CBA Record July-August 2022

$2.5 Million Settlement in Medical Malpractice Case Referred Through LRS By Ann Glynn, CBA Public Affairs Director O ver four years ago, the plain tiff presented to Cook County Provident Hospital with a pain only with a Doppler device, to absent. No additional treatment was given, and her

ies of the amputated foot showed that one of the foot arteries was completely closed off with atherosclerosis plaque,” said Ford. “No treatment was done to address the atherosclerosis or the anemia, which in turn affected the efficacy of the antibiotics.” A $2.5 million settlement was reached on the patient’s behalf. The $125,000 that the LRS received as its referral dues, pur suant to its rules, are being used to fund the LRS program and other services pro vided by the CBA in its ongoing efforts 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 https://lrs.chicagobar.org or reach out to LRS Director Juli Vyverberg at jvyver berg@chicagobar.org.

foot was amputated due to gangrene. The patient inquired with several attor neys about filing a lawsuit, but all advised her that she had no case because of her discharge from the hospital against medi cal advice and failure to take prescribed antibiotics. However, the patient claimed the records were wrong, and she did take the prescribed medication. Unwilling to give up, she called the CBA’s Lawyer Referral Service. The case was referred to attorney Christopher Ford. After a thorough review of medi cal and pharmacy billing records, it was determined that the patient had, in fact, purchased the antibiotics the night she was discharged. “Antibiotics can only eradicate infec tion if the blood carrying the antibiotics and oxygen nutrition can make its way down to the toes. The pathology stud

ful, swollen big toe. The woman, a Type II diabetic who was also anemic, was given IV antibiotics for a toe infection and awaited a consult from an attending podiatrist. Instead of being seen by an attending podiatrist, however, she was seen by junior resident podiatrists. The patient checked herself out of the hospital against medical advice but with an understanding that it was an accept able alternative for her to return home with oral antibiotics. However, the medi cal records alleged the patient failed to pick up and take the oral antibiotics that were prescribed for her. The patient continued to see the Podi atry Service in the Cook County system for another three months, during which peripheral pulses to her foot went from palpable on physical exam, to palpable

The CBA’s Barristers Big Band hosted their 19th Annual benefit at the Union League Club. Last held in 2019, the Roaring 20s-themed event benefited the CBA musical ensembles including the CBA Symphony and the CBA Chorus, which provide classical musical programs for members of the Bar and the broader Chicago community.

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