Keith A. Hebeisen

Keith Hebeisen is a partner at Clifford Law Offices. An outstanding Chicago personal injury attorney and one of the most respected medical malpractice attorneys in Chicago, Mr. Hebeisen is experienced in many practice areas, including complex areas of medical negligence, medical liability and transportation liability. We are proud to have him on our team of malpractice attorneys in Chicago.

Mr. Hebeisen has been a trial attorney for over 30 years. As part of our team of medical malpractice attorneys in Chicago, he is a highly respected leader in the legal community. He is known for his no-nonsense style and has garnered the respect of both plaintiff and defense attorneys. Mr. Hebeisen is knowledgeable in the law and in command of the facts of each client's case. He is thorough in the investigation, preparation, and trial of each of his cases, which are often highly complex and involve many defendants. Although Mr. Hebeisen concentrates his practice in the area of medical malpractice cases against doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies, he has represented individuals in a wide variety of cases, including transportation, product liability and toxic tort. In 2010, he was recognized by U.S. News-Best Lawyers as a top tier attorney in the areas of medical malpractice and personal injury law. He is recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer and an Illinois Leading Lawyer. Mr. Hebeisen was inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers in 2010 and the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2011.

As one of our top medical malpractice attorneys in Chicago, Mr. Hebeisen has verdicts and settlements in many cases and has achieved record recoveries in a number of them. He has been recognized in the Chicago Lawyer annual Settlement Survey. In 2010, he obtained an $8.25 million settlement against Loyola Medical Center on behalf of a 12-year-old Chicago-area boy who was brain damaged. In 2010, he also obtained $12 million and $10 million settlements for two women who were the victims of medical malpractice in incidents that occurred in the same hospital on the same day in the same surgery suite. In a single week in 2007, he achieved settlements totaling $11 million in two cases.

Mr. Hebeisen also makes time to give back to the profession in substantial ways. He served as President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association from 2005 to 2006. He serves as the Chair of the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Medical Professional Liability. He is also very active in several other bar associations including the American Bar Association. Mr. Hebeisen has been an active leader in the fight to preserve the right to trial by jury. He has been an outspoken advocate against caps on damages in the legislature and courts of Illinois. He also has written extensively on these subjects, and lawyers from across the state consult him on these very important issues.

Mr. Hebeisen enjoys using his strong writing skills and is the author of many publications. He was the Editor of the Illinois Bar Journal for two years, and has edited ITLA's Medical Malpractice Trial Notebook since 1992. Mr. Hebeisen has planned and moderated numerous continuing legal education programs, including the ITLA Medical Malpractice Seminar, a widely attended all-day program held annually in Chicago. Using his background as a medical malpractice attorney, he has presented numerous lectures at seminars for professional associations on a wide range of topics.

"CV, BV, and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties, Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedure standards and policies."

"Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review process that rates lawyers. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories - legal ability and general ethical standards.

There is one general ethical standard rating - "V" or "very high" - and an attorney must receive it in order to be rated."

U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Trial Bar, May 5, 1987

President, 2005-2006President-Elect, 2004-2005Second Vice President, 2003-2004Third Vice President, 2002-2003Executive Committee, 1995-1996, 1999-2013, 2014-Elected Board of Managers, 1989-International Academy of Trial Lawyers (IATL)

Governor, 2001-2002, 2011-Chair, State Delegates, 1999-2000Chair Elect, State Delegates, 1998-1999Vice Chair, State Delegates, 1997-1998Secretary, State Delegates, 1996-1997State Delegate, 1995-2000American Bar Association (ABA)

Lifetime MemberLegislative Committee, 1996- Co-Chair, 2003-2004Medical Negligence Committee, 1992- Co-Chair, 1998-2003Nominating Committee 1994-1995, 2007, 2008Long Range Planning Committee, 2001Amicus Committee, 2000-Membership Committee, 1995-Publications Committee, 1992-Seminar Planning Chairman, 1990-1991Civil Practice Committee, 1984Standing Committee on the Illinois Bar Journal Editorial Board

Ex-Officio, 2004-2006Editor, 2002-2004Associate Editor and Vice-Chair 2000-2002Secretary, 1998-2000Member, 1995-2006American Association for Justice (AAJ) - formerly Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA)

Public Affairs Committee, 2008-Executive Committee, 1999-2000AAJ's List Advisory Committee, 1999-State Affairs Liaison Committee, 2000-2001Insurance Committee, 2000-2001Coordinating Committee on State Relations, 1999-2000Presidents' Club, Charter Member,1999-EagleMedical Negligence Information Exchange Group (MNIEG)Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA)

Tort Law Section Council 2008-2010Civil Practice & Procedure 1990-Insurance Law 1990-Tort Law 1990-Illinois Bar FoundationAmerican Bar Association

Chair, Standing Committee on Medical Professional Liability, 2011-Member, Standing Committee on Medical Professional Liability, 2006-Life Fellow - American Bar FoundationHealth Law, 2003-Tort & Insurance Practice, 2003-Litigation, 2003-Chicago Bar Association

Civil Practice Committee, 1997-Tort Litigation Committee, 2003-Chicago Bar FoundationDuPage County Bar Association (DCBA)

Medical Malpractice Trial Notebook, Editor 1992-Medical Malpractice Trial Notebook, Co-Editor 1990-1991Trial Notebook, 1989, Contributing AuthorWorkers' Compensation Notebook: "Third-Party Litigation / Kotecki" 1991 and updates 1992, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2004-2010, 2011)"The Power of Informed Consent," Trial Journal, Summer 2013 (with Sarah F. King)

"Medical Malpractice and Insurance - Version 2.0," Trial Journal of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Vol. 14, No. 1, Winter 2012

"The Whole Truth About Medical Malpractice and Insurance, Version 2.0", Illinois Trial Lawyers, February 2010

"Debunking Myths About Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Crisis", Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, May 1, 2010

"The Whole Truth About Medical Malpractice and Insurance", Illinois Trial Lawyers, February 2010 (with Courtney Marinscin)

"Supreme Court Rule 213 - Once Disclosed, Always Disclosed," Trial Journal of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Vol. 11, No. 2, Summer, 2009.

"Caps on Damages Reward Insurers at the Expense of the Those Injured or Killed by Medical Malpractice," Trial Journal of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Vol. 8, No. 1, Winter, 2006.

"How New SCR 213 Will Affect Your Practice: A Trial Lawyer's Perspective," Illinois State Bar Association, Bench & Bar, September 2002.

FRE 407: Even After Recent Amendment, the Prohibition Against the Admission of Evidence of Subsequent Remedial Measures In Product Liability Cases is "Swallowed Up" By the Exceptions, Products Liability Advisory, September 1998, West Group

Part III, Postpartum, "The Third Stage," Legal Commentary, In/Operative Obstetrics, ed. O'Grady, et al. 1995

"Medical Malpractice Refresher Course, Mock Jury Trial." Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, Nov. 30, 2014.

"Medical Liability Reform: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going?" American Conference Institute's National Advanced Forum on Medical Professional Liability, The Carlton Hotel, New York, NY, October 31, 2014.

"Failure and Delay in Diagnosing Cancer Cases," Illinois State Bar Association Medical Malpractice CLE Spring 2014, Chicago, IL, March 14, 2014.

"Combating Common Defenses," ITLA Medical Malpractice Seminar, Westin River North, Chicago, IL, December 7, 2013.

"Trial Strategies from the Plaintiff's Perspective," YLS Strategies for Success at Trial, Chicago Bar Association, Chicago, IL, October 18, 2013.

"Medical Negligence," ITLA Update & Review Seminar, Westin River North, Chicago, IL, October 14, 2013.

"Ethics of Negotiation," Chicago Health Risk Management Society 2013 Law Day, Metropolitan Club, Chicago, IL, October 11, 2013.

"Playing Offense on Vicarious Liability," ITLA Medical Malpractice Seminar, Westin River North, Chicago, IL, December 8, 2012.

"Medical Best Practice Guidelines: Panacea or Pandora's Box?" ABA Annual Meeting, sponsored by the Standing Committee on Medical Professional Liability, Chicago Symphony Center, Chicago, IL, August 4, 2012.

"IPI 105.01 - The Controversy Continues," ITLA Medical Malpractice Seminar, Westin River North, Chicago, IL, December 10, 2011

"Plaintiff's Experts - Picking, Preparation and Presentation," ITLA Medical Malpractice Seminar, Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort, February 18, 2011

"Proof of Causation in a Medical Negligence Case," ITLA Update & Review Seminar, Westin Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, October 1, 2010.

"Res Ipsa Loquitur," ITLA Medical Malpractice Seminar, Westin Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, December 5, 2009.

"Damages: Past and Future Medical," ITLA Medical Malpractice Seminar, Westin Hotel, Chicago, IL, December 6, 2008*

"I've Just Been Sued for Medical Malpractice: What Do I Do Now?" Radiological Society of North America Refresher Course, 94th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 4, 2008.

"Making the Plaintiff's Closing Argument," ITLA Medical Negligence Seminar, The Plaintiff's Case: Winning Trial Techniques & Strategies, Westin Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, December 1, 2007 *

"Medical Malpractice Case," Connecting Radiology, 2007 Radiological Society of North America, Chicago, IL, November 27, 2007

"What Plaintiff Lawyers Do: Myth vs. Fact," 2007 Mid-Year ACLM Educational Conference, Medical Imaging and the Law, Hyatt Regency, Chicago, IL, October 13, 2007

"Doctors, Treaters, and Medical Evidence," ITLA Evidence Seminar, Westin Hotel, Chicago, IL, May 5, 2007 *

"Will Saying ‘I'm Sorry' Prevent a Malpractice Lawsuit?" Strengthening Professionalism 2006 Radiological Society of North America, Chicago, IL, November 29, 2006

"Judges, Juries and the Constitution: A Debate on Medical Malpractice Reform," American Constitution Society for Law and Policy, John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL, May 24, 2005

"Medical-Legal Jury Trial at RSNA 2004," 90th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, Chicago, Illinois, November 28, 2004

"Deposing Defendants & Defendant Experts," ITLA Medical Malpractice Seminar, DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel, Chicago, IL, December 6, 2003 *

"Malpractice Tort Reform: Is Malpractice Tort Reform Really Necessary?," 89th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, Chicago, Illinois, December 4, 2003 *

"HIPAA," ITLA Update and Review Seminar, Double Tree Guest Suites Hotel, Chicago, IL, September 13, 2003 *

"Civil Trial Procedures: Learn How New SCR 213 Will Affect Your Practice," CBA Seminar, Chicago, IL, June 13, 2002 *

"Depositions of Doctors: How to Avoid the Land Mines," IICLE's Fall, 2001, Seminar, Chicago, IL, November 29, 2001 *

Medical Malpractice Seminar, Planning Chair and Moderator, ITLA, DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel, Chicago, IL, December 8, 2001

"Making an Impact with Exhibits," ITLA Practicing with the Best & Avoiding the Rest Seminar, Westin Hotel, October 8, 2001 *

ITLA Medical Malpractice Seminar, Program Planning Chair, Double Tree Guest Suites Hotel, Chicago, IL, December 9, 2000

"How to Testify in Court, Be it as a Defendant or Expert: Perspectives of a Plaintiff's Attorney and a Defense Attorney," Malpractice Issues in Radiology Seminar, The International Institute for Continuing Medical Education, Inc., Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL, April 1, 2000

"Closing Argument - You Are The Jury," Malpractice Issues in Radiology Seminar, The International Institute for Continuing Medical Education, Inc., Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL, April 1, 2000

"Medical Negligence: Identifying the Viable Case," ITLA Medical Negligence Seminar, Double Tree Guest Suites Hotel, Chicago, IL, December 11, 1999

"Medical Negligence," ITLA Civil Practice Update & Review Seminar, Double Tree Guest Suites Hotel, Chicago, IL, September 18, 1999 *

"Trying the Technologically Savvy Malpractice Case," IICLE Modern Medical Malpractice Litigation Seminar, The University Club, Chicago, IL, March 26, 1999*

"Under the Microscope: The Anatomy of a Malpractice Trial," Program Planning Chair and Moderator, ITLA, Ambassador West Hotel, Chicago, IL, December 5, 1998

Neuropsychological and Legal Aspects of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and the Post Concussion Syndrome, "Plaintiff Attorneys' Prospective," DePaul University School of Law, Chicago, IL, October, 1998

"Damages: Obtaining the Best Outcome on Your Release or Verdict Form," Illinois State Bar Association Tort Law Update, Adams Mark Hotel, St. Louis, Missouri, June 19, 1998 *

"Admissibility of Subsequent Design Changes in Products Liability Cases: The New Federal Rule," The 1998 National Conference on Products Liability Law, Swissotel, Chicago, IL, May 29, 1998 (Fill in for Robert A. Clifford, Esq.)

"Medical Malpractice Update," Tort Trends: Approaching The Millennium, The Chicago Bar Association, Chicago, IL, March 10, 1998 *

"215 Exam and Deposing the Defense Expert," ITLA Automobile Accident Cases Seminar, Radisson Suite Hotel, Champaign, IL, February 7, 1998 *

"Maximizing Damages," ITLA Trial Technique Seminar, Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL, October 13, 1997 *

Presentation of "Plaintiff's Case/Defendant's Case," Health Law Course - 1997, Health Systems Management, College of Health Sciences, Rush University, April 16, 1997

"Cutting Edge Issues in Health Care, Bringing Medical Negligence Case in the MCO Setting - The Plaintiff's Perspective," The John Marshall Law School, March 17, 1997*

"Expert Testimony - Effective Cross-Examination," ITLA Product Liability Seminar, Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL, January 11, 1997 *

"Surgery Cases," ITLA Medical Malpractice Seminar, Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL, December 7, 1996 *

"Where Will We Be A Year From Now? TortLaw Changes," DuPage County Bar Association, DCBA Center, Wheaton, IL, October 30, 1996

"Pretrial Trade Secrets of the Pros - Winning Your Case Before Trial" and "Move Over Columbo," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Drake Hotel, Chicago, Monday, February 19, 1996 *

ITLA Medical Malpractice Seminar, Program Planning Co-Chair and Co-Moderator, Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL, December 5, 1995

Round Table Discussion, Workers' Compensation Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Wyndham Hamilton Hotel, Itasca, IL, November 4, 1995

"Sexual Abuse Claims - Defense and Coverage," Presenting the Damage Claim & Closing Argument, Oppenheimer, Wolff & Donnelly, Swissotel, Chicago, IL, October 10, 1995

"Apparent Agency," Life Before and After House Bill 20, ITLA Seminar, Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL, May 6, 1995 *

ITLA Medical Malpractice Seminar, Program Planning Chair and Moderator, Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL, December 3, 1994

"Anesthesiology Malpractice Cases," ITLA Medical Malpractice Seminar, Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL, December 3, 1994 *

"Trial Demonstration - Closing Arguments," Thirteenth Annual Defense Tactics Seminar Program, Fairmont Hotel, Chicago, IL, March 5, 1995

"Handling the Defendant's Expert," ITLA Point/Counterpoint Seminar, Drake Hotel, Chicago IL, October 10, 1994 *

"Expert Witnesses and Rule 220," ITLA Civil Practice Update and Review Seminar, Drake Hotel, Chicago, IL, September 11, 1993 *

MMI Companies, Inc. Focus Training Workshops, "Advanced Claims Management," Oak Brook, IL, November 21, 1992

"Products Liability: In Depth Study of Litigation Involving Products," Jury Instructions/Pleadings/ Summary Judgment, Illinois State Bar Association Law Education Series, April 16, 1992, First Chicago Center *

"Third-Party Litigation/Kotecki," Workers' Compensation Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, November 9, 1991, Indian Lakes Resort, Bloomingdale, IL *

"Slip and Fall Cases - From the Plaintiff's Perspective - Preparation Before Trial," Chicago Bar Association, February 4, 1991 *

Expert Witnesses, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, February 17, 1992, Chicago, IL, Seminar Planning Chairman

ITLA Trial Notebook Seminar, "How to Argue Liability In The Injury Case," April 21, 1990, St. Louis, Missouri

"Proving Fault and Defending Auto Accident Cases-How To Handle Particular Types of Collision Cases," Illinois Institute For Continuing Legal Education, March 5, 1990, Chicago, IL *

"The Wrongful Death Act: Obtaining the Successful Result, Procedural Aspects," Chicago Bar Association, February 15, 1990 *

"Products Liability," Update and Review Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, September 9, 1989, Drake Hotel *

"Current Trends and Recent Developments in Litigation in Illinois" and "Interviewing Witnesses," Illinois Civil Litigation Techniques: Active Roles for Legal Assistants, March 9, 1988, Chicago, IL *

"Demonstrative Evidence and Experts," Trial Evidence Committee, ABA Litigation Section Annual Fall Meeting, October 24, 1987, Chicago, IL

"Medical Evaluation of Damages and Disability," Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education, February 13, 1985, Chicago, IL (on videotape)

Chicago Bar Foundation Abraham Lincoln Circle of Justice (in memory of Neil Hebeisen)

University of Illinois Foundation Consular Circle of the Presidents Council, March 2012