Foran Glennon Shareholder Matthew Reddy and Partner Alexander Beehler achieved a successful defense verdict representing a municipality in Illinois in a two-week paramedic malpractice trial where the plaintiff sought nearly $13.5 million in damages, alleging that paramedics’ actions constituted willful and wanton conduct.
Case Background
In October of 2022, a woman became unresponsive and went into cardiac arrest after arriving for a routine dentist appointment. Staff members at the dental office began CPR and called 911. A fire engine and ambulance were dispatched to the scene. Fire engine EMTs arrived first and took over CPR, applied AED pads, and inserted an airway.
Paramedics arrived soon after and took over Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) care. The AED monitor identified the patient was in ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest, so paramedics provided CPR, defibrillations, oxygen, and epinephrine. Amiodarone was not administered on the scene.
After contacting medical control, the patient was transported to the nearest ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) center, where amiodarone was administered upon arrival, approximately 32 minutes after the original 911 call was made. The plaintiff achieved sinus rhythm and return of spontaneous circulation around 36 minutes later. She suffered serious injuries, including a brain injury, and was hospitalized for about 14 months—accruing over $1 million in stipulated medical expenses.
The Case
The patient and her husband sued the defendant and claimed that the employee-paramedics’ failure to follow protocols—including the delay in timely administering amiodarone and the decision to transport the patient before completing protocols—constituted willful and wanton conduct and caused significant injuries and damages. The husband also brought a loss of consortium claim.
Prior to trial, the STEMI center settled with the plaintiffs for a confidential sum.
On behalf of the defendant, the Foran Glennon attorneys argued that the paramedics’ course of action when responding to the cardiac arrest did not amount to willful and wanton conduct and disputed both causation and the extent of the injuries incurred. Each side brought forth five expert witnesses throughout the two-week jury trial.
After approximately 62 minutes, the jury decided in the defense’s favor, rejecting the plaintiff’s claim.
Matthew has tried over 30 lawsuits and concentrates his practice on medical and professional malpractice. He employs his extensive civil litigation trial experience to develop strong defenses early on while keeping clients’ best interests as his top priority.
Alex concentrates his practice in medical negligence, professional negligence, and other tort liability actions. He uses strong legal writing skills, coupled with trial and appellate experience, to craft solutions that work for the benefit of his clients.