Defense Verdict Secured in Medical Malpractice Trial Involving Lurie Children’s Hospital Transfer
Attorneys Steven E. Danekas and Shannon E. Buckley of Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, successfully secured a defense verdict in a medical malpractice trial. Their client, a pediatric anesthesiologist, was accused of deviating from the standard of care during the treatment of a newborn undergoing general anesthesia for gastrostomy tube placement. The plaintiff sought damages ranging from $17 million to $23 million. The case involved a complex airway, an emergency tracheostomy, and the subsequent transfer of the newborn to Lurie Children’s Hospital for a higher level of care. A posterior tracheal tear was later discovered, leading to tracheal reconstruction. The plaintiff alleged that the child suffered a hypoxic ischemic injury during the airway and tracheostomy procedure, as well as during later treatment involving cardiopulmonary bypass and a code event. After several weeks of trial, the jury deliberated for approximately 52 minutes before returning a verdict in favor of the defense.
