After a week-long jury trial, Anne Oldenburg and Christian Willenborg recently obtained a defense verdict in Madison County, Illinois. The case involved allegations of professional negligence against an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Plaintiff claimed the surgeon was negligent in recommending the extraction of a partially impacted third molar, a procedure which carried a “heightened risk” of nerve injury. (The plaintiff, a nurse, sustained a permanent nerve injury as well as a fractured jaw.) The defense, however, contended that each of these complications were recognized risks associated with the procedure. Furthermore, the defense pointed out that the plaintiff consented to the procedure after being adequately informed of the risks involved; therefore, the complications that occurred were not due to negligence. The jury agreed.

Oldenburg, a partner in the firm’s Chicago office, focuses her practice on the defense of healthcare professionals. She is rated an AV Preeminent Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell and has received numerous honors and awards throughout her legal career. She publishes and lectures extensively on issues relating to healthcare litigation and risk management issues.

Willenborg, a partner in the firm’s Edwardsville office, focuses his practice on trials involving the defense of healthcare providers in medical, dental, and nursing home malpractice cases. He earned his J.D. from Washington University-St. Louis School of Law and his M.D. from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He is licensed to practice in Illinois and Missouri and is admitted to the bar of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.