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overview
Paul focuses his practice primarily on medical and professional liability defense. He also represents clients in municipal law matters.
Bio
His experience includes representing physicians, hospitals and other health care providers in medical malpractice litigation, including cases involving general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, colon and rectal surgery, OB/GYN, pediatrics, and neurology. Paul has familiarity with all phases of litigation, from pre-suit investigation to post-trial work. He has served as second chair counsel in several jury trials in state and federal court.
Paul also has experience representing attorneys in claims of legal malpractice in cases arising out of bankruptcy, family law, product liability, and trusts & estates. In addition, his practice involves representing municipalities in matters involving claims of police misconduct, malicious prosecution, equal protection, and due process. Paul also has extensive experience in first and third party automobile claims, as well as cases involving premises liability and other general negligence matters.
Paul obtained his law degree from Wayne State University Law School and his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
credentials
Affiliations
- State Bar of Michigan
- Oakland County Bar Association
Bar and Court Admissions
- Michigan
- United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
- United States District Court, Western District of Michigan
Education
- Wayne State University Law School, J.D.
- University of Michigan, B.A.
Insights & News
June 6, 2022
Kerr Russell Obtains No Cause of Action Jury Verdict
September 10, 2021
Kerr Russell Successfully Defends Hospital
September 17, 2020
Meet Kerr Russell's Expanded Medical Malpractice Defense Team
April 2, 2020
Kerr Russell Bolsters Medical Malpractice Defense and Municipal Practice Groups
Representative Matters
Served as second chair counsel defending two cardiothoracic surgeons against claims alleging the surgeons failed to appropriately repair an atrioventricular groove rupture. The trial resulted in a no cause of action for the client.
Served as second chair counsel defending a police officer against a claim alleging excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment. The trial resulted in a no cause of action for the client.
Obtained Summary Judgement in favor of a county prosecutor accused of civil RICO conspiracy and malicious prosecution. The case was dismissed based on arguments regarding absolute prosecutorial immunity and qualified immunity.
Served as first chair counsel to a historic hotel in a premises liability matter, obtaining an advantageous evidentiary ruling on the first day of jury trial that ended in a favorable settlement for the client.
Obtained Summary Disposition in a claim against an emergency medicine physician, alleged to have failed to properly evaluate and treat a patient with a hypertensive crisis. The case was dismissed on the basis that there was no breach of the standard of care and Plaintiff failed to establish proximate causation.
Served as second chair counsel defending a general surgeon against a claim alleging the surgeon failed to place a NG tube in a patient with a suspected small bowel obstruction. The trial resulted in a no cause of action for the client.
Obtained Summary Judgement in favor of a municipal client against claims alleging that the city’s rental inspection ordinance required warrantless searches in violation of the Fourth Amendment, and in violation of the Plaintiff’s due process rights. Plaintiff filed the case as a class action matter. The case was dismissed based on arguments that the Plaintiffs lacked standing to assert a Fourth Amendment claim and lacked Article III standing because they did not have cognizable injury. The Court further held that the city did not violate the Plaintiff’s due process rights.
Served as second chair counsel defending a general surgeon alleged to have failed to identify an intraoperative bowel injury resulting in postoperative infection. The trial resulted in a no cause of action for the client.
Defended a taxi company and driver in a third party automobile negligence case. After a briefing and oral arguments of a Motion for Summary Judgement, the court granted the Motion because Plaintiff failed to establish serious impairment affecting the general ability to lead a normal life. The Court’s decision was subsequently upheld by the Michigan Court of Appeals.
Obtained Summary Disposition in a claim against an obstetrician, alleged to have inappropriately recommended a medication, resulting in the Plaintiff’s miscarriage. The case was dismissed on the basis that the Plaintiff failed to establish proximate causation.