John and Rick named 2010 Illinois Super Lawyers
September 30, 2010
John Karnezis and Richard Pullano both have been named Illinois “Super Lawyers” for 2010. Illinois Super Lawyers are outstanding attorneys from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Super Lawyers is published as a special supplement in leading newspapers and city and regional magazines across the country. Super Lawyers magazine, featuring articles about attorneys named to the Super Lawyers list, is distributed to all attorneys in the state or region, the lead corporate counsel of Russell 3000 companies and the ABA-approved law school libraries.
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. (more…)
$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. (more…)
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.