Pretzel & Stouffer Obtains Defense Verdict in Cook County

On March 10, 2026, Pretzel & Stouffer attorneys Ed Ruff and Kimberly Flanigan obtained a defense verdict in favor of the firm’s clients, a vascular surgeon and vascular surgery group, in a case tried before the Honorable Mary Minella in the Circuit Court of Cook County.

The plaintiff alleged that the vascular surgeon performed a left lower extremity angiogram in December 2018 that was not medically indicated and caused embolization, ultimately leading to a transmetatarsal amputation of the plaintiff’s left foot. Plaintiff’s vascular surgery expert contended that the left limb was not threatened prior to the procedure and that intervention should not have been performed.

The defense presented testimony from multiple vascular surgeons and relied heavily on objective vascular imaging and diagnostic testing demonstrating that the plaintiff suffered from severe, longstanding peripheral arterial disease affecting both lower extremities. The evidence established that the angiogram was medically indicated and appropriately performed, and that there was no objective evidence of embolization. The defense further argued that the intervention likely restored blood flow to the level where the transmetatarsal amputation ultimately healed.

During closing argument, the plaintiff requested $5 million in non-economic damages for pain and suffering, loss of a normal life, and disfigurement.

After deliberating for less than one hour, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendants.