Ferrill and Ward Secure Defense Verdict in Medical Malpractice Trial

Swanson, Martin & Bell attorneys Sarah A. Ferrill and Nicolette A. Ward secured a defense verdict on behalf of a longtime orthopedic surgeon client in a medical malpractice case in which the plaintiff sought more than $23,000,000 in damages.

The plaintiff alleged that the surgeon negligently evaluated him for a high tibial osteotomy, performed a contraindicated procedure and selected an improper incision site near a prior ACL repair scar. He claimed the alleged negligence resulted in a permanent knee injury that prevented him from returning to work as a police officer.

At trial, the defense presented expert testimony establishing that the decision to perform the high tibial osteotomy was reasonable and well within the surgeon’s professional judgment, that the procedure was not contraindicated and that the surgery was performed within the applicable standard of care. After hearing the evidence, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defense. The case was tried before Judge Thomas Cushing.

Sarah A. Ferrill focuses her practice on the defense of medical negligence claims, representing hospitals, physicians, physician groups, nurses and other healthcare professionals. She also has significant experience defending pharmaceutical, medical device, product liability and general tort matters. Learn more about Sarah and her practice here.

Nicolette Ward represents hospitals, physicians and other healthcare professionals in medical negligence litigation, while also handling general tort and product liability matters throughout Illinois. Before joining the firm, she gained extensive trial and litigation experience at a prominent Chicago plaintiffs’ firm, handling wrongful death and personal injury cases. Learn more about Nicolette and her practice here.