Elizabeth A. Bruer, Marie K. Lynch, and Jessica Levitt Acuna are proud to sponsor the "Care Affair Uncorked" fundraiser hosted by the Duly Health and Care Charitable Fund on October 7 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, Madison County, January 11, 2021
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2021
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommended by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.
Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, Madison County, February 3, 2020
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2020
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommended by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.
Chicago, January 16, 2019
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2019
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommend by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.
Chicago, October 10, 2018
Chicago Lawyer Magazine Names Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Case "One of Three Best Defense Wins" of 2018
Per the Chicago Lawyer article, "experts independently concluded that Hampton died from a viral myocarditis. The plaintiff attorneys did not collect on any of the $11 million they requested after the jury deliberated for about two hours."
Chicago, September 7, 2018
Law360 Profiles Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP for 2018 Illinois Regional Powerhouse Series
According to the article, "Swanson's attorneys have flexed their muscles in several Illinois courtrooms this year, helping to fend off more than $100 million in claimed damages in several suits rooted in the firm's more institutional areas of practice."
Chicago, June 19, 2018
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Obtains Five Defense Verdicts in 25 Days
In a span of 25 days from late April to late May 2018, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys obtained five defense verdicts at trial on behalf of clients in five Medical Negligence and Healthcare cases in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.
Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, Madison County, January 23, 2018
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2018
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommend by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.
Chicago, January 16, 2017
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 38 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 38 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2017 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.
Chicago, October 27, 2016
SMB Recognized for “Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case”
Aiju C. Thevatheril, Elizabeth A. Bruer and Jessica A. Levitt received a Trial Lawyer Excellence Award at this month’s Jury Verdict Reporter Awards.
Chicago, May 5, 2016
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers List
Thirty-six Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys were named Leading Lawyers or Emerging Lawyers.
Chicago, April 18, 2016
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Receives Not Guilty Verdict in Medical Malpractice Defense Case
The plaintiff's attorney asked the jury for $77 - $85 million before the not guilty verdict.
Chicago, January 13, 2016
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 39 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 39 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2015 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.
Chicago, January 12, 2015
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 39 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 39 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2015 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.
January 13, 2014
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 39 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 39 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2014 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.
January 3, 2013
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 39 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 39 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2013 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.
January 23, 2012
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names New Partners
The firm's new partners focus on a variety of practice areas.
January 3, 2012
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 34 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 23 of its attorneys were recognized as Illinois Super Lawyers, while 11 others were recognized as Rising Stars.
