Ohio Supreme Court Issues Decision on Punitive Damages

Mindi — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:07:03 +0000

On February 15, 2012, the Ohio Supreme Court issued its decision in Havel v. Villa St. Joseph, 2012-Ohio-552. In Havel, the Court ruled in favor of tort reform legislation, Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.21(B), which mandates bifurcation at trial of punitive damage claims upon the request of any party. In so doing, the Ohio Supreme Court determined that the legislative enactment was a “substantive” law that was controlling over the “procedural” provisions of Ohio Civil Rule 42(B) which provided trial courts with discretion to grant or deny bifurcation requests. As a result of the Court’s ruling, trial courts are now mandated to bifurcate punitive damage claims at trial in accordance with Revised Code Section 2315.21(B). Upon bifurcation, evidence regarding punitive damages, such as financial net worth, cannot be considered in the liability phase of the trial.

Rock ‘n Bowl 2012

Mindi — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:04:58 +0000

Recently, Mindi Schaefer and Elise Huang of Poling | Petrello Columbus participated on the Paralegal of Central Ohio’s bowling team for Rock ‘n Bowl 2012. This year each team raised funds to support child abuse treatment and prevention programs at The Center for Family Safety and Healing.

To see photographs from the event, click here.

Welcome Elise Huang!

Mindi — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:05:32 +0000

Capital University Law School Paralegal Program graduate, Elise Huang, has joined the Poling | Petrello team as a paralegal in the Columbus office. Ms. Huang previously completed an externship with our firm, through PACO’s Mentoring Program. Given her professionalism and exemplary work, we were excited by Elise’s acceptance of our invitation and pleased that we were able to successfully offer, to Elise, her very first Paralegal position.

Poling | Petrello Recognized by the Paralegal Association of Central Ohio

Mindi — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:01:06 +0000

The firm was recently recognized by the Paralegal Association of Central Ohio as a generous sponsor for the association’s Holiday Social and donation drive for The Salvation Army. Click here to view the article.

Amputation of Patient’s Legs Blamed on Tardy Surgeon

Mindi — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:35:42 +0000

Virginia Lawyers Weekly recognizes the defense verdict obtained by Brant Poling and his co-counsel. To see the article, click Virginia Lawyers Weekly

Doug Holthus, Vice Chair

Mindi — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:07:27 +0000

Doug Holthus was recently chosen to serve as the Vice Chair of the Professional Liability Defense Federation’s Construction Design Claims Committee for the 2012 term.

Congratulations to Mindi Schaefer, M.S.!

Mindi — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:50:25 +0000

During her recent graduation from Franklin University (Columbus), Mindi received her Master of Science Degree in Marketing & Communication. In addition to her paralegal duties at Poling | Petrello, she serves as the firm’s Marketing Specialist.

“Why Mentor?” and “Q&A with an OSBA Certified Paralegal”

Mindi — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:40:59 +0000

Mindi Schaefer recently published two articles with the Paralegal Association of Central Ohio titled – “Why Mentor?” and “Q&A with an OSBA Certified Paralegal.”

Defense Verdict for Physician in Aberdeen Washington: Schisler v. Gray’s Harbor Community Hospital

Mindi — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:25:14 +0000

After Plaintiff’s counsel rejected a 1 million dollar settlement offer on a case pending in Grays Harbor County, Washington, our firm was asked to assume the defense, just 3 weeks before trial. We were able to quickly work with local counsel and digest 60 depositions and 15 volumes of medical exhibits. After a 3 week trial, a defense verdict was returned in favor of our client.

The case involved allegations of failing to properly treat a young patient who presented to the hospital in diabetic ketacidosis (DKA). A central line was placed in the ER while the patient was in a diabetic coma, with falling blood pressures. It was subsequently discovered that the line was placed in the femoral artery, instead of the vein. The patient developed blood clots in the femoral artery. The Plaintiff alleged the clots resulted in a permanent foot drop and Charcot foot, as the consequence of the administration of dopamine via the central line.

On behalf of our clients, we were able to demonstrate the physicians and nurses met the standard of care and did not cause a foot drop. We also were able to obtain video surveillance of the Plaintiff in trial demonstrating the Plaintiff could walk without a limp. Expert testimony was presented on behalf of the physicians demonstrating the standard of care was met despite the fact the line was placed in the femoral artery. Equally so, the jury found transfer was timely to a tertiary care center. After approximately two hours of deliberations the jury returned a verdict in favor of our clients.

Season’s Greetings from Poling | Petrello

Mindi — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:20:03 +0000

Have a bright and happy holiday season from all of us at Poling | Petrello.