Jim Kjar and Jon Schwalbach defense case involving intraoperative bleeding and cardiac arrest.

During a laparascopic choleycystectomy, the surgeon injured the liver, causing significant bleeding. The patient suffered an intraoperative cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated by aortic compression and 3 cardioversions. She required an extended hospitalization and claimed significant permanent injuries. The defense argued that injury to adjacent organs and bleeding are known complications of the procedure which was performed properly as was the resuscitation. Multiple experts in general surgery and cardiology testified. A defense award was rendered.