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Medical Malpractice

Experience that Delivers Results

Our services are geared toward producing practical, business-oriented solutions for clients. We help clients in Michigan, across the country, and throughout the world.Contact Us

Kerr Russell’s medical malpractice group has extensive experience defending physicians and other health care providers.

For decades, Kerr Russell has been at the forefront of the defense of physicians and other health care providers in professional liability matters. We understand the nuances of this complex practice area and are adept at navigating all aspects of these cases, including the complicated area of birth trauma claims.

Whether you are a new physician facing the uncertainties of a first claim, or an experienced professional with a sophisticated understanding of malpractice litigation, our professionals will walk with you through the process; keep you informed on the progress of your matter; and provide you with knowledgeable, experienced, solid legal advice to guide you toward resolution. Our lawyers have significant trial experience and are recognized for their excellence in advocacy by peers and professional organizations, such as the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Kerr Russell also has extensive experience in medical malpractice appellate matters.  We prepare amicus briefings on behalf of the Michigan State Medical Society and handle appeals at the Michigan Court of Appeals, Michigan Supreme Court, and federal appellate level.

Our full-service medical malpractice focus includes:

  • Evaluation and assessment during Notice of Intent period
  • Litigation of contested claims
  • Post-trial and appellate practice
  • Licensure investigations
  • HIPAA and requests for medical records
  • Medical staff matters

We successfully represent a variety of health care professionals including:

  • Physicians
  • Physician Groups
  • Anesthesiologists
  • Orthopedic Surgeons
  • Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • Pediatricians
  • Radiologists
  • Physician Assistants
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Medical Assistants

Practicing Attorneys & Staff

Paul M. Indyk

Member

Paul focuses his practice primarily on medical and professional liability defense. He also represents...

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Patricia C. Schabath

Member

Patricia C. Schabath concentrates her practice in the defense of physicians and facilities in...

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Lauri B. Stewart

Member

Lauri focuses her practice on representing municipalities, as well as malpractice defense for healthcare...

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Richard V. Stokan

Member

Richard’s practice focuses on civil rights, municipal law, medical and hospital liability, and general...

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James E. Tamm

Member

Jim focuses his practice in municipal matters and the defense of health care professionals...

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Rachel Hanson-Hervey

Associate

Rachel maintains a general litigation practice with a focus on municipal law and medical...

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Brett A. Asher

Of Counsel

Brett's practice focuses on municipal law, medical and hospital liability, and general liability....

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Daniel G. Beyer

retired-of-counsel

Dan Beyer is a seasoned trial attorney with nearly 40 years of experience, having...

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Catherine Edwards

retired-of-counsel

Catherine Bonczak Edwards concentrates her practice on defending healthcare professionals against malpractice claims and...

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Stephen D. McGraw

retired-of-counsel

Stephen D. McGraw previously served as a Member of the Executive Committee, as a...

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Related Insights

June 22, 2026

Michigan Medical Malpractice Reform May Be Back on the Table

The basic structure of medical malpractice actions in Michigan has been in place for decades. There are pre-suit requirements that make filing a malpractice case more complicated than an ordinary negligence action. There are expert qualification rules and requirements to consider.

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August 12, 2025

Michigan Supreme Court Declines to Revisit Medical Malpractice Damages Cap

The Michigan Supreme Court recently declined to weigh in on an important question about whether the state’s cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits violates the Michigan Constitution. (In re Certified Question from United States Dist Court for E Dist of Michigan, 21 NW3d 918 (Mich, 2025)).

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December 12, 2024

New Michigan Legislation Aims to Unravel Medical Liability Reform

Over the past 30 years, the Michigan legislature has enacted several tort reform laws affecting medical malpractice, wrongful death and other personal injury cases.

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June 23, 2024

Should You Respond to a Notice of Intent to File a Medical Malpractice Action?

In Michigan, a claimant must provide each allegedly negligent healthcare professional or facility with advance notice of the suit before commencing a medical malpractice action.

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July 6, 2023

New Rule Puts Hospitals at Greater Risk of Liability

In 1978, the Michigan Supreme Court decided Grewe v. Mt. Clemens General Hospital, a seminal decision regarding the circumstances under which a hospital can be held vicariously liable for the negligence of physicians practicing under their roof. Grewe has been interpreted and applied by countless courts since that time.

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March 29, 2023

Hospitals May Face Increased Liability Under Michigan Supreme Court Decision

The standard by which hospitals may be held liable for the negligence of non-employee emergency room personnel has recently been addressed by the Michigan Supreme Court.  Under the new standard, it will be easier for patients to establish liability against the hospital even if the negligent actors were not employees or agents of the hospital.

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Related News

August 20, 2026

33 Kerr Russell Attorneys Named Best Lawyers in America® for 2027

Kerr Russell is pleased to announce that 33 of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers in America®, a universally regarded guide to legal excellence.

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June 1, 2026

Tamm and Indyk Win Motion for Summary Disposition

James E. Tamm and Paul M. Indyk recently won a Motion for Summary Disposition on behalf of a urologist in Wayne County.

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May 26, 2026

Tamm and Indyk Secure Voluntary Dismissal in Medical Malpractice Action

James E. Tamm and Paul M. Indyk recently secured a complete voluntary dismissal of a certified registered nurse anesthetist client in a medical malpractice matter after nearly four years of litigation.

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May 7, 2026

Trish Schabath Wins Directed Verdict in Malpractice Claim

Trish Schabath recently secured a directed verdict in Macomb County for our client in a podiatric malpractice case.

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November 6, 2025

Kerr Russell Recognized Once Again as a “Best Law Firm” by Best Lawyers®

Best Lawyers® has once again honored Kerr Russell as a “Best Law Firm,” ranking the firm regionally in 24 practice areas for 2026.

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August 21, 2025

29 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of Best Lawyers in America®

Kerr Russell is pleased to announce that 29 of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America®, a universally regarded guide to legal excellence.

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March 6, 2025

Kerr Russell Obtains Dismissal of Claims of Medical Malpractice and Fraud

Justin Hakala obtains dismissal on behalf of a physician in medical malpractice and fraud claim arising out of the suicide of a patient certified under Michigan’s medical marijuana laws

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December 5, 2024

Dismissal of Physician Secured by Kerr Russell

Trish Schabath and Rachel Hanson recently secured the voluntary dismissal of an anesthesiologist two weeks before the matter was set to proceed to trial; no payment was made on behalf of any defendants, and the case was dismissed with prejudice.

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November 7, 2024

Kerr Russell Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” for 2025

Best Lawyers® has once again recognized Kerr Russell as a “Best Law Firm,” having ranked the firm regionally in 21 practice areas.

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August 15, 2024

Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® 2025

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.

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July 18, 2024

Kerr Russell Secures Dismissal

Lauri Stewart secures dismissal of dental malpractice case in Ingham County

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November 2, 2023

Kerr Russell Ranked a “Best Law Firm” for 2024

Firms included on the list are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.

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September 11, 2023

Kerr Russell Obtains Dismissal of Physician Client

James Tamm and Paul Indyk recently secured the dismissal of a physician in Wayne County Circuit Court.

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August 17, 2023

Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized By Best Lawyers In America© 2024 And Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch

Twenty Kerr Russell members were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024. In addition, six Kerr Russell attorneys were recognized as 2024 Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch.

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July 5, 2023

Kerr Russell Secures Dismissal In Oakland County

Patricia Schabath recently secured the dismissal of an anesthesiologist in a medical malpractice case in Oakland County Circuit Court.

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December 22, 2022

Kerr Russell Obtains No Cause Verdict in Oakland County

Daniel Beyer and Catherine Edwards obtained a no cause of action jury verdict in Oakland County Circuit Court. 

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November 14, 2022

Kerr Russell Obtains No Cause of Action Jury Verdict

James Tamm and Paul Indyk obtained a unanimous verdict in Genesee County Circuit Court.

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August 18, 2022

Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America© 2023 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch

Eighteen Kerr Russell members were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023. Notably, fourteen of the named attorneys have been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for more than five years.

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August 12, 2022

Kerr Russell Attorneys Named 2022 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Eleven Kerr Russell members have been included among the 2022 Michigan Super Lawyers.

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June 6, 2022

Kerr Russell Obtains No Cause of Action Jury Verdict

James Tamm and Paul Indyk obtained a unanimous verdict in Oakland County Circuit Court.

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September 17, 2021

Kerr Russell Obtains Dismissal of Medical Malpractice Complaint Not Timely Filed

Daniel G. Beyer recently obtained a favorable ruling in Oakland County Circuit Court dismissing a medical malpractice complaint based on the expiration of the statute of limitations.

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September 10, 2021

Kerr Russell Successfully Defends Hospital

James E. Tamm and Paul M. Indyk were successful in obtaining a voluntary dismissal for a hospital client in a medical malpractice matter after nearly two years of litigation. 

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August 19, 2021

Kerr Russell Attorneys Named to 2022 Best Lawyers® List

Kerr Russell is pleased to announce that 17 lawyers have been included in the 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

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April 27, 2021

Kerr Russell Successfully Defends Physician

Patricia C. Schabath and Stephen D. McGraw were successful in obtaining summary disposition for a client in a loss of opportunity medical malpractice matter.

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