Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys Kristine C. Reveille and Katherine R. Fahrenbach obtained a defense verdict in a jury trial on behalf of their clients, a cardiologist and his group, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.
In this case, the plaintiff alleged that the defendant cardiologist improperly diagnosed pericardial effusion and impending tamponade during a defibrillator placement procedure and performed an unnecessary pericardiocentesis, during which time he injured the left ventricle, necessitating open heart surgery. Plaintiff further claimed the defendant negligently failed to diagnose and treat a vagal reaction.
In court, Kristine and Katherine skillfully argued that the cardiologist appropriately diagnosed pericardial effusion and impending tamponade after injuring the right ventricle during the defibrillator placement and appropriately treated it by performing the pericardiocentesis. They argued that the standard of care did not require diagnosis or treatment of a vagal reaction at any time. Finally, they argued that the injuries to the right and left ventricles were known risks and complications that happened in the absence of negligence.
Plaintiff asked the jury for $3 million. After approximately five hours of deliberation, the jury returned a not guilty verdict in favor of the defense. The case was tried before Judge Patricia O'Brien Sheahan.
Kristine C. Reveille is a Partner at the firm’s Chicago office. She concentrates her practice in the representation of physicians, physician groups, nurses, hospitals, and other healthcare providers in medical malpractice cases. Learn more about Kristine and her practice.
Katherine R. Fahrenbach is an associate at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP in Chicago. She concentrates her practice in civil litigation and is a member of the firm's Medical Negligence and Healthcare practice and group and focuses her practice on the representation of hospitals, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers in medical malpractice lawsuits. Additionally, she represents clients in other general tort work. Learn more about Katherine and her practice here.