Case results
Example outcomes, good and hard
These examples show how cases can end, including the one we lost and the one we turned down. They are illustrations, not promises, and they carry no dollar figures.
Please read first
Example outcomes are illustrations written for this sample website. They are not real cases or clients. Results depend on the facts of each case, and past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.
Example outcomes
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Example outcome
Cerebral palsy and HIE
Delayed C-section after a worsening monitor tracing
The fetal monitor showed signs of distress for more than an hour before an emergency C-section was called. The baby was diagnosed with HIE and later with cerebral palsy. An obstetrician, a neonatologist and a neuroradiologist each reviewed the case before filing.
The settlement was placed in a trust to pay for the child's care over a lifetime.
Settled
Settlement after expert depositions
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Example outcome
Misdiagnosis
Lung nodule noted on a scan but never followed up
A radiology report recommended a follow-up scan that was never ordered. The cancer was found fourteen months later. Our oncologist reviewer concluded the delay changed the treatment needed, but likely not the long-term outlook.
We explained early that this would limit the value of the claim, and the family chose to settle at mediation.
Modest settlement
Resolved at mediation
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Example outcome
Surgical errors
Bile duct injury during gallbladder surgery
Our client's bile duct was injured during routine surgery and needed repair. We argued the surgeon misidentified the anatomy. The defense argued the injury was a known risk handled properly once found.
The jury agreed with the defense. We had told the family before trial that this was a close case, and the firm did not ask them to repay case costs.
Lost at trial
Jury verdict for the defense
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Example outcome
Hospital and nursing
Pressure injuries during a long hospital stay
An elderly patient developed deep pressure injuries after the skin assessments and turning schedule in her care plan stopped being recorded for several days.
Staffing records requested during the case showed the unit was short-staffed on those shifts.
Settled
Settlement before trial
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Example outcome
Misdiagnosis
Emergency room visit for a severe headache
A family believed a stroke had been missed. Our nurse and an emergency physician reviewed the records and found the examination and imaging were appropriate, and the stroke began after discharge.
We told the family plainly that we did not believe it was malpractice, explained why, and returned their records at no cost.
Declined after review
No claim filed
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Example outcome
Birth injuries
Shoulder dystocia and a brachial plexus injury
The baby's shoulder became stuck during delivery. The records described traction on the baby's head well beyond accepted steps. The child has lasting weakness in one arm (Erb's palsy).
The settlement covered surgery, therapy and expected future care.
Settled
Mediated settlement
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Example outcome
Medication errors
Blood thinner restarted at the wrong dose after discharge
A discharge medication list doubled a patient's blood thinner dose. She was readmitted with internal bleeding and recovered after a week in hospital.
Her recovery was good, which kept the claim modest. It resolved within a year.
Modest settlement
Resolved within a year
Why we show the losses
Malpractice cases are hard, and some good ones are lost. A firm that shows only its best results is telling you half the story. We would rather you know before you start what a close case feels like, and that we will tell you when one is close.
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“They read every page of my mother's chart and then told us it was not malpractice. It was not what we wanted to hear, but it was the truth, and it let us stop wondering.”
A daughter, after a review the firm declined
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“Clare went through the monitor strips with us minute by minute. For the first time, someone explained what had happened the night our son was born.”
Parents of a child with HIE
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“Thomas never promised us a result. He told us where the case was strong and where it was weak, every month, for three years.”
A client after a surgical error case
Tell us what happened. We will tell you the truth about it.
A free, confidential review by our nurse and an independent physician. If we do not believe it was malpractice, we will say so and explain why.