Threat of trial yields additional $1 million for medical malpractice case: Glenview cancer victim receives $7.5 million for missed diagnosis
March 26, 2010
Richard L. Pullano secured an additional $1 million for a medical malpractice victim, bringing the total settlement to $7.5 million.
In 2003, a neurologist and neurosurgeon at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare failed to properly review an MRI film and X-ray that showed a cancerous growth on the spine of Glenview resident Michael Corbitt. An internist who identified the abnormality never informed Michael of the problem. The cancer continued to grow, causing his spine to collapse. Michael, a husband and father of two daughters, is now permanently disabled and lives with chronic pain.
In September 2009, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare settled for $6.5 million on behalf of the attending neurosurgeon and the neurologist.
The internist declined to take part in mediation. After a seven-day trial and during jury deliberations, the defendant’s insurance company this week offered their full policy limit of $1 million. The settlement was secured by Richard L. Pullano.
“People want to be involved in the process. Without knowledge of this specific medical problem, Michael could not be a patient advocate,” said Richard L. Pullano, lead attorney. “When it is a life-altering medical condition like this one, the stakes are too high to allow information to fall through the cracks.”
In 2003, Michael Corbitt sought treatment for lower back pain and numbness in his legs. An X-ray and MRI were conducted, from which his internist identified an abnormality on his thoracic vertebrae. The internist never informed Michael of the abnormality.
The internist referred Michael to a neurosurgeon and a neurologist but didn’t inform either doctor about the abnormality. The neurosurgeon failed to see the growth while the neurologist neglected to review the MRI film altogether. As a result, the tumor continued to grow, causing Corbitt’s spine to collapse and spinal cord to compress. Six complex and painful surgeries were required to stabilize his spinal column.
Michael Corbitt told the jury with strong conviction that, had he known about a possible tumor in his spine, he would have worked with his doctors to ensure the abnormality was addressed.
“This trauma has brought Michael Corbitt’s life to a standstill,” said his lead attorney, Richard Pullano. “These debilitating injuries have prevented him from participating in most activities, including playing a normal parental role in his daughter’s lives. Sadly, this all could have been prevented if adequate attention had been given to the films.”
The verdict was secured by Richard L. Pullano of Pullano & Karnezis.
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John Karnezis named 2009 Illinois Super Lawyer
October 2, 2009
John Karnezis has been named an Illinois “Super Lawyer” for the fifth year in a row. Illinois Super Lawyers are outstanding attorneys from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Mr. Karnezis also was named a “leading lawyer” by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin in 2009. This is the second consecutive year he has earned this honor.
In addition Mr. Karnezis has a Martindale-Hubbell peer-review rating of “AV“, meaning his peers recognize him as having the highest legal ability and adhering to the highest ethical standards.
$6.5 million settlement for victim of medical malpractice at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare
September 30, 2009
A Cook County Court judge today approved a $6.5 million settlement for a medical malpractice victim represented by Chicago attorney Richard L. Pullano.
In 2003, Michael Corbitt of Glenview, Illinois sought treatment for lower back pain and numbness in his legs. He was eventually referred to a neurosurgeon and neurologist who both worked for Evanston Northwestern Healthcare.
An MRI film was ordered, which clearly showed a cancerous growth on his spine. However, the neurosurgeon failed to see the growth and the neurologist did not even look at the MRI film prior to reaching the wrong diagnosis.
As a result, the tumor continued to grow, causing his spine to collapse and spinal cord to compress. Mr. Corbitt now suffers partial paralysis and permanent neurological defects. Six complex and painful surgeries were required to stabilize his spinal column.
“This trauma has brought Michael Corbitt’s life to a standstill,” said his lead attorney, Richard Pullano. “These debilitating injuries have prevented him from participating in most activities, including playing a normal parental role in his daughter’s lives.
“Sadly, this all could have been prevented if adequate attention had been given to the films.”
Evanston Northwestern Healthcare settled on behalf of the neurosurgeon and the neurologist. The case remains pending against the internist and radiologist.
Richard L. Pullano wins record awards for senior citizens
July 27, 2009
Richard Pullano earned headlines in 2008 when a Cook County jury awarded $2.5 million to the family of a 90-year-old Elmwood Park woman who was struck and killed by a van while crossing the street. According to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, the “verdict is the largest ever in Illinois for someone 90 or older.” Verdicts for nonagenarians’ personal injury cases rarely exceed $800,000.
Mr. Pullano achieved similar success in 2007 when he earned a $927,000 settlement for an 89-year-old man who was fatally injured after being hit by a CTA bus while crossing the street.
“Time and again, we have dispelled the preconceived notion that the quality of a senior citizen’s life is diminished,” said Richard Pullano. “Juries understand that people in their 70s, 80s and 90s are still leading healthy lives and are integral parts of their family and community.”
In the Elmwood Park incident, a thriving, independent woman who was a valued member of her family and community had her life tragically shortened.
In the CTA bus accident, a family lost their beloved patriarch, a man whom they relied on for support, guidance and companionship. In each case, Pullano argued that the deaths of these remarkable people meant an irreplaceable loss of wisdom, guidance and support for surviving family members.
Richard Pullano leads discussion on how to maximize awards
July 27, 2009
Successful personal injury cases require intense preparation, a solid strategy, and a keen understanding of how to communicate with judges and juries. The difference between a routine settlement and a record-breaking award often comes down to the training, insight, and skill of the plaintiff’s attorney.
In May, Richard Pullano organized and led a discussion on how to maximize damages in personal injury cases. Pullano presented questions to an impressive panel of lawyers, who provided expertise and insight into best practices for opening statements, direct examination of plaintiffs, cross examination of medical experts, closing arguments and other integral aspects of the trial process.
“Awards are not won or lost in the deliberation room; they are decided during key moments in the trial,” said Pullano. “Success depends on capitalizing on these moments when juries determine whether they are for us or against us, and whether our claims deserve the damages we seek.”
The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) sponsored the event as part of its continuing legal education series. Visit www.iltla.com for more information.