JVR Trial Excellence Awards 2025

Outstanding Cook County Defense Verdict in a Medical Malpractice Case

Not Guilty

Death one day after doctor visit for chest complaints

PLAINTIFF ASKED $75M

Not pictured: Claire E. McNally

P laintiff was seeking treatment for a severe form of sickle cell dis- ease. Prior to receiving a stem cell treatment, she went through a screening process that included a MRI/MRA. A neuro-radiologist in- terpreted images as showing no abnormalities. Plaintiff received the stem cell treatment, but 11 days later she was found unconscious and seizing on her bathroom floor. A neurosurgeon discovered seven brain aneurysms and performed emergency surgery to remove a major pseudo-aneurysm. After 3 months in the hospital, Plaintiff was discharged, but remains in a permanent vegetative state and has total paralysis. Plaintiff argued that the Defendant deviated from the standard of care in failing to timely iden- tify and treat the aneurysms, and that Plaintiff would live into late her 70s since the stem cell treatment was successful. Defendant argued the MRA images were correctly interpreted and that the pseudo-aneurysm likely de- veloped after the MRA was conducted.

DEFENSE OFFER $8.5M

VERDICT Not Guilty

80 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS

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