Mon, Mar 30, 2015
Fields Wins Defense Verdict in Illinois Medical Malpractice Trial
Stephen Fields won a defense verdict after a week-long medical malpractice trial in southern Illinois.
Plaintiff alleged he had been intubated unnecessarily by an emergency department physician following respiratory collapse caused by combined alcohol and benzodiazepine intoxication. Medical records, experts, and fact witness testimony showed that, contrary to plaintiff’s allegations, intubation had been necessary because of plaintiff’s decreased blood oxygen, use of accessory muscles when breathing, and arterial blood gas readings (among other signs) – as well as the necessity of transferring him to a more sophisticated facility for further care. Plaintiff’s primary care physician, appearing as an independent treating physician, testified that, contrary to being unnecessary, intubation likely saved plaintiff’s life. After deliberating for one hour, the jury returned a unanimous defense verdict.
