William V. Johnson and Sammi L. Renken of Johnson & Bell, Ltd. obtained a defense verdict in favor of University of Chicago Hospitals, a doctor, and a nurse, in an alleged birth injury case. During trial, the defense obtained a directed verdict in favor of a second nurse. The jury was hung, 9-2 in favor of the defense, as to one remaining physician. The plaintiff's counsel sought damages in excess of $65 million.
The lawsuit arose out of alleged negligence during the labor and delivery of the child in June of 1995. The plaintiff alleged that the child was injured due to lack of oxygen for 22 minutes prior to delivery and further injured by inappropriate maneuvers used to relieve head entrapment at the time of delivery. The plaintiff also argued that there was lack of informed consent for delivery via vaginal delivery rather than cesarean section. The defense experts opined that all of the care complied with the standard of care in all respects. The defense argued that the child's cerebral palsy, g-tube dependence, and developmental delay were a result of her prematurity and fetal inflammatory response syndrome.
About Johnson & Bell
Clients rely on Johnson & Bell to defend their interests in court. Since 1975, we have developed a reputation for providing legal counsel that accomplishes our clients’ business objectives. Building on a track record of success handling major catastrophic personal injury cases, Johnson & Bell continues to represent numerous clients across a broad array of business concerns. We work with clients to mediate, settle or litigate their business issues. In addition, our lawyers represent clients in a wide range of commercial transactions and commercial litigation in both State and Federal court, locally and throughout the country.
