Greubel, Judge and Slovis Obtain A Not Guilty Verdict in High-Stakes Medical Negligence Case
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys William P. Greubel, III, McRay Judge, and Ryan M. Slovis secured a defense verdict at trial on behalf of their clients, an orthopedic surgeon and a Chicago-area hospital system, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.
The case concerns a 30-year-old male who sustained a severe multi-ligament knee injury involving damage to the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament), PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament), and PLC (Posterolateral Corner) ligaments. The defendant, orthopedic surgeon, performed a complex multi-ligament reconstruction surgery three months after the injury. The procedure, which lasted over 10 hours and involved multiple tourniquet cycles, was technically demanding. Following the surgery, the plaintiff experienced a series of serious complications, including rhabdomyolysis, compartment syndrome and infection. The results of which required an additional 20 surgeries and a three month inpatient hospitalization. His resulting injuries include a functionally fused right knee and an inability to walk without assistance.
The plaintiff alleged that all complications resulted from negligence, specifically citing prolonged surgical times and multiple tourniquet cycles. During the trial, the defense contended that these complications were known and recognized risks of such a procedure and were not attributable to the surgeon’s negligence. They further effectively argued that the duration of the surgery and tourniquet use were within reasonable limits.
The plaintiff asked the jury for $36 million. Following a 4-week trial, the jury returned a verdict for the defense. The case was tried before Judge Scott D. McKenna.
