Kraus Jenkins Scores Another Jury Trial Defense Verdict

May 2023 - Kraus Jenkins, led by James Kraus, secured a jury verdict in favor of the defense at the conclusion of a seven-day medical malpractice trial in Pittsburgh. The case centered on plaintiff’s allegations that the defendant orthopedic surgeon failed to recognize signs and symptoms of acute compartment syndrome in plaintiff’s lower leg following ankle surgery. The plaintiff was later diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome and was treated with a series of fasciotomy and debridement surgeries. Plaintiff alleged that earlier diagnosis would have avoided the need for those surgeries, which he claimed also resulted in the development of severe arthritis and permanent disability in his lower leg.

The defendant orthopedic surgeon testified at length about the care that he provided both during and following the ankle surgery. Expert witness physicians called by the defense testified in full support of the explanations provided by the defendant physician. The jury agreed, finding no negligence by the defendant orthopedic surgeon.

In addition to Kraus, the trial defense effort included key contributions by partner Lee Goldfarb and paralegal Rebecca Lear. Plaintiff was represented in the matter by Brendan Lupetin and Greg Unatin of the law firm of Lupetin and Unatin. The judgment in favor of the defendants in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas was not appealed.