CBA Record January-February 2023

Medical Malpractice Case Referred Through Lawyer Referral Service Settles for $1.9 Million By Ann Glynn, CBA Public Affairs Director T he Lawyer Referral Service, a non profit public service of the CBA, continues to be a valuable resource

formed. The scan revealed improving inflammation but increasing ascites. Soon after, he died from severe septic shock. On autopsy, the plaintiff was found to have a sub-acute portal vein throm bosis as well as an acute mesenteric vein thrombosis that was only 12 hours old. The plaintiff’s theory was that physicians at the local hospital failed to diagnose a mesenteric thrombosis and if they had, the plaintiff would have survived. The case was settled for $1.9 mil lion. The CBA received referral dues of $95,000 (pursuant to its rules) and is using this payment to fund the LRS pro gram and other services in an going effort to make justice accessible for all. CBA members and non-members are encouraged to refer clients to the Lawyer Referral Service or consider joining the service to obtain legal referrals. For more information on the LRS program, visit lrs.chicagobar.org or reach out to LRS Director Juli Vyverberg at jvyverberg@ chicagobar.org.

for the public to obtain experienced and vetted legal assistance as well as a crucial source of legal referrals for CBA members and non-members. A recent case in which LRS attorneys Robert J. Napleton and Bradley Z. Schulman of Motherway and Napleton LLC settled a medical malprac tice case provides a prime example. The plaintiff presented to an emer gency department at a local area hospital complaining of abdominal pain that had been worsening over a two-week period. A CT scan and blood draw revealed non specific inflammation of the colon and some ascites. The plaintiff also had an elevated white blood cell count and low platelets. He was admitted to the hospital and was found to have a deep vein throm bosis. Heparin was ordered but the plain tiff’s platelets continued to drop. Days later, he experienced a different abdomi nal pain, and another CT scan was per

Robert J. Napelton

Bradley Z. Schulman

INTRODUCING Robert C. O’Brien, U.S. Ambassador, Retired

MEDIATION FOR: + Business & commercial contracts + Class actions + Complex litigation + Employment + Securities

EXCLUSIVELY AT SIGNATURE RESOLUTION.

12 January/February 2023