Rogers & Charles Obtain Defense Verdict in High-Stakes Medical Malpractice Case
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys William J. Rogers and Rebecca Charles obtained a defense, not guilty verdict on behalf of their client, a cardiologist, after a three-week trial in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.
Plaintiff sought wrongful death and survival damages for the death of a patient who had a stroke in a suburban hospital after anticoagulation medicine was ordered by the cardiologist and the co-defendant neurologist for the patient’s atrial fibrillation. After the stroke, the patient spent six months in hospitals and in rehabilitation facilities.
Plaintiff claimed that the defendant committed malpractice by ordering the anticoagulation and caused plaintiff’s wrongful death and survival damages. Plaintiff claimed that a reversal agent should have been used when bleeding occurred after the anticoagulation was given. The defense emphasized the plaintiff’s underlying medical history and the medical analysis that was used to determine the appropriate use of the anticoagulation. Also, the reversal agent was contraindicated. The jury also found the co-defendant, neurologist, not guilty.
William J. Rogers is a trial lawyer who has tried jury cases in federal, state, and municipal courts and has written and argued appeals in the Seventh Circuit, Illinois Supreme Court, and Illinois Appellate Court. Learn more about William and his practice here.
Rebecca Charles is an associate in our Chicago office. She represents hospitals, physicians, nurses, long-term care and skilled nursing facilities, as well as independent living facilities. Rebecca’s practice also encompasses the defense of general liability, product liability, and commercial lawsuits. Learn more about Rebecca and her practice here.
