Poole v. University of Chicago

Plaintiff Janice Poole (plaintiff) underwent subtotal thyroidectomy surgery performed by a physician employed by defendant University of Chicago (defendant). As a result of that surgery, plaintiff suffered permanent bilateral vocal cord paralysis that severely restricted her ability to breathe or speak. A jury in plaintiff’s medical malpractice suit against defendant found that the surgeon had not been negligent in performing the surgery, and plaintiff appeals. Upon review, plaintiff contends that a res ipsa loquitur instruction should have been given to the jury and that defendant’s improper…