Corboy & Demetrio Files Petition Sperm Case

Chicago - July 16 2012 - The Chicago law firm of Corboy & Demetrio has filed an Emergency Bill of Discovery to investigate why the frozen sperm of three patients were destroyed while in possession of Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation and/or Northwestern Memorial Hospital, both Respondents in the case.

The petitioners had their sperm preserved because they suffered illnesses or were undergoing medical treatments that would likely render them infertile.

“On behalf of these petitioners, we have undertaken this unique legal device to determine how and why this catastrophic failure occurred with Northwestern’s cryogenic systems.  The failure resulted in a breach of both contractual and common law care owed to the victims and potential tragic loss of the ability to have a family,” said Corboy & Demetrio partner Michael K. Demetrio, who is representing the petitioners.

In one case, James Doe, a 33-year-old man, has leukemia and was told that his radical chemotherapy treatments would likely make him sterile.   Preserving his sperm may have been his only chance to naturally have a child.

In another case, Joseph Doe, 26-years-old, suffers from an illness that could render him infertile, and although he is not married, he decided to freeze his sperm in planning to become a husband and father.

And in a third case, John Doe, a 48-year-old man, had his sperm preserved because he too suffers from an illness that could render him infertile.

“Northwestern admitted there was a failure and it adversely affected the specimen of all three victims.  They are entitled to find out how and when this happened,” said Matthew T. Jenkins, a Corboy & Demetrio lawyer also handling the case.

The Bill of Discovery was filed in order to preserve, protect and investigate all aspects of any potential cause of action arising from the damage and/or loss of specimen the three men stored  in order to gain access to all information about the operation and maintenance of Northwestern’ s cryopreservation and storage system, according to Demetrio.

Case information: Joseph Doe; John Doe and Jane Doe and James and Janet Doe v. Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation, Cook County Circuit Court Chancery Division, filed July 16, 2012.

About Corboy & Demetrio

Corboy & Demetrio is one of the nation’s premier law firms.  The personal injury law firm represents individuals and their families in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases and is renowned for its achievements in the courtroom and for its contributions to the community.  The rights and concerns of its clients are at the core of Corboy & Demetrio’s practice.  That commitment, dedication, compassion and relentless drive has resulted in exceptional service and exceptional results for its clients.  The Chicago law firm has acquired more than $3 billion in settlements and verdicts and has attained almost 600 settlements and verdicts in excess of $1 million. To contact Mike Demetrio, Matt Jenkins or another Chicago personal injury lawyer at our firm, call 312-346-3191 or toll free at 800-356-3191.  We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  For more information about our law firm go to corboydemetrio.com.