News & Media
Listed below are the Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle, LLP news articles, press releases, and other significant media announcements.
Partner Ian Scharg and Associate Alaina Dickens Receive Defense Verdict
After an 11-day trial, Partner Ian Scharg and Senior Associate, Alaina Dickens, obtained a defense verdict for a general surgeon in a significant surgical complication case in San Joaquin County.
Partners Robert Zimmerman & Ian Scharg Obtain Defense Verdict
Partners, Robert Zimmerman and Ian Scharg, obtained a defense verdict for a neurosurgeon after a 13-day jury trial. The plaintiffs alleged the neurosurgeon placed a spinal cord stimulator at the wrong level by relying on incorrect information from the device rep. The jury disagreed and returned a 9-3 defense verdict on liability after 5 hours of deliberation.
Announcing a New Partner Promotion at Schuering, Zimmerman & Doyle
It is our pleasure to announce that Carolyn (Carrie) Northrop has become a Partner in the firm, effective January 1, 2023. Carrie has been practicing law since 2005 and has been with the firm since 2021. Carrie’s practice focuses on medical malpractice defense and professional licensing defense. We are delighted to have Carrie as one of our partners.
Partner Ian Scharg Obtains Defense Verdict
Partner, Ian Scharg, recently obtained a defense verdict for a Northern California hospital in Yuba County. Plaintiff contended she was improperly discharged with an impending uterine rupture leading to a fetal demise shortly after her discharge. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours and returned an 11-1 defense verdict on negligence.
Partners Selected as Super Lawyers in Northern California for 2023
Partners, Robert H. Zimmerman, Thomas Doyle and Lawrence Giardina have again been selected as Super Lawyers in Northern California for 2023, by Super Lawyers magazine.
Partner Ian Scharg Elected as President of California Academy of Attorneys for Health Care Providers
Partner Ian Scharg was elected as the President of the California Academy of Attorneys for Health Care Providers (CAAHCP) for 2023. CAAHCP is a specialized academy of approximately 100 attorneys throughout California who represent physicians and other healthcare providers in administrative actions and peer review proceedings. He was also selected as a Super Lawyer Rising Star once again. He has been a top-rated attorney selected as a Rising Star from 2016 through 2023.
Partners Selected as Super Lawyers in Northern California for 2022
Partners, Thomas Doyle, Lawrence Giardina and Robert Zimmerman as well Butch Schuering (founding partner now of counsel), have again been selected as Super Lawyers in Northern California for 2022, by Super Lawyers magazine.
Attorney Joins SZD
The firm is pleased to announce that Justin W. Powers has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Justin graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts in Literary Journalism. He went on to attend Lincoln Law School where he earned his Juris Doctorate. After graduating, Justin worked for a personal injury firm. He is looking forward to concentrating his practice in the area of medical malpractice defense.
We are excited to have Justin as part of our team.
Partners Robert Zimmerman and Chad Couchot Receive Defense Verdict
Partners, Robert Zimmerman and Chad Couchot, recently obtained a defense verdict on behalf of a large medical center following allegations of negligence during labor and delivery, and resuscitation. The minor plaintiff suffered hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and has severe cerebral palsy. The pre-trial demand was $10,000,000.00, with special and economic damages exceeding $70,000,000.00. The jury deliberated for a little over a day and returned with a defense verdict.
Announcing a New Partner Promotion at Schuering, Zimmerman & Doyle
It is our pleasure to announce that Ian Scharg has become a Partner in the firm, effective January 1, 2022. Ian has been practicing law since 2012 and has been with the firm since 2014. Ian's practice focuses on medical malpractice defense, elder abuse defense, professional licensing defense, and select plaintiff personal injury and employement cases. We are delighted to have Ian as one of our partners.
Partners Selected as Super Lawyers in Northern California for 2021
Partners, Thomas Doyle, Lawrence Giardina and Robert Zimmerman, have again been selected as Super Lawyers in Northern California for 2021, by Super Lawyers magazine. Additionally, Senior Associate, Ian Scharg, was again selected as a Rising Star for 2021.
Ian Scharg Presents to the California Academy of Attorneys for Healthcare Providers
Ian Scharg presented “How to Defend Healthcare Providers in Sexual Misconduct Cases” to the California Academy of Attorneys for Health Care Providers, a prestigious academy of attorneys dedicated to representing health care providers civilly, in peer review, and in licensing cases.
Partner Daniela Stoutenburg Obtains Defense Verdict
Partner, Daniela Stoutenburg, recently obtained a defense verdict on behalf of two Family Medicine physicians and their medical group concerning a patient who experienced retained products of conception following a complicated labor and delivery. The plaintiff was later presumptively diagnosed with Asherman’s Syndrome (infertility) related to uterine infection and instrumentation. Plaintiffs requested $1.2 million in damages, including the future cost of a gestational surrogate. After a seven day in person jury trial (with COVID precautions), the jury returned a defense verdict on the standard of care.
.
Announcing the Addition of Three Attorneys joining Schuering, Zimmerman & Doyle, January 1, 2021
Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle, LLP, is pleased to announce the addition of three attorneys to the firm.
Daniela (Dani) Stoutenburg has been practicing for 24 years and specializes in the defense of physicians, hospital and long term care facilities and related fields.
Carolyn (Carrie) Northrop has been practicing for 15 years and specializes in the defense of hospitals and physicians in medical malpractice actions, as well as, general liability matters.
Thomas (Tom) Gray has been practicing for 11 years and specializes in medical malpractice actions involving physicians, hospitals and long term acute care facilities. He also handles general liability matters.
Dani, Carrie and Tom bring a wealth of experience and new clients to Schuering, Zimmerman & Doyle. All three have previously worked at Dummit, Buchholz & Trapp. We are thrilled to have them as part of our team.
Announcing a New Partner Promotion at Scheuring, Zimmerman & Doyle
It is a pleasure to announce that Sarah Gosling has become a Partner in the firm, effective January 1, 2021. Sarah has been practicing law since 2012 and has been with the firm since 2013. Sarah's practice focuses on medical malpractice defense and related fields. We are delighted to have Sarah as one of our partners.
Tom Doyle Named ABOTA Trial Lawyer of the Year
Congratulations to Partner Tom Doyle for being selected as the 2019 Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Sacramento Valley Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. This is a highly prestigious award. Schuering, Zimmerman & Doyle is proud to have Tom on our team!
Partner Robert H. Zimmerman Receives Defense Verdict
Mr. Zimmerman represented a family practitioner in a case of alleged medical negligence involving the prescription of long-term opiods for a chronic pain patient who took a number of Ambien in the middle of the day and drove his vehicle killing two young men who were walking on the side of the road. The plaintiffs were the parents of the decedents. A three week jury trial resulted in a unanimous defense verdict.
Partners Designated as Super Lawyers
Partners, Leo H. Schuering, Robert H. Zimmerman, Thomas Doyle and Lawrence Giardina have been selected as Super Lawyers in Northern California for 2019, by Super Lawyers magazine.
Associate Ian Scharg Named in Super Lawyers Magazine
Associate Ian Scharg has been named in the Super Lawyers magazine as a "Rising Star" for 2019.
Partner Robert H. Zimmerman Obtains Defense Verdict
Partner, Robert H. Zimmerman, obtained a defense verdict for a Neurologist who cared for a critically ill patient admitted to an ICU. The patient developed diffuse cerebral edema which lead to a catastrophic brain herniation. Life support was eventually withdrawn. Her surviving spouse and two minor children pursued a wrongful death action against the hospital and three of the involved specialists. Plaintiffs originally demanded $999,999.99 to settle the case with the Neurologist; 10 months before trial, the demand dropped to $249,999.99. The Neurologist offered to waive costs. After a six day trial, the jury returned with a defense verdict for the Neurologist, finding no negligence. Plaintiffs agreed to waive any appellate rights in exchange for a waiver of costs.
Partner Robert Zimmerman and Senior Associate Sarah Gosling Receive Defense Verdict
Mr. Zimmerman and Ms. Gosling represented a pediatrician and a physician assistant who treated a young girl who was eventually diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Although Plaintiff claimed the meningitis was present and treatable at the time the young girl was seen in the clinic, defense experts proved the meningitis developed rapidly, after the clinic visits and, therefore, the care and treatment of both the pediatrician and the physician assistant was appropriate. After a three and a half week trial, and only six hours of deliberation, the jury returned a defense verdict, finding there was no negligence.
Partner Glenn M. Holley Appointed to the Bench of Placer County Superior Court
Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle, LLP is pleased to announce that partner, Glenn M. Holley, has been appointed to the Bench of the Placer County Superior Court as a Court Commissioner.
Mr. Holley has been with the firm since 2006. He will begin his new position on May 1, 2019. The Presiding Judge in Placer County commented that, “Mr. Holley brings an extensive background in civil law and practice to his service as a judicial officer for our court. His experience as a certified mediator and his extensive involvement in dispute resolution will well serve those appearing in his courtroom in the years ahead.” Mr. Holley has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada and also served as the California State Representative for the Defense Research Institute.
Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle has been privileged to have worked with Mr. Holley and wish him all the best.
Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle, LLP is pleased to announce Preston R. Young to the position of Partner
Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle, LLP is pleased to announce Preston R. Young to the position of Partner. Prior to joining the firm as an Associate in 2012, Preston worked for Powers & Miller. His practice focuses on medical malpractice defense and general liability defense.
Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle, LLP is pleased to announce Chad C. Couchot to the position of Partner
Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle, LLP is pleased to announce Chad C. Couchot to the position of Partner. Prior to joining the firm as an Associate in 2012, Chad was a Public Defender with Yuba County. His practice focuses on medical malpractice defense and medical professional advocacy.
Partner Keith D. Chidlaw Selected as New Managing Partner
Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle, LLP is pleased to announce that current Partner, Keith D. Chidlaw, has been selected as the new Managing Partner of the firm effective January 1, 2019. He succeeds Leo H. Schuering, Jr., who managed the firm from its inception in 1989 and will remain a Senior Partner of the firm.
Keith joined the Sacramento firm of Weintraub, Genshlea, Hardy, Erich & Brown as an Associate in 1987 and moved with Mr. Schuering when he founded the current firm in 1989. Keith became a partner in 1995. Keith has 32 years of litigation experience in his practice area of general civil litigation, including insurance bad faith, toxic torts, products liability, premises liability and motor vehicle. He served on the Board of Directors for the Association of Defense Counsel for 10 years. Keith is a past President and current Board Member of California Defense Counsel and is a member of the Sacramento Valley chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). In addition, Keith is serving on the Judicial Council’s Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee as a result of an appointment by the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court.
Partner Thomas J. Doyle Receives Unanimous Defense Verdict
We represented an interventional cardiologist who performed a diagnostic cardiac catheterization, balloon angioplasty and replacement of stents. The patient died shortly after the procedure was completed. The jury deliberated for 1 hour and 45 minutes and returned with a unanimous defense verdict.
Motion for Summary Judgment Granted in El Dorado County Football Head Injury
In August 2018, Partners Robert Zimmerman and Keith Chidlaw, assisted by Alaina Dickens, and co-counsel Matthew Jaime of Matheny Sears Linkert Jaime, LLP prevailed on a Motion for Summary Judgment on behalf of our client, the school district.
Plaintiff was a junior varsity high school football player who sustained a subdural hematoma during the first game of the season and was immediately life flighted to Sutter Roseville Medical Center where he underwent an emergent decompressive hemicraniectomy. Plaintiff alleged gross negligence of the coaches, administration, and other school officials in order to avoid the defense of assumption of the risk. Plaintiff's allegations centered around the idea that the defendant increased the inherent risk of junior varsity football.
The Court found as a matter of law, the players and parents assumed the risk of plaintiff’s injuries prior to the start of football season because the consent and waiver of liability form was valid and operated as a complete bar to any alleged liability. Additionally, the Court found plaintiff did not present a triable issue as to whether defendant acted with gross negligence or increased the inherent risks associated with playing tackle football.
Partner Robert Zimmerman Obtains Unanimous Defense Verdict
Partner Robert Zimmerman obtained a unanimous defense verdict for a large medical group and its employee physician in a case involving a necrotizing infection of the gluteus muscles. The patient presented to an Urgent Care Clinic on a Sunday morning, reporting buttock pain which radiated into her hamstring, following a strenuous workout several days before. The patient had no other symptoms. Two days later, she was admitted to the hospital for a Group A streptococcus infection which was causing necrosis of her buttocks and upper hamstring. The patient survived but sustained a leg amputation with a hip disarticulation. After a nine day jury trial in Placer County, the jury returned with a unanimous defense verdict.
Attorney Ian Scharg Receives Unanimous Defense Verdict
Plaintiff alleged two podiatrists failed to detect an infection in his toe, which resulted in a hospitalization and amputation. After approximately one hour of deliberations, the jury returned a defense verdict for both podiatrists.
Attorneys Chad Couchot and Aimee Clark Newberry Receive Unanimous Defense Verdict
The suit involved treatment for low back pain and a subsequent intimate relationship between the physician and the former patient. Plaintiff claimed defendant caused her to become addicted to opiates and exploited her addiction for his sexual gratification. In a unanimous decision, the jury found the care was appropriate, the intimate relationship was consensual, and the intimate relationship did not begin until after the physician-patient relationship ended.
Partner Thomas J. Doyle Receives Unanimous Defense Verdict
This office represented a medical group that employed a podiatrist who performed an ankle procedure. Plaintiff claimed the procedure was unnecessary and the podiatrist and office staff did not respond to postoperative telephone calls by the patient and his wife about symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis. Plaintiff claimed noneconomic damages and a past loss of income. The jury came back with a unanimous defense verdict for the medical group and podiatrist.
Partner Glenn Holley Receives Defense Institute (DRI) Award
Partner and ADC Board Member Glenn Holley has been selected as this year's recipient of the DRI Kevin Driskill Outstanding State Representative Award. This award honors a current or immediate past DRI State Representative who has made significant contributions toward promoting DRI membership within his or her state, and who has been instrumental in implementing a significant, unique program to foster the relationship between DRI and the State and Local Defense Organization (SLDO) to enhance DRI's stature and/or enhance the public's view of the role of the defense lawyer in the broader society.
Attorney Sarah Gosling Receives Defense Verdict in Contra Costa County
Plaintiffs alleged an MRI caused a 20-year-old bullet to migrate and cause nerve damage. After 41 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a defense verdict on both medical negligence and informed consent.
Partner Robert Zimmerman, Assisted by Kia Jafari, Successfully Obtain Defense Verdict in Sacramento County
This case involved an orthopedic consultation for a nondisplaced ankle fracture of a diabetic 82-year-old. After examination, the decedent was placed in a board and care facility. Over the next five days, she developed a foul odor from the fractured ankle. Amputation was recommended but refused. Decedent ultimately passed away as a result of respiratory failuire, sepsis, and cellulitis with gangrene. Plaintiffs alleged a failure to appreciate the gravity of decedent's injuries in light of co-morbidities. Plaintiffs further alleged that the pressure for the fracture boot attributed to decedent's leg wounds and was the cause of death. The jury deliberated for approximately an hour and a half after a six day trial, and returned with a defense verdict.
Partner Robert Zimmerman Obtains Unanimous Defense Verdict
Partner, Robert Zimmerman, successfully defended and obtained a unanimous defense verdict in a 9-day trial in Federal Court in a birth injury case. The case was venued in Federal Court due to the prior inclusion of midwives at a federally funded clinic. The case involved a mother who suffered a rare obstetrical complication, an amniotic fluid embolus, which caused a sudden terminal fetal bradycardia. The global settlement demand was $23 million. The offer was a waiver of costs.
Partner Tom Doyle, Assisted by Ian Scharg, Successfully Received a Defense Verdict in Sacramento County
In February 2017, Partner Tom Doyle, assisted by Ian Scharg, obtained a defense verdict in Sacramento County. The case involved a patient who suffered a Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection. The patient was hospitalized and treated medically for seven days. The patient subsequently passed away 18 hours after discharge from the hospital. The plaintiffs claimed the decedent should have been treated surgically. We represented the cardiovascular radiologist.
Partner Glenn Holley Named as California State Representative of the Defense Research Institute
Partner Glenn Holley named as California State Representative of the Defense Research Institute (DRI), which took effect in January 2017.
Partner Keith Chidlaw named to Judicial Council's Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee
Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye appointed Keith to the Judicial Council's Civil and Small Claims Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Judicial Council for improving the administration of justice in civil proceedings. The Advisory Committee consists of primarily judges. Keith is one of only two defense attorneys on the committee. Keith's terms commenced in September 2016.
Partner Lawrence Giardina, Assisted by Sarah Gosling, Successfully Received a Defense Verdict in Nevada County
The case involved an open reduction internal fixation. Plaintiff suffered a known complication which resulted in a successful revision surgery. Plaintiff later claimed resulting arthritis and sequelae of the intial injury. After 40 minutes of deliberations, jurors returned with a unanimous verdict in favor of defense.
Trial Attorney Robert H. Zimmerman Obtains Defense Verdict in Yuba County
On April 12, 2016, after a 6 week trial, Partner Robert H. Zimmerman successfully obtained a defense verdict in Yuba County. The case involved claims of Elder Abuse, Medical Negligence and Wrongful Death.
Attorney Preston R. Young Obtains Defense Verdict
Attorney Preston R. Young successfully obtained a unanimous defense verdict in a medical malpractice claim. The case involved the postoperative treatment of a hernia repair complication, resulting in an orchiectomy.
Attorney Sarah Gosling Obtains Defense Verdict in Amador County
On March 25, 2016, Associate Attorney Sarah Gosling successfully obtained a directed defense verdict. The case involved a bile duct injury secondary to a complication during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Trial Attorney Robert H. Zimmerman Obtains Defense Verdict in El Dorado County
In February 2016, Partner Robert H. Zimmerman successfully obtained a defense verdict in a 10-day trial. The case involved claims of poor cosmetic result from a surgical excision of skin cancer, plastic surgery, informed consent and fraud.
Trial Attorney Robert H. Zimmerman Obtains Defense Verdict in Placer County
In February 2016, Partner Robert H. Zimmerman successfully obtained a defense verdict in a 2 week trial. The case involved revision of a total hip replacement resulting in continued pain and disability and the need for additional revision surgery.
Partner Glenn Holley Elected to the Board of Directors for the Association of Defense Counsel
In December 2015, Partner Glenn M. Holley was elected to the Association of Defense Counsel.
Partner Keith Chidlaw wins Association of Defense Counsel Award
In December 2015, Partner Keith D. Chidlaw won the Association of Defense Counsel's President's Award.
Partner Keith Chidlaw Speaks at Sacramento Legal Secretaries Association Event
On October 15, 2015, Partner Keith D. Chidlaw spoke to the Sacramento Legal Secretaries Association on the topic of "Recent Legislation Impacting Your Civil Practice."
Partner Keith Chidlaw Hosts Young Lawyer Seminar and Judicial Reception
On March 27, 2015, Partner Keith Chidlaw organized and hosted a seminar sponsored by the ADC. Three Sacramento County Superior Court judges were the speakers for this Law and Motion Seminar. Following the seminar was a Judicial Reception attended by 35 judges involving 11 different courts including Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye.
Partner Keith Chidlaw Elevated to President of California Defense Counsel
On March 4, 2015, Partner Keith Chidlaw was elected President of California Defense Counsel. In his role as President, Keith will oversee the legislative efforts of the ADC and its sister organization in Southern California.
Partner Keith Chidlaw Meets with Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye
In January 2015, Partner Keith Chidlaw and other officers of the CDC met with the Chief Justice and Judicial Council staff to explore judicial efficiencies and court funding issues. As an outgrowth of this, meeting the Chief Justice convened a committee consisting of Judges, Judicial Council Staff, plaintiff’s attorneys and defense attorneys to explore making Expedited Jury Trials more appealing. Keith was selected to be on that committee.
Partner Keith Chidlaw is Serving Tenth Year on the Board of Directors of the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California
In December 2014, Partner Keith Chidlaw commenced his 10th year on the Board of Directors of the ADC.
Trial Attorney Theodore D. Poppinga Obtains Defense Verdict in Sacramento County
Partner Theodore D. Poppinga successfully defended a local psychiatrist in an action brought by a patient who alleged that as a result of psychiatric medications and ECT treatment, he sustained memory loss and cognitive failure as well as consequent financial losses. The patient’s spouse claimed injury to their relationship. Trial commenced on June 2, 2014, and concluded on June 18, 2014.
Trial Attorney Robert Zimmerman Obtains a Defense Verdict
On April 15, 2014, after 8 weeks of trial in Solano County, Partner Bob Zimmerman obtained defense verdicts for two hospitalists. The allegations against the doctors and hospital involved delays in obtaining emergent spine consultations and emergent transfer to a tertiary care center for progressive cervical myelopathy resulting in permanent quadriparesis following neurosurgical decompression of spine lesion at UCSF some 15 days after her initial presentation to the defendant providers facility.
Partner Keith Chidlaw Elected to the Board of Directors for the Association of Defense Counsel
Keith Chidlaw was elected to serve an additional two year term as a member of the Board of Directors for the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada, commencing on December 12, 2013.
Partner Keith Chidlaw Spoke at the Association of Defense Counsel Annual Meeting
Keith Chidlaw spoke at the Association of Defense Counsel Annual Meeting in San Francisco, on December 12, 2013. His topic was "Handling Policy Limit Demands - How Not to Lose a Client (and Avoid Getting Sued)."
Associates Join Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle
The end of 2013 brings new Associates to Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle. We are proud to announce the addition of the following associates to our team:
Kia Jafari, who joined us in November, was admitted to the California Bar in 2007. He graduated from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, in 2007. Kia's practice will concentrate on medical malpractice defense, general civil defense and select personal injury cases.
Sarah Gosling also joined us in November; she was admitted to the California Bar in 2012. She graduated from the University of California Hastings College of the Law in 2012. Sarah's practice focuses on medical malpractice defense.
Brandi Hannagan joined us in November as well. She was admitted to the California Bar in 2007, after graduating from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2007. Her practice will focus on medical malpractice defense, medical professional advocacy and elder abuse defense.
Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle welcomes these new Associates and encourages you to check out their online biographies.
Partner Keith Chidlaw Elected Treasurer of the California Defense Counsel
On November 15, 2013, Keith Chidlaw was elected Treasurer of the California Defense Counsel, a Political Action Committee for the respective Northern and Southern California Association of Defense Counsel. Keith and other members of the CDC were privileged to meet with Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye of the California Supreme Court on December 10, 2013, to share ideas about improving the civil judicial system in California.
Partner Keith Chidlaw a Winner at the CAL-ABOTA Hawaii Golf Tournament
Keith Chidlaw, along with three other Association of Defense Counsel members, won the CAL_ABOTA Hawaii Golf Tournament at Turtle Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, on November 5, 2013, achieving yet another victory for the defense over a strong contingent of plaintiffs' attorneys.
Trial Attorney and Partner Robert Zimmerman Obtains Defense Verdict in Siskiyou County
Trial Attorney Bob Zimmerman prevailed on the Statute of Limitations argument in a medical malpractice matter against a podiatrist in Siskiyou County, CA.