Clifford Law Offices Obtains $2.9 Million Settlement in Death of 41-Year-Old Father
Press Release, 12/20/2004Clifford Law Offices obtained a $2.9 million settlement on behalf of a 41-year-old husband and father of two daughters after a major blood vessel was lacerated during surgery at MacNeal Hospital.
Robert Clifford and Robert Strelecky, partners at Clifford Law Offices, obtained the settlement against the hospital.
Michael Borelli of Berwyn went to the hospital in May, 1999, complaining of shortness of breath and a raised heart rate. While in the emergency room, fluid was released from his lung cavity and he was permitted to drive himself home. He died later that evening. An autopsy revealed massive bleeding in his lung cavity due to a puncture of a major vessel.
"This death was so unnecessary particularly because it involved a routine procedure," Strelecky said. "Mr. Borelli was a young man who left a wife and two young daughters. He will miss out on many wonderful memories because of gross negligence."
Judge William Maddux, Chief Judge of the Cook County Law Division, approved the settlement November, 2004
