HeplerBroom Attorney Anne Oldenburg

Overview

Anne M. Oldenburg focuses her practice on the defense of healthcare professionals. She has tried numerous professional liability cases to successful verdict and handled many cases on appeal. She also represents professionals before state licensing boards. She is a frequent presenter on legal and risk management topics in healthcare.

Before joining HeplerBroom, Ms. Oldenburg was an equity partner in the Chicago firm of Hay & Oldenburg, LLC, a certified minority-owned business. Previously, she was a judicial clerk for the Honorable Ben K. Miller of the Illinois Supreme Court and for the Honorable John T. McCullough of the Fourth District, Appellate Court of Illinois.

Education

  • The John Marshall Law School, n/k/a UIC John Marshall Law School, J.D., with Distinction,1986
  • Ripon College (Ripon WI), B.A. in Criminal Justice, cum laude, 1983

LAW SCHOOL HONORS/INVOLVEMENT

  • Moot Court Executive Board

Admissions & Affiliations

  • Illinois
  • Illinois Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Courts for the
    • Federal Trial Bar
    • Northern and Central Districts of Illinois

Professional Associations

  • American Society of Healthcare Risk Managers
  • Association of Defense Trial Attorneys
  • Chicagoland Healthcare Risk Management Society
  • Defense Research Institute
    • Illinois State Representative (2012-2013)
    • Medical Liability Committee
    • Long-Term Care Committee
  • Federation of Defense & Corporate Council
    • Professional Liability Committee/Healthcare Section
  • Illinois Association of Defense Trial Attorneys
    • Board of Directors
    • Diversity in Participation Committee, Chair
    • Professional Liability Committee
    • Co-Chair, IDC 50th Anniversary Gala (2014)
    • Executive Board President (2011-2012)
    • Executive Board President-Elect (2010-2011)
    • Executive Board 1st Vice President (2009)
    • Executive Board 2nd Vice President (2008)
    • Executive Board Secretary-Treasurer (2007)
    • Co-Chair, Fall Seminar Committee (2000)
    • Chair, Fall Seminar Committee (2001)
    • Faculty, Trial Academy
  • Medical Professional Liability Association
    • Defense Roundtable Committee

Other Professional/Civic Involvement

  • Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation Board

Practices

Results

Representative Trial and Arbitration Experience

  • Medical malpractice against physician-plastic surgeon for complications arising from laser hair removal procedure. Verdict for Plaintiff for $140,000 reduced by 25% for patient contributory negligence. (Cook County, IL, September 2019)
  • Medical malpractice against hospital and numerous physicians for complications arising subsequent to coronary bypass surgery. Verdict for all Defendants. (Cook County, IL, April 2019)
  • Dental malpractice case involving full mouth reconstruction with implants. Verdict in favor of Plaintiff, but only awarded her dental expenses and found her 50% contributorily negligent. Total verdict was $35,436.20. (Cook County IL, August 2015)
  • Dental malpractice case involving dental implants for maxillary reconstruction. Verdict for Defendant. (Cook County IL, June 2015)
  • Medical malpractice case against hospital for wrongful death of patient who developed pressure ulcers and became septic. Verdict in favor of Plaintiff in the amount of $215,000. (Cook County IL, February 24-March 6, 2015)

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  • Medical malpractice case against clinic for family practice physician’s alleged failure to diagnose ear infection resulting in hearing loss. Verdict for Defendant. (Cook County IL, June 2014)
  • Dental malpractice case claiming negligent tooth extraction resulting in jaw fracture and sinus perforation. Verdict in favor of Plaintiff in the amount of $95,160.75. (Cook County IL, May 2013)
  • Dental malpractice case against oral and maxillofacial surgeon for failure to diagnose tongue cancer; alleged failure to diagnosis oral cancer. Verdict for Defendant. (Cook County IL, April 24-May 9, 2012)
  • Dental malpractice case involving complications from endodontic treatment. Verdict for Defendant. (Cook County IL, September 21-24, 2009)
  • Medical malpractice case involving allegations of failure to timely diagnose cauda equina syndrome. Defendant physician voluntarily dismissed from case on day three of trial. (Co-defendants paid $3.2 million in settlement). (Cook County IL, September 19-21, 2007)
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgery malpractice case involving complications from tooth extraction, including fracture and osteomyelitis. Verdict for Plaintiff. (Cook County IL, July 12-27, 2007)
  • Medical malpractice obstetrical case involving allegations of failure to induce delivery, resulting in severe birth injury. Settlement on day four of trial. (Cook County IL, September, 2006)
  • Medical malpractice case involving allegations of failure to diagnose breast cancer. Verdict for Plaintiff. (Cook County IL, August 2–11, 2004)
  • Dental malpractice case involving prosthodontic restorations. Verdict for Defendant. (Cook County IL, September 2002)
  • Medical malpractice/general surgery case involving complications from laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure. Verdict for Defendants. (McHenry County IL, April 2001)
  • Oral surgery malpractice case involving complications from tooth extraction. Verdict for Defendant. (Lake County IN, April 2000)
  • Dental malpractice case involving implants. Verdict for Plaintiff. (Cook County, Municipal Division, August 1997)
  • Dental malpractice case. Verdict for Defendant (rejected by Plaintiff). (Cook County, Law Division, transferred to Mandatory Arbitration Division, December 1995)
  • Orthodontic malpractice case involving allegations of failure to diagnose and treat temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Verdict for Defendant. (DuPage County, Law Division, October 1995)
  • Medical malpractice case involving allegations of patient fall. Verdict for Plaintiff. (Cook County, Law Division, transferred to Mandatory Arbitration Division, September 1992)
  • General liability case involving allegations of food poisoning. Verdict for the Defendant. (Cook County, Law Division, transferred to Mandatory Arbitration Division, July 1992)
  • Dental malpractice claim involving orthodontic treatment. Verdict for the Defendant. (Lake County, Law Division, February 1992)
  • Medical malpractice case involving death of patient from infection. Verdict for Defendant. (Cook County, Law Division, September 1991)

Representative Appeals

  • Appeal of defense verdict involving allegations of oral surgeon’s failure to diagnose oral cancer. (Appellate Court of Illinois – First District, No. 1-12-3771)
  • Amicus Brief filed on behalf of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel. (Supreme Court of Illinois, No. 97946)
  • Amicus Brief filed on behalf of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel. (Appellate Court of Illinois – Third District, No. 3-02-0810)
  • Appellate Court of Illinois – First District, No. 1-98-0622.
  • Amicus Brief filed on behalf of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel. Supreme Court of Illinois. (Docket No. 84117 (1998).
  • Amicus Brief filed on behalf of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel. (Supreme Court of Illinois. 167 Ill.2d 449, 657 N.E.2d 997, 212 Ill. Dec. 652 (1995)
  • Appellate Court of Illinois - First District 273 Ill. App.3d 545, 653 N.E.2d 48 (1995).
  • Appellate Court of Illinois - First District. 258 Ill. App. 3d 567, 630 N.E. 2d 905 (1994).
  • Appellate Court of Illinois - Fifth District. 224 Ill. App. 3d 1083, 587 N.E. 2d 81 (1992).
  • United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit. 921 F.2d 278 (1990).

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Honors

Honors & Awards

  • AV Preeminent® Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Best Lawyers in America (2020-2021, 2023-2024)
  • Chicago Women in Law
    • Chicago Lawyer (2002)
  • Fortress Insurance Company
    • Outstanding Service Award (2007)
  • Illinois Association of Defense Trial Attorneys
    • Distinguished Member Award (2016)
    • President’s Commendation for Co-Chair, IDC 50th Anniversary Gala (2014)
    • President’s Commendation for Fall Seminar (2001)
  • Illinois Leading Lawyer (2013-2023)
    • 40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch (2001)
  • Illinois State Bar Association
    • Participant, Allerton Conference on Jury Reform (2006)
  • Illinois Super Lawyer (2005-2024)
    • Top 50 Female Lawyers in Illinois (2006-2008)
  • Jury Verdict Reporter
    • Trial Lawyer Excellence Award for Outstanding Defense Verdict – Dental Malpractice (2012)
  • Medical Professional Liability Association

    • Industry Defender Award (2023)
  • OMSNIC (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons National Insurance Company)
    • Nominated for Defense Counsel of the Year (2022)
    • Continuing Excellence Award (2012)
    • Defense Star Award (2002-2003)

Insights

Events & Speaking Engagements

  • “Calibrate Your Risk Radar,” Chicago Dental Society (Chicago IL, 2021). (Co-presenter)
  • "Legalities in the Dental Practice," Dental CE Solutions and Hehr Oral Surgery (Charleston SC, 2021).
  • “Post COVID Dental Malpractice Litigation Trends and Predictions,” Medical Professional Liability Association’s 2021 Dental Virtual Workshop (2021). (Co-presenter)
  • “Legalities in the Dental Industry for Restorative Clinicians,” The Aspects of Dental Practice: A Series (Fresno CA, 2017).

  • “Strategies for the Patient Relationship,” The Aspects of Dental Practice: A Series (Charleston SC, 2017).

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  • “Social Media in the Professional Liability Arena,” Insurance Law and Coverage Seminar (Oak Brook IL, 2017).
  • “Depositions: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” Infinity Healthcare Management (Chicago IL, 2017).
  • “Caution + Control: Reducing Employment Liability,” Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting (Chicago IL, 2017).
  • “Strategies for the Patient Relationship,” Dental Implant Mini Residency (Atlanta GA, 2017).
  • “Peer Review: Accomplishing the Goal,” Chicago Dental Society (Oak Brook IL, 2016).
  • “Running from the Law,” Infinity Healthcare Management (Hillside IL, 2016).
  • “Running from the Law,” Ambassador Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Chicago IL, 2016).
  • “Beyond the Science: Patient Emotions in Dentistry,” Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Meeting (Chicago IL, 2016).
  • “Driving the Defense: Pre-suit Analysis in the Long-Term Care Setting,” Sedgwick RN Training Seminar (Chicago IL, 2016).
  • “Panel Discussion: Case Law, Legislation and Regulatory Update,” CHRMS Law Day (Chicago IL, 2015).
  • “Running from the Law,” Berkeley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (Oak Park IL, 2015).
  • “Risk in the Electronic Age,” Continental Nursing Home (Chicago IL, 2015).
  • “Beyond the Science: Patient Emotions in Dentistry,” Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Meeting (Chicago IL, 2015).
  • “Beyond the Science: Patient Emotions,” TDIC Seminar (Oak Brook, IL, 2014).
  • “Running from the Law,” AAOC Quarterly Meeting, Doctors Direct Insurance (Chicago IL, 2014).
  • “Risky Business: How to Avoid Lawyers and Lawsuits,” Mandelaris’ Study Club (Park Ridge IL, 2014).
  • “Tale of the Tainted Tongue,” Professional Solutions Insurance Company’s dental claims, risk, and marketing staff (Clive IA, 2014).
  • “High Cost of Shortcuts,” Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting (Chicago IL, 2014).
  • “The High Cost of Shortcuts,” TDIC Seminar (Oak Brook, IL, 2013).
  • “Exploring Local and General Anesthetic Techniques in Dentistry: Guidelines, Risks and Reducing Claims Exposure,” PIAA Webinar (2013).
  • “Legal Issues in the EMR,” St. Joseph Hospital (Chicago IL, 2013).
  • “Issues in the LTAC Setting,” Kindred Medical Staff Meeting (Chicago IL, 2013).
  • “The High Cost of Shortcuts,” Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Meeting (Chicago IL, 2013).
  • “High Cost of Shortcuts,” TDIC Seminar (Oak Brook IL, 2012).
  • “Developing a Defense Plan,” IICLE program on Pretrial Preparation in Civil Practice (Chicago IL, 2012).
  • “Good Intentions – Bad Outcomes,” Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Meeting (Chicago IL, 2012).
  • “Good Intentions – Bad Outcomes,” TDIC Seminar (Oak Brook IL, 2011).
  • “Write is Might,” ICAHN Webinar (Chicago IL, 2011).
  • “Legal Issues in the Electronic Age,” CHRMS Seminar (Schaumburg IL, 2011).
  • “Dental Malpractice: Learning the Rules of the Road,” Minnesota Dental Society’s Star of the North Seminar (2011).
  • “Write is Might,” Saint Joseph Hospital (Chicago IL, 2011).
  • “Tale of the Tainted Tongue,” Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter Meeting (Chicago IL, 2011).
  • “Write Is Might: Running from Risk,” INA and Provena St. Joseph Medical Center (Joliet IL, 2010).
  • “Legal Implications of Nursing Documentation and Communication,” INA Local Unit Conference (Galena IL, 2010).
  • “Risk Management Seminar: Framework for Positive Effective Interactions,” TDIC (Chicago IL, 2009).
  • “Write is Might: Running from Risk,” Sauk Valley Community College (Dixon IL, 2009).
  • “Curing Litigation Wounds: The Defense Attorney Perspective,” INA Wound Care Nursing Association (Burr Ridge IL, 2009).
  • “Dental Malpractice: Running from Risk,” online audio course, dentaltown.com (2009).
  • “Website Updates & ‘Sticky’ Ideas,” Defense Research Institute’s North Central Regional Meeting (Las Vegas NV, 2009).
  • “Write is Might: Running from Risk,” Kindred Healthcare (Chicago IL, 2009).
  • “Avoiding Claims and Litigation: Dental Malpractice,” Oakstone Medical Publishing, LLC, audio conference (2008).
  • “Running from Risk,” University of Chicago Hospitals (Chicago IL, 2008).
  • “Write Is Might: Documentation Seminar,” Resurrection Health Care–St. Joseph (Chicago IL, 2008).
  • “Risk Management Issues and the Electronic Medical Record,” The Clarity Group, Inc. (Chicago IL, 2008).
  • “Alternative Dispute Resolution: Pros and Cons,” American Society for Healthcare Risk Management’s Annual Conference (Chicago IL, 2007).
  • “Criminal Liability in Nursing Home Cases,” Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Springfield, 2007); Chicago, 2007).
  • “Providing Testimony and the Duty to Warn,” Resurrection Health Care (Chicago IL, 2006).
  • “Medical Malpractice and Risk Management: Best Practices for Healthcare Professionals,” Co-sponsored by the Muslim Bar Association and Oak Brook Surgical Center (Oak Brook IL, 2006).
  • “Informed Consent: Understanding the Risks,” Holy Family Medical Center (Des Plaines IL, 2005).
  • “Informed Consent: Understanding the Risks,” Holy Family Medical Center staff (Des Plaines IL, 2004).
  • “Defending Against the Charlatan Expert,” Defending Against Sexual Torts, Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel and the Insurance School of Chicago (Chicago IL, 2004).
  • “Running from Risk: Nursing Care in Obstetrics,” Saint Joseph Hospital (Chicago IL, 2004).
  • “HIPAA Basic Training,” Arcolian Dental Society (2003).
  • “Recent Developments, Trends, Legislation, Verdicts, Decisions, and the Harvard Study,” DRI’s Nursing Home Litigation Conference (Las Vegas NV, 2003).
  • “Anatomy of a Claim: You be the Judge,” SITE National Conference (Chicago IL, 2003).
  • “Dental Malpractice: Learning the Rules of the Road,” Kankakee Dental Society (Riverside Medical Center, Kankakee IL, 2003).
  • “Computerized Medical Office Records: Can They Reduce Your Practice's Malpractice Risk and Improve Patient Safety?” Reducing Errors in Family Practice, ISMIE Mutual Insurance Company (Stonegate Conference Center, Hoffman Estates IL, 2003).
  • “Structural Work Act: Repeal, Revival, Repercussions,” Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association’s National Conference (Boca Raton FL, 2003).
  • “Run from Risk in Residency,” Catholic Health Partners’ new resident seminar, St. Joseph Hospital (Chicago IL, 2001).
  • “Trauma, Triage, and Triumph: Legal Issues in the Emergency Care Setting,” St. Anthony Hospital’s Emergency Department (Chicago IL, 2001).
  • “The Impact of Electronic Records in Medical Negligence Litigation,” Lorman Educational Seminars (Holiday Inn, Itasca IL, 2001).
  • “Nurses on Trial,” American Association of Critical Care Nurses’ Regional Meeting (Arlington Park Sheraton, Arlington Heights IL, 2001).
  • “The Impact of Electronic Records in Medical Negligence Litigation,” Physicians Insurance Company (Madison WI, 2001).
  • “The Impact of Electronic Records in Medical Negligence Litigation,” Illinois State Medical Inter-Insurance Exchange (Chicago IL, 2001).
  • “The Impact of Electronic Records in Medical Negligence Issues,” American Society of Healthcare Risk Managers (New Orleans LA, 2000).
  • “The Impact of Electronic Records on Medical Negligence Litigation,” American Association of Critical-Care Nurses’ Midwest Conference (Chicago IL, 2000).
  • “Confidentiality of Medical Records,” Lorman Education Services (Itasca IL, 1999).
  • “The Impact of Electronic Records on Medical Negligence Issues,” Wisconsin Society of Healthcare Risk Managers’ Annual Convention (Egg Harbor WI, 1999).
  • “Return to Work Issues in Illinois,” Lorman Education Services (Rosemont IL, 1999).
  • “Taking and Defending Depositions,” Chicago Bar Association’s Continuing Legal Education Programs (Chicago IL, 1999).
  • “Return to Work Issues in Illinois,” Lorman Education Services (Oak Brook IL, 1999).
  • “Legal Issues in Home Healthcare,” Partners in Homecare (Chicago IL, 1999).
  • “Confidentiality of Medical Records,” Lorman Education Services (Rosemont IL, 1999).
  • “Legal Issues of Patient Care,” Catholic Health Partners’ new resident staff (Chicago IL, 1999).
  • “Confidentiality of Medical Records,” Lorman Education Services (Oak Brook IL, 1999).
  • “Nurses on Trial,” Catholic Health Partners (Chicago IL, 1999).
  • “Dental Malpractice: Learning the Rules of the Road,” PIC Wisconsin Insureds (Oak Brook IL, 1999).
  • “Defense Medical Documentation,” Catholic Health Partners (Chicago IL, 1999).
  • "The Litigation Process," Daughters of Charity National Health System (Catholic Health Partners, 1998).
  • "Legal Issues of Informed Consent," Columbus Hospital (1998).
  • "Taking and Defending Depositions," Chicago Bar Association’s Continuing Legal Education Programs (Chicago IL, 1998).
  • “Legal Issues of Patient Care,” Catholic Health Partners (Chicago IL, 1998).
  • “Medical Evidence: Law and Technique,” Illinois Insurance and Tort Law Update, Professional Education Systems, Inc., (Doubletree Guest Suites, Chicago IL, 1998).
  • “Medical Evidence: Law and Technique” Illinois Insurance and Tort Law Update, Professional Education Systems, Inc., (Holiday Inn, Collinsville IL, 1998).
  • “Litigation: Plaintiff vs. Defense Practice,” Valparaiso University School of Law (Valparaiso IN, 1998).
  • “Dental Malpractice: Learning the Rules of the Road,” Plum Grove Dental Associates (Palatine IL, 1998).
  • "Legal Issues of Patient Care," Catholic Health Partners (Chicago IL, 1997).           
  • "Legal Issues of Patient Care," St. Joseph Hospital (Chicago IL, 1996).
  • "Legal Issues for Intensive Care Nursing Practice," St. Joseph's Hospital (Chicago IL, 1995).
  • "Documentation and Related Legal Issues for Pharmacists," St. Joseph's Hospital (Chicago IL, 1995).
  • "Legal Issues and Defensive Nursing Practice and Documentation," St. Joseph's Hospital’s orientation for nursing staff (Chicago IL, 1995).
  • "Anatomy of a Lawsuit," St. Joseph's Hospital’s resident staff (Chicago IL, 1995).
  • "Keys to Defensive Nursing Documentation," St. Joseph's Hospital’s medical-surgical nursing staff (Chicago IL, 1995).

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Publications

  • “Web Reputation: Setting a Patient’s Expectations,” OMS Guardian (2016). (Co-author)
  • “Web Reputation: Setting a Patient’s Expectations,” DDS Guardian (2016). (Co-author)
  • “Non-Party Treating Physicians: Protection of Patient Confidentiality,” PIAA Quarterly (2013). (Co-author)
  • “Dental Malpractice: Running From Risk,” Dentaltown (online audio course article) (2009).
  • “National Practitioner’s Data Bank” Woman Dental Journal (July 2007).

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  • “Legalities,” Woman Dentist Journal/Chronicle (monthly column on risk management and related legal issues) (2006-2008). (Co-author)
  • “The 10 Biggest Mistakes Physicians Make Which Prevent Them from Transferring Risk,” SEAK, Inc.’s The Biggest Legal Mistakes That Physicians Make and How to Avoid Them (2005).
  • “The 10 Biggest Mistakes Physicians Make When Obtaining Insurance Coverage,” SEAK, Inc.’s The Biggest Legal Mistakes That Physicians Make and How to Avoid Them (2005).
  • “Understanding the National Practitioners Data Bank,” Dental Claims and Insurance News, Vol. 13 (1998). (Co-author)
  • “Evolving Trends in Medical Liability Law,” IDC Quarterly, Vol. 8, No. 3 (1998). (Co-author)
  • “Legal Malpractice: Recent Developments and Trends in the Law,” IDC Quarterly, Vol. 6, No. 3 (1996). (Co-author)
  • “Experts Are Not Agents and May Be Abandoned Without Threat of Missing Witness Instruction,” IDC Quarterly, Vol. 4, No. 4 (1994). (Co-author)
  • “The Burden of Proof on Proximate Cause: Should Illinois Take a Chance?” IDC Quarterly, Vol. 2, No. 4 (1994). (Co-author)

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