Bradley Murchison Kelly & Shea LLC

Bill Bradley is a founding member of the firm.  His practice consists principally of the defense of medical malpractice actions in the Louisiana state and federal courts.  He also has an extensive appellate practice.   

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

Through 2012, Bill has tried at least 40 jury trials and 36 bench trials.

2012

Howard v. St. Paul. 24th JDC. Jury trial [Judge Ansardi]. Patient and husband sued neurologist for misdiagnosing MS, allegedly leading to 2 years’ bed rest and loss of consortium. Settled on 3^rd day of jury trial with reservation of rights against the PCF.  

SPEECHES. Mr. Bradley has presented and participated in lectures and seminars on a wide variety of medical and legal issues.

2011

Scott v. Children’s Hospital. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Julien]. π verdict. Plaintiff claimed that pediatric anesthesiologist failed to timely detect arterial puncture during repair of D-transposition of great vessels, leading to child’s stroke and blindness. District Court awarded damages. No appeal. MD satisfied judgment. Plaintiff reserved rights against the PCF.

Richard v. LAMMICO. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Julien]. π verdict. Plaintiff claimed that anesthesiologist/pain management specialist incorrectly filled pain pump reservoir leading to overdose and stroke. Judge awarded damages limited to $100,000. MD appealed. Court of Appeal affirmed. Writ application to be filed in Louisiana Supreme Court.

Washington v. Slidell Memorial Hospital. 22^nd JDC. Judge trial [Judge Badeaux]. π verdict. Parents sued pediatrician and hospital claiming that failure to detect and treat hyperbilirubinemia led to infant’s death. Judge awarded damages. MD and hospital appealed. Appeal pending.

2010

Talbert v. Evans. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Griffin]. π verdict. Children of deceased patient alleged that GP and his Clinic failed to properly supervise rogue PA who improperly dispensed Zomig to patient without authorization, leading to MI and subsequent death. Judge rendered judgment against GP, Clinic and PCF. Judgment amended pursuant to post-trial motions. GP satisfied his portion of the judgment. Plaintiffs’ judgment against Clinic and PCF affirmed on appeal.

Jane and John Does v. Foti. 19^th JDC. Judge trial [Judge Johnson]. π verdict. 72 former hospital employees and staff sought to enjoin Attorney General, District Attorney, Coroner of the Parish of Orleans and The Times-Picayune & CNN from disclosing records of post-Katrina investigation pursuant to public records request. District Court denied relief and ordered disclosure. Court of Appeal reversed. Supreme Court affirmed and remanded. District Court again denied relief and ordered disclosure. Court of Appeal reversed. Supreme Court affirmed.

Harris v. STPH. 22^nd JDC. Jury trial [Judge Childress]. Δ verdict. Plaintiff sued hospital alleging that employed CRNA improperly administered Esmolol to post-mitral-valve-repair wife (hospital-employed ICU nurse) leading to MI and subsequent death; plaintiff also accused hospital of spoliation of evidence by disposing of the esmolol vial and by rushing decedent’s body to embalming in order to destroy toxicological evidence. Co-defendant funeral home dismissed at close of plaintiff’s case. Jury returned unanimous verdict in favor of hospital. Plaintiff’s post-trial motions were denied. Plaintiff appealed. Court of Appeal reversed and rendered modest judgment. Supreme Court denied writ application. Judgment satisfied. 

2009

Dunjee v. Weather. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Cates]. π verdict. Diabetic infertile plaintiff claimed that she suffered post-GYN procedure infection. Judge ruled in favor of plaintiff [who died in the interim]. MD appealed. Judgment affirmed on appeal. Judgment satisfied.

Abshire v. Team Health. 15^th JDC. Jury trial [Judge Conque]. Δ verdict. Surviving children of deceased patient claimed that anesthesiologist inadvertently misplaced and failed to discover a central line in her subclavian artery, leading to another stroke and subsequent death. Hospital dismissed by Judge on directed verdict. Jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of MD. Plaintiffs’ post-trial motions for new trial/JNOV were denied. Plaintiffs appealed. Court of Appeal affirmed. Plaintiffs sought writs. Louisiana Supreme Court denied writ application.

Finch v. Slidell Memorial Hospital. 22^nd JDC. Jury trial [Judge Crain]. Δ verdict. Widow and daughter of deceased patient claimed that gastroenterologist and general surgeon performed unnecessary and time-wasting tests and procedures before performing an emergency cecostomy, causing reperfusion injury and fatal arrhythmia. Jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of both MDs. 

2008

Brenckle v. Meadowcrest Hospital. 24th JDC. Jury trial [Judge Molaison]. Δ verdict. Plaintiffs claimed that defendant ER MD failed to diagnose and treat their infant daughter's meningococcemia leading to amputation of both legs, one finger and several fingertips, and extensive, severe scarring. Future medicals exceeded $40 million.

Jambon v. Hoover. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Bagneris]. Δ verdict. Plaintiffs claimed that co-defendant podiatrist and our 2 ER MDs failed to diagnose, treat and refer a vascular emergency leading to amputation of wife's foot. One ER MD was dismissed on motion for directed verdict.  Judge returned a defense verdict for remaining defendants. 

Henry v. LAMMICO. 24th JDC. Jury trial [Judge Sullivan]. Δ verdict. Plaintiffs claimed that defendant general surgeon caused their minor son's femoral neuropathy during emergency colon resection for Crohn’s Disease. 

George v. Team Health. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Giarrusso]. π verdict. Plaintiffs claimed that defendant ER MD failed to diagnose and treat idiopathic acute transverse myelitis leading to incomplete quadriplegia.  Judge returned a verdict in favor of plaintiffs for $100,000/$500,000 statutory limitation of liability. No appeal. Judgment satisfied.

Robb v. Team Health. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Griffin]. π verdict. Plaintiffs claimed that defendant ER MD failed to diagnose meningococcal meningitis and that delay in diagnosis led to deafness and other complications. Judge rendered a verdict in favor of plaintiffs but reduced it by 50% because of negligence of a third party. No appeal. Judgment satisfied.  

Robinson v. LAMMICO. 24th JDC. Jury trial [Judge Sullivan]. Δ verdict. Plaintiffs claimed that the negligence of 3 defendant MDs led to the stillbirth of her son. Jury returned a defense verdict for 2 MDs [including our client] and a plaintiff verdict against remaining MD.  

2007-2005 Hiatus post-Katrina

2004

Coleman v. MMC-BC. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Gill-Jefferson]. Δ verdict. Children sued hospital for father’s death following cath lab procedure.

Mitchell v. ICA. 24^th JDC. Jury trial [Judge McCabe]. Δ verdict. Parents sued ER MD for alleged failure to timely diagnose and treat their son’s ruptured appendix.

Raines v. Team Health. CDC. Jury trial [Judge Griffin]. π verdict. $550,000 reduced to $100,000. Parents sued ER MD for failing to diagnose and treat sepsis, leading to their infant son’s death (actually from varicella myocarditis).

Duhon v. Team Health. USDC, WDLa. Jury trial [Judge Trimble]. Δ verdict. Plaintiff sued ER MD for sexual battery during ER examination.

2003

Dunjee v. Weather. CDC. Jury trial [Judge Magee]. Δ verdict. Action of nullity. Plaintiff obtained default judgment of $500,000 against OBGYN. Jury and judge ruled in favor of OBGYN, annulling default judgment.

Thornton v. Weather. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Griffin]. Δ verdict. Plaintiff sued OBGYN for lack of informed consent and negligence in performing fertility surgery.

Adams et vir v. St. Paul. 19^th JDC. Jury trial [Judge Welch]. Δ verdict. Plaintiff and husband sued plastic surgeon for underfilling breast implant. 

Beilenson v. EJGH et al. 24^th JDC. Jury trial [Judge Benge]. Δ verdict for 2 internists. Plaintiffs sued hospital and 2 internists for mother’s death from small bowel obstruction. 

2002

Lala v. Meadowcrest Hospital et al. 24^th JDC. Jury trial [Judge Green]. Δ verdict. Mother sued ER MD for son’s death from subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Leray v. LAMMICO et al. 24^th JDC. Jury Trial [Ad hoc Judge Cannizzaro]. π verdict $15,000,000 limited to $100,000. Quadriplegic sued ER MD and neurosurgeon for not clearing C-spine prior to CT scan resulting in quadriplegia.

2000

Hernandez v. Chalmette Medical Center et al. 34^th JDC. Judge trial [Judge Vaughn]. One of our clients received a Δ verdict; judge rendered judgment against our other client for $500,000 reduced to $100,000. Affirmed in Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Johnson v. St. Paul. 24^th JDC. Judge trial [Judge Grant]. Δ verdict. Patient sued vascular surgeon for A-V fistula.

Lipps v. ICA. 24^th JDC. Judge trial [Judge LaDart]. π verdict $64,000. Children sued oncologists for chemotherapy overdose.

1999

Dawes v. ICA. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Gill-Jefferson]. π verdict. $400,000 reduced to $100,000. Settled on appeal. Plaintiff claimed that orthopedic surgeon fractured humerus and transected axillary and ulnar nerves during shoulder arthroplasty.

Robinson v. Touro Infirmary. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Giarrusso]. π verdict with finding of 40% fault on plaintiff. Surgical products salesman slipped on wet floor at hospital and fractured hip.

Coleman v. Deno. CDC. Jury trial [Judge Fedoroff]. Plaintiff claimed that failure to diagnose cellulitis led to amputation of arm. After 11-day trial jury rendered π verdict of $4,400,000. Judge granted our client’s JNOV absolving him of liability. JNOV was affirmed in 4^th Circuit Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

White v. St. Paul. 24^th JDC. Judge trial [Judge LaDart]. Δ verdict. Survivors sued cardiovascular surgeon for death of patient during bypass surgery.

1998

Nathan v. Touro Infirmary. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Julien]. π verdict. $350,000 reduced to $100,000. Alzheimer’s patient fell during rehab and fractured hip.

Anderson v. ICA. USDC, EDLa. Jury trial [Judge Schwartz]. Δ verdict. Affirmed on appeal in U.S. 5^th Circuit. Widow sued ENT and neurosurgeon for alleged failure to diagnose and treat husband’s invasive squamous cell carcinoma.

Gray v. River Parishes Hospital et al. 40^th JDC. Jury trial [Judge Jasmine]. Δ verdict. Mother sued ER MD and pediatrician for alleged failure to diagnose and treat pneumonia resulting in infant’s SIDS death.

1996

Core v. ICA. 22^nd JDC. Jury trial [Judge Hedges]. Δ verdict. Affirmed on appeal. Wrongful death after cardiologist failed to properly treat dilated cardiomyopathy with arrhythmia.

Ranson v. ACIC. CDC. Jury trial [Judge Connolly]. Hung jury/mistrial. Gastroenterologist failed to timely diagnose ruptured appendix.

Bourgeois v. ACIC. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Giarrusso]. Δ verdict. OBGYN allegedly performed incomplete abortion necessitating hysterectomy 2½ years later.

Morgan v. ACIC. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Tobias]. Δ verdict. Three orthopedic surgeons allegedly failed to properly treat fractured ankle.

Cruanes v. ICA. 24^th JDC. Jury trial. Plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed with prejudice on 3^rd day of jury trial. Oncology clinic, oncology nurse and oncologist accused of allowing extravasation of vesicant during chemotherapy necessitating subsequent plastic surgery.

1995

Fontaine v. Roman Catholic Church & USF&G. CDC. Jury trial [Judge Magee]. Settled after 2 weeks of trial. Teen claimed molestation by priest.

Jackson v. USF&G. CDC. Jury trial [Judge Fedoroff]. π verdict $1,096,000. Plaintiff suffered foot injury when deliveryman lowered dolly onto her foot, leading to intractable pain and disability.

Brown v. EMSA. 25^th JDC. Jury trial. Settled during trial. ER MD failed to diagnose ruptured spleen.

Grosch v. Dr. Minyard. CDC. Judge trial. π verdict $6,000. Soft tissue injury.

Boudoin v. ICA. CDC. Jury trial. π verdict $892,000, reduced to $100,000. Affirmed on appeal. Radiologist failed to diagnose sarcomatous mesothelioma.

Stewart & Stevenson v. USF&G. USDC, EDLa. Judge trial [Judge Beer]. Δ verdict. Destruction of maritime vessel as a result of faulty repair.

1994

Jordan v. Dr. Minyard. CDC. Judge trial. π verdict $35,000. Ambulance attendant suffered fractured knee.

Harden v. LPCF. CDC. Jury trial. π verdict $1,015,000; reduced to $240,000. Hospital and resident failed to diagnose ruptured spleen.

Webb v. Monsanto et al. 19^th JDC. Jury trial [Judge McDonald]. Δ verdict after 19-day trial. Survivors claimed that decedent acquired squamous cell carcinoma of ethmoid sinus and died from workplace exposure to acrylonitrile, styrene and 1,3 butadiene.

Gorham v. Methodist Hospital. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Sholes]. Settled after trial. Patient injured in fall in hospital bathroom.

Russo v. Methodist Hospital. CDC. Jury trial. Δ verdict. Affirmed on appeal. Failure to diagnose and treat cryptococcus infection.

1993

Small v. Dr. Minyard. CDC. Judge trial. π verdict $15,000. Coroner failed to timely notify next of kin.

Ricker v. ICA. 22^nd JDC. Judge trial. π verdict $19,000. Affirmed on appeal. ENT failed to properly repair mandibular fracture in ER.

1990

Britton v. Canal Place & USF&G. CDC. Jury trial [Judge Katz]. Mistrial. Slip and fall in basement restaurant because of backed-up sewerage.

Barbella v. Touro Infirmary et al. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Tobias]. Δ verdict. Affirmed on appeal. Surgeons failed to diagnose metastatic cancer.

Knox v. MMI. CDC. Judge trial. Δ verdict. General surgeon failed to diagnose lacerated tendon. 

Vallery v. Kaiser Aluminum & Shell Oil Co. 29^th JDC. Jury trial [Judge Marino]. Settled during trial. Wrongful death of truck driver on Kaiser Aluminum premises within Shell Oil Co.’s Norco Refinery.

Norfleet v. Southern Baptist Hospital. CDC. Jury trial [Judge Ganucheau]. π verdict $450,000. Postpartum patient suffered femoral neuropathy from intramuscular injection.

Stensrud v. ICA. USDC, EDLa. Jury trial [Judge Livaudais]. Δ verdict. ER MD failed to diagnose and treat cat scratch fever. 

Willette v. ICA. USDC, EDLa. Jury trial [Judge Mentz]. Δ verdict. Cardiologist dissected aorta during angioplasty.

Hagardorn v. Southern Baptist Hospital. CDC. Judge trial [Judge Katz]. Settled during trial. Stillbirth.

1988

Peters v. ICA. CDC. Jury trial. Δ verdict. Family practitioner and urologist failed to remove kidney stone.

Westridge v. USF&G. CDC. Bifurcated judge trial [Judge Ganucheau/Magistrate Wilkerson]. π verdict on liability. General Contractor sued for fire that destroyed building adjacent to premises being renovated.

1987

Clark v. Southern Baptist Hospital. CDC. Jury trial [Judge Garvey]. π verdict $350,000. Postsurgical patient fell and fractured hip.

Roberson v. Provident House & St. Paul. CDC. Judge trial. Δ verdict; reversed in Fourth Circuit on appeal; affirmed in Supreme Court. $25,000. Quadriplegic suffered traumatic catheterization without consent tantamount to battery.

Yamin v. First NBC & USF&G. CDC. Judge trial. π verdict $14,000. Bank customer claimed fraudulent wired transfer.

Acosta v. Methodist Hospital. CDC. Jury trial. π verdict $103,000. Patient fell from X?ray table injuring lumbar spine.

1986

Chester v. Methodist Hospital. CDC. Judge trial. Δ verdict. Postsurgical patient fell and fractured hip.

Besselman v. Chateau de Notre Dame & USF&G. CDC. Jury trial. Settled during trial. Nursing home patient fell and fractured hip.

1985

Barahona v. First NBC & USF&G. CDC. Jury trial [Judge Early]. π verdict $20,000. Plaintiff sued bank for lax security leading to alleged robbery in parking lot after making withdrawal.

Leader v. Illinois Central. 21^st JDC. Judge trial. π verdict $14,000. Crossing accident.

Everett v. Goldman. 24^th JDC. Jury trial [Judge Porteous]. Δ verdict. Internist failed to diagnose pregnancy, with resultant exposure to radiation and subsequent therapeutic abortion.

Alford v. ICA. 22^nd JDC. Judge trial [Judge James]. Δ verdict. ER MD failed to remove gauze from leg wound.

Nesbitt v. St. Paul. 24^th JDC. Judge trial [Judge Grefer]. Settled during trial. Plaintiff suffered wound dehiscence after abdominoplasty.

Rollins v. Elk Place Plaza & USF&G. CDC. Jury trial [Judge Ganucheau]. π verdict $275,000. Plaintiff slipped in stairwell during fire alarm evacuation.

HONORS

• Best Lawyers®, 2007 - 2012 - Mass Torts Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law, Personal Injury Litigation, Product Liability Litigation, and Professional Malpractice Law.
• Louisiana Super Lawyers®, 2007 - 2013 - Personal Injury Defense: Medical Malpractice
• Best Lawyers® - "New Orleans Best Lawyers Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year” for 2010
• AV® Peer Review Rating in Martindale-Hubbell;  “AV” is the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards.

PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS

• American Bar Association
• Louisiana State Bar Association
• American College of Trial Lawyers
• Defense Research Institute
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
• New Orleans Association of Defense Counsel, past president
• International Association of Defense Counsel
• American Board of Trial Advocates