JVR Trial Excellence Awards 2022

CASE REPORT

Logan Bland v Q West Inc., Little Rock-Fox Fire Protection District, et al. 15L-94 Tried Jun. 21-30, 2021

VERDICT: $41,284,723 after 20% off $51,605,904 v Q West Inc. ($821,399 past medical expenses; $11,334,505 future medical expenses; $3,000,000 past pain & suffering; $12,000,000 future pain & suffering; $5,000,000 past loss of normal life; $15,000,000 future loss of normal life; $2,700,000 disfigurement; $1,750,000 future loss of earnings; $0 shortened life expectancy); Little Rock- Fox Fire Protection District and three other defts settled out prior to trial for a total of $2,790,000.

John M. Power John Power is a founding Partner of Cogan & Power. P.C. John has successfully rep- resented victims of medical malpractice, wrongful death, serious personal injuries, and railroad injuries for 34 years. John has recovered over $375 million in verdicts and settlements. John has obtained a number of record-setting verdicts and settlements during his career. His counsel and mentor- ing are regularly sought out by fellow trial lawyers. John has fostered lasting relationships with past and current clients. With more than thirty years of experience, John has amassed an impressive list of multi-million- dollar verdicts and settlements but is most proud of his lengthy list of satisfied clients. Even with his busy litigation practice, John makes time to serve his community. John is a primary benefactor for the Lazarus House, an organization that provides tran- sitional housing for people that experience homelessness. He sits on the board of the Tri-Cities Health Partnership, an organiza- tion providing free health and dental care to individuals in need.

JUDGE: Stephen L. Krentz (IL, Kendall 23rd Jud Cir)

PLTF ATTY(S): John M. Power, Sara M. Davis of Cogan & Power (Chicago, IL), Daniel K. Cetina of Walsh, Knippen & Cetina (Wheaton, IL) DEMAND: $1,000,000 policy withdrawn ASKED: $51,605,904 DEFT ATTY(S): Dan L. Boho, Michael P. Adams of Hinshaw & Culbertson (Chicago, IL) for Q West Inc. (Stonegate Insurance) OFFER: QWI $1,000,000 policy

PLTF MEDL: Dr. Peter Lee (Neurosurgeon)

PLTF EXPERT(S): Dr. Sean Salehi (Neurosurgeon); Dr. Michelle Gittler (Rehab/ Physical Medicine); David Gibson (Vocational Economics Analyst); Patricia Cline (Life Care Planner); Brian Carroll (Security) DEFT EXPERT(S): Russell Kolins of Kolins Security Group, 1528 Walnut St., #600, Philadelphia, PA (215-735-2131)(Security) for Q West Inc. Pltf M-23 customer consumed alcohol at Q West Inc. (d/b/a the Q Bar) in Plano on the evening of Nov. 13, 2015. After pltf became intoxicated, several bounc- ers removed him from the establishment around midnight. Pltf asserted the security team acted negligently and used excessive force by flipping his legs over his head during the ejection, causing him to land on his neck. He sustained spinal fractures at C5-7 which resulted in incomplete quadriplegia ($821,399 past medical expenses,$11,334,505 future medical expenses, $1,418,175- $2,097,336 future lifetime LT). The defense argued Q West employees acted reasonably and pltf was contributorily negligent for failing to drink responsibly, becoming intoxicated, failing to leave the premises when requested, refusing to cooperate with deft’s employees, refusing to leave peacefully when asked to do so,and physically resisting attempts by security personnel to remove him. Prior to trial, Little Rock-Fox FPD settled out for$1,300,000, an emergency room doctor and his group settled out for $490,000, and a confidential hospital settled for$1,000,000. Pltf’s counsel reports the $1 million policy demand from Q West was made in 2017 and expired, but Q West did not offer the policy until a motions in limine conference shortly before trial. The jury deliberated approximately three hours. The award is the highest Kendall County verdict in JVR records. This case was the subject of a Chicago Daily Law Bulletin article on July 12, 2021.

JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2022 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 77

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