Understanding industry standards and consensus views can make the difference in case outcomes.
CLIENT SITUATION
Recognizing this, an Indiana law firm worked with Guidepoint to ensure they had considered sufficient viewpoints before making an important decision regarding the direction of their case. Their client, a 67-year-old male smoker with a history of diabetes and hypertension,
required an above the knee amputation of his right leg as the result of an alleged delayed diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease. The firm needed to understand how far liability extended in this case.
GUIDEPOINT SOLUTION
After the initial evaluation proved inconclusive, as diabetics suffering from peripheral arterial disease have a high rate of amputations no matter how prompt diagnosis and treatment are, the firm needed an understanding of wider consensus to decide if they should take the case to trial or settle with the defense. Guidepoint’s dedicated team conducted a survey to determine the most likely treatment options for patients
with similar diagnoses. The survey was sent to 27 vascular surgeons to determine whether earlier intervention would have prevented the amputation in this scenario.
ABOUT SURVEYS
Guidepoint’s powerful survey tool offers you the unique ability to harness the relevant opinions of numerous subject matter experts in cases where a clear way forward may not be apparent. Surveying 5 – 100 medical or non-medical experts enables you to test claims and understand broad consensus views. This empowers your firm to mitigate risk and make more informed decisions.
RESULTS
Of the 27 surgeons surveyed, 15 indicated that earlier intervention would have prevented later amputation. These results helped the plaintiff’s attorneys feel confident that their case was sound, but the small margin by which the surgeons voted favorably suggested that arguing the case at trial might put a favorable decision at risk. Ultimately, the firm chose to make the data-driven decision to settle with
the defense for a sizable payout.
WOULD INSIGHT INTO EXPERT CONSENSUS ON SPECIALIZED TOPICS BE OF VALUE TO YOUR TEAM?
Speak with a member of the Legal Solutions team today to discuss how a Guidepoint Survey can clarify your decision making.