Philip L. Willman
Missouri
Brown & James, P.C.
Bank of America Plaza
800 Market Street, Suite 1100
St. Louis, MO 63101-2501
Tel: 314-206-3052
Email:
pwillman@bjpc.com
Web:
www.brownjames.com
Phil Willman is a Principal in the St. Louis, Missouri office of Brown & James, P.C. He devotes his trial practice to defending physicians, medical schools, nurses, hospitals, nursing homes, psychologists and other healthcare providers in medical negligence and healthcare lawsuits and medical device manufacturers in medical device litigation.
Phil has tried more than 100 cases to a conclusion as lead counsel in jury trials in state and federal courts in both Missouri and Illinois. In 2019 alone, he tried eight cases to a verdict.
He is a leader of professional organizations dedicated to the support of the civil justice system and the defense bar. He currently serves as president of the Center for Law and Public Policy. He previously served as President of DRI, the largest international member organization for lawyers who represent individuals and businesses in civil litigation. He has served on the Executive Committee of DRI as an officer for four years. And, he held the position of Mid Region Director on the DRI Board of Directors for three years. He is also on the Board of the National Foundation for Judicial Excellence, which provides state supreme court and appellate judges with educational programs that enable them to perform at their highest level. Phil is also a Director for Lawyers for Civil Justice, a national organization that promotes excellence and fairness in the civil justice system.
In recognition of his leadership and his success in the courtroom he received the Influential Leader Award from Missouri Lawyers Media in 2020.
Phil also is active in the education of the defense bar and its clients. He has been program co-chair for the DRI Complex Medicine Seminar and program chair for the DRI Medical Liability Seminar. He also served as the chair and vice-chair of the Medical Liability & Health Care Law Committee from 2007-2011. He has written and presented on various topics related to trial tactics, medical professional liability and risk management. He has provided presentations for DRI, Washington University, Saint Louis University, St. Luke’s Hospital, The Medical Protective, Medical Assurance, ProAssurance, PIC-Wisconsin and Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company.
Phil obtained his Bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from Duke University in 1975 and his Juris Doctor degree from Vanderbilt University in 1978. From 1978 to 1979, he was a Research Fellow in Environmental Law at the University of Illinois College of Law. From 1979 to 1984, he served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Environmental Control Division for the Illinois Attorney General, handling numerous trials and administrative proceedings involving civil and criminal environmental prosecution to conclusion.
- Koelling v. Mercy Clinic, et. al, Franklin County, Missouri (2017) – unanimous defense verdict on claim of infection and other complications following colorectal surgery.
- Nicolson v. Orthopedic Associates, et. al, St. Louis County Circuit Court (2016) – defense verdict in a case involving partial paralysis following spine surgery.
- Whitehead v. Washington University, et. al, St. Louis City Circuit Court (2015) – defense verdict on the claim of loss of bowel function following the use of surgical staplers for colorectal surgery.
- Tullock v. St. Alexius Hospital, et. al, St. Louis City Circuit Court (2014) – defense verdict on wrongful death claim involving diagnosis and treatment of aortic aneurysm.
- Greco v. Orthopedic Sports Medicine, Madison County, Illinois (2013) defense verdict on death claim from pulmonary embolism.
- Smith v. St. Alexius Hospital, St. Louis City Circuit Court (2013) defense verdict on wrongful death claim involving emergency room treatment.
- Dunn v. St. Alexius Hospital, St. Louis City Circuit Court (2012) defense verdict on wrongful death claim involving the diagnosis of an ischemic bowel.
- Will v. Pepose Vision Institute, St. Louis County Circuit Court (2011 and 2015) defense verdict in case tried twice involving loss of vision in one eye from a retinal detachment.
- Noldon v. Saint Louis University, St. Louis City Circuit Court, Missouri (2009) Plaintiff claimed a University obstetrician failed to timely deliver a baby by C-section, resulting in cerebral palsy. Plaintiff claimed more than $17 million in damages. The jury returned a defense verdict. The case showed how effective use of ACOG criteria can support a causation defense.
- Parish v. Bond, St. Louis City Circuit Court, Missouri (2008) A patient suffering from high blood pressure asserted her physician failed to manage her hypertension, resulting in a stroke and brain injury. The defense verdict was the result of using evidence of patient non-compliance as a shield against negligence claims.
- Hoff v. St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis County Circuit Court, Missouri (2007) A trauma patient, with a thoracic spine fracture and a seizure disorder, alleged a spine surgeon delayed surgery, resulting in his experiencing seizures and paralysis. The jury verdict for the spine surgeon was based on a medical causation defense.
- Schrum, et al., v. Boardwine, St. Louis County Circuit Court, Missouri (2005) One of five medical professional liability cases tried against a surgeon performing spinal surgery using the BAK implantation device. Four of the cases resulted in a verdict for the surgeon, despite adverse testimony from local treating surgeons.
- Hertel v. Berkowitz, Madison County, Illinois (2003) Plaintiff claimed she developed avascular necrosis, necessitating a hip replacement, as a result of the physician’s improper use of Kenalog steroidal injections. After two days of deliberation, the court declared a mistrial, with the jury 10-2 in favor of the physician. The case was subsequently dismissed.
- Lee v. McKee, St. Louis City Circuit Court, Missouri (2002) In this wrongful death case, plaintiffs claimed a dermatologist failed to make the diagnosis of melanoma in a patient, a young mother of two children. The plaintiffs’ demand was $1 million. The jury verdict was for the defendant. Plaintiffs rejected a settlement offer of $500,000.
- Virgin v. Hopewell Center, Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District (2002) Decision determined healthcare providers do not owe a duty to warn the general public of the mental health status of a patient and the potential danger the patient presents to the public.
- Reelitz v. Washington University, St. Louis City Circuit Court, Missouri (2001) Plaintiff claimed physicians at the University transplanted a liver in a patient that resulted in her contracting hepatitis and causing death. The jury verdict, for the University, recognized how medical knowledge changes over time.
- Douglas v. Saint Louis University, United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri (1993) A son brought suit for the death of his mother who was treated for a stroke and subsequently died from a pulmonary embolism. The jury brought a unanimous verdict for the healthcare providers.
Brown & James has established itself as a leading defense firm for hospitals, physicians, dentists, and other medical professionals facing the serious implications of medical malpractice claims. Known for the meticulous preparation and presentation of each case, the firm has achieved a remarkable success rate in court.
The firm’s Health Care Liability Practice Group collaborates closely with clients throughout every stage of litigation. Its attorneys select only the most qualified expert witnesses, carefully considering the case facts, jurisdiction, and involved parties. The firm also benefits from a highly skilled team of paralegals who assist with document review and provide electronic access to critical medical and scientific literature.
With a legal team whose collective experience in defending medical professionals spans over a century, Brown & James brings together a deep bench of knowledgeable and experienced professionals. This depth of expertise ensures that each claim is met with a well-prepared and tailored defense.
Brown & James also has a national presence. With a strong Midwest reputation, corporate clients throughout the country rely on Brown & James to represent their regional matters. The firm is a member of the American Law Firm Association International (ALFA), an exclusive global network of law firms that provides valuable resources for both lawyer and client needs.
The lawyers of Brown & James are noted for their achievements. A number of our lawyers are regularly recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers for their pre-eminence in the legal profession. Our lawyers also include members of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel, and other significant professional organizations.