More than 3500 trial attorneys and Illinois judges were in attendance on the evening of November 1st as the Jury Verdict Reporter, a division of Chicago-based Law Bulletin Media, hosted its annual reception and awards for Trial Lawyer Excellence at RPM Events. Thirty-four professionals from both sides of the trial bar received individual Trial Lawyer Excellence awards in one of fifteen 2023 categories. Additionally, John W. Bell of Johnson & Bell Ltd and Thomas A. Demetrio of Corboy & Demetrio PC were recognized with Lifetime Achievement awards for their body of trial work, leadership, mentoring and contributions to the legal community.
FEATURING LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS John W. Bell | Thomas A. Demetrio ATTORNEY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS James J. Stamos | David C. Burtker
PLUS RECORD AWARDS AND OUTSTANDING DEFENSE VERDICTS
CELEBRATING NEARLY 50 YEARS OF OBTAINING JUSTICE FOR OUR CLIENTS.
Congratulations to John W. Bell on receiving the Defense Attorney Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Annual JVR Awards for Trial Lawyer Excellence. Cheers to yet another “Big Win” for a great trial lawyer who helped to establish Johnson & Bell as a preeminent trial law firm.
CHICAGO | CROWN POINT | 312-372-0770 | JOHNSONANDBELL.COM
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INTRODUCTION
Over the past 30 years, the Jury Verdict Reporter has evolved from a weekly one-page printed newsletter to a research tool with over 55,000 Illinois cases in Lawyerport and a digital eNewsletter that features verdicts and settlements from across the state and beyond. Leading this tremendous growth was JVR Editor John Kirkton and senior staff Christine Davis and Beth Zaretsky. Their knowledge of verdicts and settlements as well as the respect they have earned with members of the trial bar have allowed them to evolve the JVR into an essential research tool that JVR founder Max Sonderby would never have imagined. However, Max would have appreciated and been proud of their efforts to significantly expand the information provided in JVR case reports. Illinois attorneys and judges use Jury Verdict Reporter information to find comparable verdicts and settlements, expert witness trial history and overall trial strategy. JVR reports have become a must-have case evaluation resource for civil litigators. As we grow and improve, our JVR writers continue Law Bulletin’s standard of fair and accurate reporting. On November 1, 2023, the Jury Verdict Reporter and Law Bulletin Media hosted their annual JVR Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards ceremony and reception in the RPM Events space in Chicago. The event, which was attended by over 350 trial lawyers and judges, recognized significant achievements by lawyers for both the plaintiff and defense. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement awards to attorneys John W. Bell and Thomas A. Demetrio. This magazine commemorates the ceremony and includes photographs of the lawyers who were honored for their trial work, as well as other notable guests. On behalf of the Law Bulletin Media and the staff of the Jury Verdict Reporter, we extend our thanks to the plaintiff and defense trial attorneys for their contributions of case information and the cooperation we receive throughout our investigative process. We acknowledge that, without your participation, the Jury Verdict Reporter would not be the valuable resource it has become.
Peter V. Mierzwa President & Publisher
4 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
JURY VERDICT REPORTER
12 Outstanding Defense Verdict in an Auto Case
Peter V. Mierzwa President
14 Highest Reported Will County Verdict or Settlement for a Medical Malpractice Case
Amanda Monto Marketing Manager
18 Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case
Julie Leuck Design Manager
24 Highest Reported Illinois Verdict or Settlement for an Ankle Injury
Susan Englund Production Designer
28 Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Street Hazard Case
Adam Hrejsa Account Executive
32 Highest Reported Will County Verdict or Settlement for a Work Injury
John Leonard Senior Account Executive
36 Outstanding Defense Verdict in an Auto Case
Christine Davis JVR Associate Editor
38 Defense Attorney
Beth Ann Zaretsky JVR Legal Writer
Achievement Awards
40 Highest Reported Illinois Verdict or Settlement for an Organ Transplant
Erica Boorstein JVR Legal Writer
44 Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Premises Case
Copyright ©2024 by Law Bulletin Media. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system. Reproductions available from the publisher.
47 Lifetime Achievement Defense Attorney John W. Bell 57 Lifetime Achievement Plaintiff Attorney Thomas A. Demetrio 64 Highest Reported Illinois Verdict or Settlement since 2022 TLE Awards
Law Bulletin Media 415 N. State Street Chicago, IL 60654 312.644.7800 www.LawBulletinMedia.com
70 Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case
73 Outstanding Achievement - Top Firm in the 2023 JVR Annual Settlement Report
Event Photography by Rena Naltsas
JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 5
CONGRATULATIONS to our Partner James J. Stamos
on receiving the 2023 JVR Defense Attorney Achievement Award
One East Wacker Drive, Third Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60601
THE GO-TO RESOURCE FOR SUCCESSFUL TRIAL LAWYERS
The Jury Verdict Reporter is the second-oldest business of its kind in the United States. Trial lawyers have come to rely on its detailed and objective reports to accurately evaluate their cases. It was founded in 1959 by newspaper reporter Max Sonderby to collect and publish summaries detailing civil jury verdicts and negotiated settlements. Law Bulletin purchased the business in 1991, and soon began computerizing the information. We now have a fully-searchable database with over 55,000 cases available in our digital platform Lawyerport. These cases are linked to additional information on the lawyers, judges and experts involved in these cases to provide unique insights for trial lawyers, judges and mediators. The Jury Verdict Reporter summarizes cases tried or settled, highlighting the factual situation that gave rise to the litigation. We provide details about the trial lawyers, judge, venue, case name and number, award amount, specific injuries, insurer that paid the verdict or settlement, and expert witnesses who testified. In addition, the Jury Verdict Reporter staff also offers their expertise to provide a custom case research service in which they will analyze our database according to supplied factual scenarios and compile a package of comparable Illinois cases. 2023 was an exciting year for the Jury Verdict Reporter and its subscribers! Our annual JVR Settlement Report, which reviewed roughly $1.87 billion in settlements, was published in the October issue of the Chicago Lawyer magazine. Law Bulletin Media’s legal portal, Lawyerport, which facilitates access to all Law Bulletin content including the Jury Verdict Reporter, continues to be utilized by thousands of Illinois attorneys. And the Jury Verdict Reporter transitioned even more information to our weekly eNewsletter that features both verdicts and settlements.
Christine Davis, Associate Editor Jury Verdict Reporter 415 N. State Street, Chicago IL 60654 Phone: 312-644-2764 Email: cdavis@lawbulletinmedia.com
JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 7
2023 Jury Verdict Trial Lawyer
L to R, Front Row: Sharon L. Heath, Roisin L. Duffy-Gideon, Deanna N. Pihos, Margaret E. Galka, Jennifer M. Cascio, John W. Bell, Thomas A. Demetrio, Patrick A. Salvi, II, Chloe Polo, Jessica A. Biagi, Jonathan D. Treshansky, Marc A. Taxman; Middle Row: Lance D. Northcutt, Timothy W. Heath, Shawn M. Collins,
8 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Reporter Excellence Awards
Albert E. Durkin, James J. Stamos, Dennis M. Lynch, Joseph J. Miroballi, Mark M. Brennan, Michael R. Slovis, David C. Burtker, Steven M. Grossi, Sean P. Murray, Kipp B. Cornell; Back Row: Rachel S. Stern, Jonathan E. Cavins, James F. Ormond, Barbara A. Burke
JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 9
Record Breakers.
JENNIFER M. CASCIO
PATRICK A. SALVI II
LANCE D. NORTHCUTT
Highest Reported Illinois Verdict or Settlement for an Individual Plaintiff $363 Million
salvilaw.com
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MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
PERSONAL INJURY
WRONGFUL DEATH
JVR Trial Award Ad - '23 v4.indd 1
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AWARD DESCRIPTION AND METHODOLOGY
Jury Verdict Reporter Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards
In preparation for the 2023 award ceremony, the Jury Verdict Reporter team and President of Law Bulletin Media Peter Mierzwa reviewed hundreds of significant Illinois jury verdicts and negotiated settlements that had been investigated and summarized by the Jury Verdict Reporter staff. We identified several that resulted in record-setting awards for the plaintiffs or notable defense outcomes in cases with a high verdict potential. It also became apparent during this research that a handful of attorneys had compiled such a significant body of successful outcomes for their clients that they merited awards for career achievement. The list of award winners includes not only some very recognizable attorney names, but also a few surprises. Photographs and biographies of the award winners are featured throughout this commemorative publication, along with the selected case summaries from the Jury Verdict Reporter. We look forward to October of 2024, when we will again host our Annual Jury Verdict Reporter Awards Ceremony & Reception. We hope to see you there.
JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 11
▪ 2023 ▪
EXCELLENCE
Lorem ipsum Outstanding Defense Verdict
in an Auto Case
Not Guilty
PLAINTIFF ASKED $3,000,000 DEFENSE OFFER None VERDICT For the Defense
Stop Sign Plaintiff With Right of Way
T his case involved a vehicle pulling out from a stop sign and striking another vehicle on the passenger side travelling 45 miles an hour, causing that vehicle to spin around onto the grass. The case was tried in Cook County and involved both medical and accident reconstruc- tion experts. The plaintiff (M-62) aggravated a
pre-existing lumbar degeneration that required lumbar fusion surgery. There were complications after the fusion that led to a pulmonary embolism and later death. The defense claimed the plaintiff could have avoided the accident, was travelling at an improper speed and that he would have re- quired the fusion surgery regardless.
12 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
CASE REPORT
(RRR 10/3) STOP SIGN--PLTF WITH RIGHT OF WAY--WRONGFUL DEATH AND SURVIVAL ACT CLAIMS (1F)
Estate of Heinz Schelhammer, deceased v Danya Shaikh 18L-13549 Tried Nov. 1-7, 2022
Steven M. Grossi Steve is an experienced trial attorney with more than 70 reported verdicts. He has been recognized as a President’s Award and Vol- unteer of the Year Award recipient with the Illinois Defense Counsel; an ABA Free Legal Answers nationwide pro bono leader; and a member of the State Farm Rising Star Acad- emy. In almost a decade as a State Farm attorney, he has successfully represented insureds in auto, premises, construction, general negligence, and appellate matters. In all, Steve has practiced in Illinois state and federal courts since 2010, after he earned both his J.D. and B.A with a double major in economics and psychology from the Univer- sity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
VERDICT: Not Guilty
JUDGE: Israel A. Desierto (IL Cook-Law)
PLTF ATTY(S): John P. Scanlon, Michael P. Scanlon of Healy Scanlon Law Firm (Chicago, IL) DEMAND: $2,250,000. ASKED: $3,000,000 DEFT ATTY(S): Steven M. Grossi of Yvonne M. Kaminski & Associates (Chicago, IL) (State Farm) OFFER: high/low
PLTF MEDL: Dr. Sergey Neckrysh (Neurosurgeon)
PLTF EXPERT(S): Dr. Jesse Hall (Critical Care); Michael Rogers (Accident Reconstruction)
DEFT EXPERT(S): Dr. Harel Deutsch (Neurosurgeon)
Heinz Schelhammer was driving eastbound on Peterson Ave. (a through street) in Park Ridge when southbound deft pulled out from a stop sign on Fairview Ave. and struck the passenger side of Heinz’s vehicle on December 19, 2016. Impact speed was estimated at around 40 to 45 mph and caused deft’s vehicle to spin around onto the grass. Heinz (M-62) contended he suffered aggrava- tion of pre-existing lumbar degeneration; he had previously undergone lumbar spine surgery but claimed minimal or no symptoms in the years prior to the crash. Heinz experienced significantly increased complaints of back pain and symptoms, requiring an MRI and eventually lumbar fusion surgery two years later. Following the fusion, Heinz developed a deep vein thrombosis, resulting in a prolonged hospitalization, placement of an IVC filter, postop complications, pulmonary embolism, and death two weeks later ($372,428 medical expenses). The estate maintained Heinz had the right of way, deft F-30 failed to keep a proper lookout, and she was distracted by her cell phone GPS. Pltf’s accident re- construction expert testified that Heinz’s vehicle would have been visible to deft at least 700 feet away. The defense argued Heinz failed to keep a proper look- out, failed to reduce speed to avoid an accident, and was traveling at a greater speed than reasonable and proper. The defense further contended Heinz’s pre- accident back complaints were more significant than claimed, he would have needed fusion surgery regardless of the collision, and treatment gaps after the occurrence suggested he was not injured in the crash. Yvonne M. Kaminski & Assoc. is the State Farm claim litigation counsel office in Chicago. With almost 50 trial attorneys, Yvonne M. Kaminski & Assoc. represents thousands of insureds pursuant to auto and fire com - pany policies.
JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 13
▪ 2023 ▪
EXCELLENCE
Lorem ipsum
Highest Reported Will County Verdict or Settlement
for a Medical Malpractice Case
Newborn Sustained Brain Injury $15,970,000
PLAINTIFF ASKED N/A DEFENSE OFFER N/A
SETTLEMENT $15,970,000
T his case involved a child who sus- tained a brain injury at birth. The case settled the day it was set to go to trial. Allegedly, the baby’s fetal monitoring had shown signs of hypoxia, but the obstetrician
and hospital staff failed to properly and time- ly address the issue and the newborn was delivered with significant brain damage. The child now suffers from spastic quadriplegia, cortical blindness and seizures.
14 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
CASE REPORT
(SMMM F/26) (12B) CONFIDENTIAL
SETTLEMENT: $15,970,000 (IL, Will 12th Jud Cir)
PLTF ATTY(S): Joseph J. MiroballI, Albert E. Durkin, Lauren A. Levin of Miroballi, Durkin & Rudin (Chicago, IL), Robert A. Strelecky
Joseph J. Miroballi Mr. Miroballi, founding member and partner, has been a dedicated advocate for victims of wrongdoing since 1979, with a focus on medical malpractice, product liability, and construction accidents. His successful cases against major medical institutions prompted significant reforms in medication dispensing and administration practices.
Allegedly, an obstetrician and various hospital personnel failed to properly iden- tify and respond to non-reassuring fetal monitoring strips for over three hours. Further, the hospital’s neonatologist allegedly did not arrive until two minutes after delivery, and did not attempt intubation until five minutes of life. As a result, F-newborn sustained significant anoxicischemic brain damage. Now age 7, the child suffers from spastic quadriplegia, cortical blindness, seizures, and global developmental delay. This is the highest reported Will County medi- cal malpractice verdict or settlement in JVR’s records. Paid by the unnamed hospital and other medical defts. The settlement was the subject of an article in the February 4, 2019 Chicago Daily Law Bulletin newspaper.
Albert E. Durkin Mr. Durkin, a founding member of the firm with over 40 years of experience, has been serving as Counsel to the firm since 2019. He specializes in cases involving complex traumatic brain injuries and psychologi- cal injuries resulting from trauma and has achieved substantial settlements.
MDR LAW LLC boasts over 250 years of collective trial experience advocating for injury victims since 2005. They offer clients a team of highly seasoned litigators in Chicago. Their success is attributed to a collaborative approach to personal injury law and a remarkable depth of trial expertise, making them well-equipped to tackle even the most intricate and challenging cases.
JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 15
Highest Reported Will County Verdict or Settlement for a Medical Malpractice Case
Lauren Levin Budz Since joining the firm as a law clerk in 2006, Lauren Levin Budz has garnered experience in a broad range of areas from pre-litigation to trial. She was elevated to partner in 2018. Over the past 15 years as an attorney, Ms. Budz has first and second-chair experience, trying cases in the Law Divisions of Cook County and surrounding counties, focusing on complicated medical malpractice cases. Additionally, she has arbitrated and mediat- ed numerous cases successfully on behalf of the firm’s clients. Med-mal Settlement Amounts Near 10-Year High
16 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
THE COLLINS LAW FIRM, P.C.
ENVIRONMENTAL TRIAL LAWYERS
Congratulations to Shawn Collins and Margaret Galka recipients of the JVR Award for Trial Lawyer Excellence. Along with our Environmental Team (pictured above) they helped secure the Highest Reported Verdict or Settlement in 2022. $363 MILLION
CONTACT US 1-630-527-1595 1770 Park St, Suite 200 Naperville, IL 60563 www.collinslaw.com
ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION TOXIC TORTS CLASS ACTIONS
▪ 2023 ▪
EXCELLENCE
Lorem ipsum Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case
Intubation Issues Lead to Hypoxia and Brain Injury Not Guilty
PLAINTIFF ASKED $31,500,000 DEFENSE OFFER $2,000,000 VERDICT For the Defense
T his case involved a 42 year old male who suffered brain damage while being treated for DTs at defendant hospital. The Cook County trial lasted two weeks and in- cluded a dozen doctors and experts. The plain- tiff presented to the emergency room suffering from DTs and had a history of alcohol with- drawal. Plaintiff’s counsel claimed that plaintiff
suffered hypoxia due to an improper intubation by a resident. The plaintiff now has significant functional and cognitive deficits and is confined to a wheelchair, requiring 24-hour care. Plain- tiff’s experts identified the hypoxia as the main reason for the brain damage. Defense experts argued that the deficits related to plaintiff’s al - cohol abuse were the cause of the hypoxia.
18 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
CASE REPORT
(QQQ 35/2) MEDICAL MALPR.–PARTIES DISPUTE CAUSE OF BRAIN DAMAGE AFTER INTUBATION (12O)
Justin Mroz, disabled v Dr. Randy Hebert, Advocate Northside Health Network, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center,Advocate Health & Hospitals Corp., d/b/a Advocate Medical Group
Michael R. Slovis Michael R. Slovis received his legal educa- tion at DePaul University College of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctor in 1992. Imme- diately after law school, he practiced criminal law as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County Illinois. He argued numerous times before the Illinois Appellate Court and tried over 50 felony cases, including a number of murder trials. In 1995, Mr. Slovis joined Bollinger, Ruberry & Garvey and was named partner in 2000. In 2002 Mr. Slovis and David C. Burtker started the Chicago office of Cunningham, Meyer & Vedrine where he remains Managing Partner. Since 1995, Mr. Slovis has concentrated his practice in litigation with a specific focus in the areas of medical malpractice, nursing home negligence and civil rights defense. His passion and admiration for the medical pro- fession started at an early age, as his father and both grandfathers were physicians. He has tried over 30 civil cases. He believes that his success in the courtroom rests with his ability to explain complex issues to a jury. Mr. Slovis has worked directly with area hospitals and practice groups to implement risk pre- vention practices. As part of Mr. Slovis’ gen- eral defense litigation practice he continues to represent physicians and nurses in disci- plinary and licensing matters before the Illi- nois Department of Professional Regulation. In 2004 Mr. Slovis was named to the 2004 Law Bulletin Publishing Company’s 40 Attor- neys Under Forty to Watch and has been con- sistently identified since 2005 as an Illinois Super Lawyer.
VERDICT: Not Guilty v all defts.
JUDGE: Bridget Jane Hughes (IL Cook-Law)
PLTF ATTY(S): D. Brett Turnbull, Alan Holcomb ,Alejandro Blanco of Turnbull, Holcomb & LeMoine (Atlanta, GA) DEMAND: $15,000,000 withdrawn ASKED: $31,500,000 DEFT ATTY(S): Michael R. Slovis, Kipp B. Cornell of Cunningham, Meyer & Vedrine (Chicago, IL) for all defts (Self-Insured) OFFER: $2,000,000 total withdrawn
PLTF MEDL: Dr. Nenad Brkic (Rehab/Physical Medicine)
DEFT MEDL: Dr. Hilliard Slavick (Neurologist) for all defts
PLTF EXPERT(S): Dr. Jonathan Woodcock (Neuropsychiatrist); Dr. Kevin Jones, Savannah, GA (912-303-9737) (Neuroradiologist); Dr. Roy Werner of Roseland Community Hospital, 45 W. 111th St., Chicago, IL (773-995-3000) (Emergency Medicine); Dr. Elizabeth Moberg-Wolff , 3333 N. Mayfair Road, #209, Wauwatosa, WI (262-527-1998) (Rehab/Physical Medicine); Heather Xitco of Dolan Xitco, 501 W. Broadway, #710, San Diego, CA (619-400-8460) (Economist); Mila G. Carlson, Ph.D. (Life Care Planner) DEFT EXPERT(S): Dr. Matthew Pirotte (Emergency Medicine); Dr. Dane Chet- kovich (Neurologist); Dr. Jerome Barakos (Neuroradiologist); Dr. Nader Ka- mangar of UCLA Medical Center, 14445 Olive View Drive, #2B-182, Sylmar, CA (747-210-4427) (Critical Care) for all defts Justin M-42 presented to the emergency room at Illinois Masonic Hospital while suffering from delirium tremors (DTs) on December 16, 2013. He had a history of previous admissions for alcohol withdrawal. ER personnel began treatment with alcohol withdrawal protocol and monitoring, but Justin’s vital signs became progressively more unstable and his mental status worsened, so a decision was made to intubate. Oxygen was administered and then a resident attempted to perform the endotracheal intubation, but the attempt was unsuc- cessful. Justin developed bradycardia, CPR was started, and a code was called. Deft ER physician Hebert successfully completed the intubation during the code. The code lasted four minutes, Justin’s vital signs recovered, and he was admitted into the hospital. However, an MRI performed four days later showed a brain injury and Justin’s brain function never returned to his baseline. He re- mained hospitalized for more than a month, and was transferred to RIC for inpatient rehabilitation. Justin has significant functional and cognitive deficits, is confined to a wheelchair with spastic quadriplegia, is unable to effectively
JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 19
Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case
communicate, cannot perform activities of daily living, and requires 24-hour care ($6,000,000-$9,800,000 present cash value of life care plan costs). Pltf contended Dr. Hebert failed to properly supervise the resident’s attempted en- dotracheal tube intubation of a patient undergoing severe alcohol withdrawal, failed to timely intervene, and negligently allowed the resident to try with two different tubes, causing a delay in intubation which led to a lack of oxygen. Pltf further maintained Justin did not receive sufficient oxygen prior to the intuba - tion - thereby exacerbating his needs during the code, and defts failed to appre- ciate a precipitous drop in oxygen saturation levels. Pltf’s experts Dr. Woodcock and Dr. Jones opined that Justin’s brain injury was caused by hypoxia. The de- fense argued Dr. Hebert complied with the applicable standards of care, it was common in teaching institutions for residents to perform intubations, all care related to the intubation was appropriate, the patient was properly pre-oxygen- ated, and resuscitative efforts were started immediately when decompensa- tion occurred. The defense contended Justin’s brain injuries were not due to hypoxia but rather were related to Wernicke’s encephalopathy - a degenerative brain disorder caused by thiamine deficiency (in this case stemming from his alcohol abuse). Defense experts Dr. Kamanger and Dr. Chetkovich opined that the patient’s blood gases and lack of damage to other organs were inconsis- tent with hypoxia and metabolic acidosis, while they were consistent with Wer- nicke’s encephalopathy. Dr. Chetkovich and Dr. Barakos opined that brain imag- ing was not consistent with a hypoxic ischemic injury, but was consistent with Wernicke’s encephalopathy from alcohol abuse. Post-trial motion is pending.
Kipp B. Cornell Kipp B. Cornell is a partner at Cunningham, Meyer & Vedrine where he focuses on civil litigation with an emphasis on medical mal- practice matters. He regularly defends doctors, hospitals, and multi-specialty clinics in their high-exposure cases. Over the course of his career he has successfully tried a variety of complex mat- ters, from birth injury cases to orthopedic claims. He has successfully litigated cases in state and federal court as well as in the Il- linois Appellate Court. Kipp began his legal career as a staff at- torney at the Illinois Supreme Court, where he conducted research and wrote briefs on cases the court was considering. While in law school he served as a law clerk for the U.S. House of Representatives, Judiciary Committee, Constitution Subcommittee.
Cunningham, Meyer & Vedrine, P.C. , since its inception, is the preemi- nent healthcare litigation defense firm in Illinois. Throughout the firm’s history, their attorneys have been involved in cases that define medical negligence defense law in Illinois, in shaping the way the law is interpret- ed to the benefit of their clients and protecting their rights as litigants. Physicians, nursing professionals, hospital and ambulatory care centers, clinic healthcare associations, and their satellite entities, have benefitted from the depth of their understanding of complex issues in medical neg- ligence cases. Moreover, their history of litigating the most difficult and complex matters across the state of Illinois shows their determination, expertise, and zeal in providing the best defense for each client. Simply, in the last 12 months, CMV has secured 25 defense verdicts in medical negligence cases across the State of Illinois. Their attorneys continue their efforts to fully and successfully represent the interests of their healthcare clients at all stages of litigation.
20 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
CONGRATULATES
Albert E. Durkin Joseph J. Miroballi
&
Lauren Levin Budz
2023 JVR Award for Highest Reported Will County Verdict or Settlement for a Medical Malpractice Case
2023 JVR Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards
22 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
2023 JVR Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards
JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 23
▪ 2023 ▪
EXCELLENCE
Lorem ipsum
Highest Reported Illinois Verdict or Settlement
for an Ankle Injury
Trucker Injured While Covering Load With Tarp $8,500,000
PLAINTIFF ASKED N/A DEFENSE OFFER N/A
SETTLEMENT $8,500,000
T he plaintiff in this case was a 54 yr-old truck driver who was picking up a load of steel conduit at the defendant’s fa- cility. Normally, a tarping machine would au- tomatically cover the load with a tarp. On this occasion, plaintiff was asked to cover the load
manually. While covering the load, plaintiff slipped and suffered serious injuries to both ankles that required six surgeries. There was dispute about whether the tarping machine was not working and whether plaintiff was asked to manually cover the load.
24 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
CASE REPORT
(SNNN F/25) (6) 13L-14342
SETTLEMENT: $8,500,000 (IL Cook-Law)
PLTF ATTY(S): Sean P. Murray, Marc A. Taxman, Jonathan D. Treshansky of Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman (Chicago, IL) for both pltfs On December 9, 2013, over-the-road truck driver Jeffrey (54) was picking up a load of steel conduit from deft’s facilities. Per deft’s requirements, loads must be covered by tarp before leaving the facility. They had an automatic tarping system where drivers would place their trucks under the machine which low- ers the tarp over the loads. Before the facility acquired the machine, drivers placed tarps manually. But this involved climbing over the loads of steel and there had been numerous injuries that occurred, including one fatality. On the day Jeffrey was collecting his load, a foreman allegedly told Jeffrey that the tarping machine was not working and Jeffrey would have to manually cover the load. While he did so, he slipped and suffered bilateral pilon fractures with anterior subluxation of the ankle joints, or AO Type C fractures -- the most seri- ous type of ankle fracture. Jeffrey has undergone six surgeries and will require future surgeries ($456,759 medl. expense; $363,000-$580,000 LT). Defense de- nied that the machine was not operational on the day of the accident, but pltfs claimed that the foreman misrepresented that the machine was not working as they were backlogged and had Jeffrey manually cover the load in order to ex- pedite the process. Sentry and St. Paul Fire & Marine paid $8,000,000 to Jeffrey and Sentry paid $500,000 to Jeffrey’s spouse on a loss of consortium claim for John Maneely Company d/b/a Wheatland Tube Company and d/b/a JMC Steel Group. This is the highest reported Illinois ankle injury settlement or verdict. This matter was summarized in the February 18, 2020 edition of the CDLB. Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman LLC was founded in 2016 by four friends who happened to be seasoned plaintiff personal injury trial lawyers. The goal was to combine our collective experience and create a modern, high functioning law firm where people actually enjoy work - ing and collaborating to achieve the highest possible standard of repre- sentation for our clients. TPMB’s presence in the field was immediately welcomed and respected by our piers. We have grown to 23 lawyers and stand proud of the firm we created and the results we have achieved in the last seven years. TPMB handles all types of injury cases and work- ers’ compensation cases and we welcome client referrals and offer competitive referral fees.
Sean Murray Sean Murray is a Founding Partner of the Law Firm Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekker- man. Over the course of his career, he has been involved in many high profile cases and has handled numerous matters that have re- sulted in record setting settlements and jury verdicts. Sean sits on the Illinois Trial Law- yers Board of Managers and is actively in- volved in the Chicago legal community.
Marc Taxman Marc A. Taxman has been practicing personal injury law for 35 years. Marc routinely handles high profile, large damages cases on behalf of clients injured due to negligence and he holds several records for Jury Verdicts and Settlements. Marc is also responsible for landmark Appellate decisions in the field of Plaintiff personal injury law. This is the third Trial Lawyer Excellence Award that Marc has achieved.
JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 25
Highest Reported Illinois Verdict or Settlement for an Ankle Injury
Jonathan D. Treshansky Jonathan D. Treshansky is a Partner at Tax- man, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman. Jonathan has been a trial lawyer practicing exclusively in the field of Plaintiff’s personal injury since he began his career in 2012. Since that time, he has helped secure millions of dollars in settlements for his injured clients and also tried many cases to verdict in front of a jury, including a seven figure verdict in a medical negligence case on behalf of the estate of a 100 year old plaintiff. Jonathan has been rec- ognized an Illinois Super Lawyer Rising Star and was also named to the 2022 Forty under 40 list by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
26 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
CONGRATULATIONS
MARK M. BRENNAN RACHEL S. STERN JONATHAN E. CAVINS 2023 JVR TLE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING DEFENSE VERDICT IN A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CASE
▪ 2023 ▪
EXCELLENCE
Lorem ipsum in a Street Hazard Case Outstanding Defense Verdict
Plaintiff Fell in Open Manhole Injuring Ankles Not Guilty
PLAINTIFF ASKED $3,800,000 DEFENSE OFFER $250,000 VERDICT For the Defense
T he plaintiff and her husband were push- ing their stroller down the sidewalk on the 3300 block of N Clark St. While walking, the plaintiff fell into an open manhole cover and sustained injuries to both her ankles. She has ongoing complaints of ankle pain and
difficulty walking, and there was testimony that she needed ankle replacement surgery. The de- fense argued that the sidewalk was reasonably safe for pedestrian traffic, that the manhole was an open and obvious condition, and that the plain- tiff was more the 50% contributorily negligent.
28 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
CASE REPORT
(QQQ 20/2) STREET HAZARD–UNCOVERED MANHOLE–JUROR’S COVID DELAYS TRIAL COMPLETION (9)
Sarah Martin v City of Chicago 17L-9485 Tried Dec. 9, 2021-Jan. 5, 2022
VERDICT: Not Guilty
Barbara Burke Barbara Burke is a Supervising Assistant Corporation Counsel with the City of Chicago Department of Law. She has practiced in both the private and public sectors. Ms. Burke has a broad range of litigation experience including personal injury actions, assault and battery, eminent domain, and workers’ compensation. She has tried 15 jury trials to verdict. Additionally, she has extensive motion practice and has drafted ordinances for real estate related matters. She has counseled various client departments within the City of Chicago on condemnation, zoning and development of land, and business affairs and consumer protection. She also has significant experience prosecuting civil code enforcement and criminal matters. She was born and raised in Chicago. She attended Mother McAuley High School, obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois, with highest honors, and earned her law degree from University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, formerly John Marshall Law School.
JUDGE: Joan E. Powell (IL Cook-Law)
PLTF ATTY(S): David B. Nemeroff, Jorell D. Kuttenkuler of Nemeroff Law Offices (Chicago, IL ) DEMAND: $2,500,000 – $1,000,000 (indicated) ASKED: $3,800,000 DEFT ATTY(S): Barbara A. Burke, James F. Ormond of Chicago Corporation Counsel (Chicago, IL) (Self-Insured) OFFER: $250,000 withdrawn
PLTF MEDL: Dr. Steven Kodros (Orthopedist), Dr. Anish Kadakia (Orthopedist)
On April 9, 2017, pltf and her husband (who was pushing daughter in a stroller) were walking southbound on the sidewalk in the 3300 block of North Clark St., Chicago, when pltf fell into an open manhole on the sidewalk at 3330 N. Clark. Pltf F-37 sustained a sprained right ankle and a fractured left ankle with ag- gravation of pre-existing asymptomatic arthritis (following prior ankle fractures and surgery), requiring surgery in May 2018 and physical therapy. She has on- going complaints of ankle pain and difficulty standing or walking for any signifi - cant time or distance, and Dr. Kadakia testified she needs ankle replacement surgery ($150,773 medical expenses, no LT). Pltf contended the City failed to remedy the condition despite three prior complaints since 2015. The defense argued the condition was open and obvious, the sidewalk was reasonably safe for pedestrian traffic, and pltf was more than 50% comparatively negligent. On the morning that the parties were scheduled to give closing arguments, Dec. 16, 2021, a juror reported testing positive for Covid, causing closing argu- ments to be postponed over two weeks until January 5, 2022. The jury report- edly deliberated less than two hours. UPDATE: Defense counsel reports that pltf’s appeal was denied by the Appellate Court.
The Torts Division of the City of Chicago Law Department defends the City and its employees in personal injury, property damage, and workers’ compensation claims. The types of cases handled by the division on be- half of its client departments and employees range from slip-and-fall ac- cidents on City property to complex litigation arising from alleged medi- cal malpractice, police pursuits, roadway design defects, and wrongful demolition. Torts Division attorneys have an active motion practice and extensive trial experience.
JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 29
Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Street Hazard Case
James F. Ormond James F. Ormond is a Chief Assistant Cor- poration Counsel with the City of Chicago Department of Law, Torts Division. He over- sees and defends the City of Chicago and its employees in personal injury actions, in- cluding wrongful death, paramedic malprac- tice, motor vehicle, police pursuit, and prem- ises cases. Since joining the Torts Division in 2004, Mr. Ormond has tried in excess of forty-five trials to verdict. He previously re - ceived a Jury Verdict Reporter Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards in 2013 and 2017. Prior to coming to the City, Mr. Ormond worked as an associate in large Amlaw100 law firms specializing in the area of insur - ance coverage and director and officer liability. He obtained his law degree, with honors, from Notre Dame Law School, and obtained his undergraduate degree from Emory University.
30 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Congratulations
Sean P. Murray
Marc A. Taxman
Jonathan D. Treshansky
2023 JVR Award
HIGHEST REPORTED ILLINOIS VERDICT OR SETTLEMENT FOR AN ANKLE INJURY
TPMB_JVRAward2023_Ad_V1_Print.indd 1
1/16/24 1:27 PM
▪ 2023 ▪
EXCELLENCE
Lorem ipsum Highest Reported Will County Verdict or Settlement
for a Work Injury
Hostler Driver Crushed Between Two Trailers Causing Death $7,000,000
PLAINTIFF ASKED N/A DEFENSE OFFER N/A
SETTLEMENT $7,000,000
A hostler driver responsible for mov- ing containers around an inter- modal yard was crushed between two trailers and died. The plaintiff’s truck was stuck in snow and ice and he left his
truck to attempt to release it. While trying to release his truck, a coworker bumped his truck causing the plaintiff to be crushed between two trailers, which resulted in plaintiff’s death.
32 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
CASE REPORT
(SRRR K/68) (6) CONFIDENTIAL
SETTLEMENT: $7,000,000 (IL, Will 12th Jud Cir)
PLTF ATTY(S): Christopher M. Norem, Dennis M. Lynch of Parente & Norem (Chicago, IL) On February 15, 2015, pltf M-22, a hostler driver at an intermodal yard, got his truck stuck in snow and ice while trying to park a trailer. He exited his truck to try to get his truck unstuck. A coworker “bumped” his truck into pltf’s trailer no knowing pltf had gotten out of his cab, and pushed the trailer into him, crushing him against another trailer, and causing his death. Confidential Railroad paid. The estate secured a waiver of the workers compensation lien. According to JVR records, this is the highest wrongful death settlement in a work injury mat- ter in Will County.
Christopher M. Norem Christopher M. Norem is a highly accom- plished personal injury attorney with an im- pressive track record of securing over $250 million in settlements and verdicts. He spe- cializes in handling complex cases stem- ming from transportation accidents, con- struction site mishaps, medical malpractice, hazardous property conditions, product de- fects, and more. As a dedicated legal profes- sional, he is a member of several prominent organizations, including the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys, American Association for Justice, and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Asso- ciation, to name a few. Norem’s notable accomplishments include securing substantial jury verdicts, such as $18.6 million in a wrongful death/trucking case against C.H. Robinson Worldwide and $12.95 million in a case involving derailment burns and death against Canadian National Railway. With a background in biology and chemistry, he fearlessly challenges medi- cal experts to establish the seriousness and causation of injuries in personal injury law- suits. Norem’s legal work has even prompt- ed policy changes in the national rail system and acted as a deterrent against negligence. His commitment to serving and supporting his clients extends well beyond the court- room, earning him a reputation for forming lasting relationships with the injured and be- reaved individuals he represents.
The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. , is a high end Chicago plain- tiff’s personal injury firm with thirty years of established success in fight - ing for the rights of the injured. Parente & Norem serves the Greater Chicago area with a concentration in personal injury, construction site injuries, wrongful death claims resulting from auto accidents and trans- portation negligence, railroad injuries, FELA, work-related occurrences, and trucking accidents.
JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 33
Highest Reported Will County Verdict or Settlement for a Work Injury
Dennis M. Lynch Dennis M. Lynch is an accomplished attor- ney known for securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for injury victims in Illinois and across the United States, in- cluding cases in Indiana, Kentucky, Colora- do, and Michigan. His extensive legal career involves representing individuals in a wide range of personal injury cases against some of the world’s largest corporations and insur- ance companies. These cases encompass various areas of personal injury litigation, such as interstate trucking, insurance bad faith, products liability, workers’ compensa- tion, nursing home litigation, and medical malpractice. Additionally, Dennis has a track record of successful appeals, including a re- cent victory in the Appellate Court on behalf of a union sprinkler fitter injured due to a de - fective elevator, as well as a landmark win related to the traveling employee doctrine in workers’ compensation litigation. Dennis graduated Magna Cum Laude from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2007. He started working at a personal in- jury law firm while in college and continued throughout law school. He also holds honors from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. Dennis is affiliated with professional organi - zations including the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the Illinois State Bar Associa- tion, the American Mock Trial Association, and the American Association for Justice’s Interstate Trucking Litigation Group. He also lectures on construction law and personal injury issues at Loyola’s law school.
34 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Cunningham Meyer & Vedrine Congratulates our partners
Kipp B. Cornell and Michael R. Slovis For receiving a 2023 JVR Trial Lawyer Excellence award For Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case
David C. Burtker For receiving 2023 Defense Attorney Achievement Award
Cunningham Meyer & Vedrine, P.C. cmvlaw.com
▪ 2023 ▪
EXCELLENCE
Outstanding Defense Verdict Lorem ipsum
in an Auto Case
Driver Suffered Multiple Fractures and Claimed Disfigurement Not Guilty
PLAINTIFF ASKED $1,350,000 DEFENSE OFFER $20,000 VERDICT For the Defense
P laintiff F-74 was pulling out of a gas sta- tion onto Skokie Blvd in Highland Park when she was struck by defendant em- ployee. Plaintiff suffered multiple pelvic frac- tures, broken ribs, and a fractured clavicle and claims disfigurement due to a protruding clavicle.
Pltf argued that deft employee was distracted, speeding and driving in the middle lane between northbound and southbound traffic. The defense argued that their employee had the right of way, pltf had a duty to yield, and plft’s negligence was the sole proximate cause of her injuries.
36 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
CASE REPORT
(22 JN/1) TRAFFIC–PLAINTIFF STRUCK WHILE EXITING GAS STATION--MULTIPLE FRACTURES (1C)
Arlene Atlas v The Branch Inc., Anton’s Fruit Ranch Inc. 19L-652 Tried May 31- Jun. 2, 2022
VERDICT: Not Guilty
K. Courtney Gustin K. Courtney Gustin is a staff attorney for The Cincinnati Insurance Companies where she focuses her practice on the defense of policyholders against claims involving au- tomobile collisions, construction liability, premises liability, and medical negligence, as well as subrogation and probate matters in both state and federal court. Previously, Gustin worked at multiple prom- inent personal injury defense firms where she obtained successful outcomes on various jury trials and arbitrations.
JUDGE: Jacquelyn D. Melius (IL, Lake 19th Jud Cir)
PLTF ATTY(S): Joseph M. Preiser, Ian R. Alexander of Goldberg & Goldberg (Chicago, IL) DEMAND: $900,000 ASKED: $1,350,000 DEFT ATTY(S): K. Courtney Gustin, Christopher P. Zann of Cincinnati Insurance Law Dept. (Chicago, IL) for both defts (Cincinnati Insurance) OFFER: $20,000
PLTF MEDL: Dr. Rajeev Garapati (Orthopedist)
Pltf F-74 was pulling out of the Thorntons Gas Station at 55 Skokie Valley Road in Highland Park when her vehicle was struck by defts’ employee (M-40) travel- ing northbound on Skokie Valley Road on May 15, 2019. Pltf sustained multiple pelvic fractures, several broken ribs, and a fractured clavicle. An infection sub- sequently developed in the clavicle, requiring fixation of the clavicle fracture as well as irrigation and debridement at the site of the infection; pltf claims disfig - urement due to a protruding clavicle ($130,000 medical expenses, unspecified LT as a substitute teacher and retail associate, now retired). Pltf contended defts’ employee (who was dismissed mid-trial) was negligent for being dis- tracted, speeding, driving in the middle lane between northbound and south- bound traffic, and failing to take appropriate measures to avoid the collision. The defense argued their driver had the right of way, pltf had a duty to yield, pltf was at fault for pulling out in front of their vehicle, and her own negligence was the proximate cause of her injuries. The defense called the responding police officer to testify at trial. The Cincinnati Insurance Company is in the business of helping when disaster strikes – helping policyholders recover financially; helping families and businesses restore their lives and livelihoods; helping com- munities regain a sense of stability. The Cincinnati Insurance Company will look to pay all that is due un- der their client’s policy after a covered loss. The Cincinnati Insurance Company’s financial strength, stability and ethical approach allows the company to better serve agents, help people recover financially after covered losses and build value for shareholders.
Christopher Zann Christopher Zann is a staff attorney for The Cincinnati Insurance Company. He special- izes in defending policy holders in premises liability, dram shop, dog bites, construction liability, product liability, motor vehicle acci- dents, and defamation litigation in State and Federal Court. He has had numerous suc- cessful arbitration awards, favorable media- tion results, and Not Guilty jury verdicts in his career. Previously, Zann worked as panel counsel for a major insurance company before mov- ing in-house as a staff attorney with another major insurance company.
JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 37
▪ 2023 ▪
EXCELLENCE
Lorem ipsum
Defense Attorney Achievement Awards Excellence from the perspective of the defense attorney is best measured by minimized damages—securing for the client the best possible outcome in even the most extreme cases. This year we recognize two defense lawyers for having consistently delivered exceptional results for their clients in high verdict potential jury trials as demonstrated by our extensive database of published case summaries. When verdicts may exceed millions of dollars, these defense counsel are regularly called upon to minimize their client’s exposure.
38 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Defense Attorney Achievement Awards
David C. Burtker Mr. Burtker graduated from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 1978. Upon graduation, Burtker began his legal career at Crooks & Gilligan, Ltd. In 1988, the firm merged with French, Kezelis & Kominiarek, P.C. where Burtker practiced civil litigation through December 2001. He also served on the firm’s Executive Committee. Burtker joined Cunningham, Meyer & Vedrine in January 2002, when the firm’s Chicago office opened. He is admitted to practice in the State of Illinois, Commonwealth of Kentucky, and State of Tennessee. In over 40 years of practice, Burtker has handled all forms of complex civil litigation, including over 120 trials to verdict in the areas of medi- cal and health professional negligence and medical products liability. In the medical, health, and pharmaceutical areas, he has handled high- profile trials involving benzodiazepines/suicide, anesthesiology, high- risk obstetrics/birth trauma, including issues of neonatal encepha- lopathy, cardiology, complex surgical matters and gynecological issues. Burtker has also reviewed, monitored and participated in medical negligence matters outside of Illinois. FIRM INFO Cunningham Meyer & Vedrine, P.C. offers services in the areas of medical malpractice and professional malprac- tice defense including the representation of all types of professional license holders in matters pending before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The firm also specializes in other areas of insurance defense including automobile accidents, premises liability and business owner claims. FIRM INFO Stamos & Trucco LLP represents physicians, health care facilities and attorneys in professional liability claims and insurers in coverage and bad faith matters. The firm represents parties in other complex civil commercial litiga - tion and employment disputes as well as providing representation in commercial transactions, typically involving health care entities. James J. Stamos James J. Stamos graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1980. Upon graduation, Stamos joined Rooks, Pitts & Poust where he worked primarily in medical malpractice defense and con- struction litigation and coverage issues. In 1984, Stamos joined Cof- field Ungaretti Harris & Slavin (now Nixon Peabody) He became an equity partner in 1987. At Coffield Ungaretti, he practiced commercial litigation, representing both defendants and plaintiffs in cases involv- ing employment, securities, commodities and options, real estate and partnership disputes, financial litigation and medical malpractice de - fense. In 1989, Stamos left to form a solo practice. In 1990, he formed Stamos & Trucco with Michael Trucco, where he has remained since. Stamos has tried over 70 jury trials as well as many bench trials and arbitrations. He has also handled many matters in the state and feder- al courts of appeal and has argued successfully before the Indiana Su- preme Court. His current practice is primarily in commercial, financial and employment litigation and professional liability defense as well as the defense of insurance bad faith claims.
JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2023 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS 39
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