On September 21, 2021, Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm (HPS), a leading Florida catastrophic injury law firm, won a $6.46M verdict, which is the highest reported wrongful death verdict in Volusia County history.*** This medical malpractice trial lasted two weeks, and law partners, Richard B. Schwamm and Trisha Widowfield, were able to secure this victory for Laura Staib’s surviving family members.

In late February 2016, Mrs. Laura Staib, 39, a stay-at-home-mom, was seen by cardiologist Roy Venzon at Florida Hospital DeLand. At that time, Laura Staib was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, pneumonia and sepsis. In early March of 2016, Mrs. Staib was transferred to a long-term care facility. She passed away four days later. Schwamm and Widowfield successfully argued that Laura Staib’s cardiologist should have done more to determine the cause of her heart failure and she should not have been transferred to a lower level of care, since her heart failure was getting worse.

Laura Staib left behind her husband and two children, ages 6 and 10. On behalf of Mrs. Staib’s family, HPS sought recovery of past and future loss of support and services, along with damages for past and future loss of companionship, parental companionship, parental instruction and guidance, protection, mental anguish and pain and suffering. “This is a tragic case involving a young family who suffered an unbearable and preventable loss,” said Richard Schwamm. “We are so pleased we were able to help Laura’s family obtain justice, and to help ease the burden and anguish of losing their wife and mother way too soon.”

About Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm

Established in 1996, Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm has spent the past 25 years dedicated to seeking justice for their clients. The firm and its attorneys currently focus on representing clients in the areas of medical malpractice, wrongful death, personal injury and workers’ compensation matters, with offices located in both Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. Over the years, the attorneys at HPS have built a reputation for strong client advocacy and integrity. Outside attorneys are encouraged to contact us for co-counsel opportunities. Visit www.hpslegal.com to learn more about our firm.

Click on the below to view more coverage of the verdict in various outside publications:

“Medical malpractice case against cardiologist and his practice results in $6.46M payment for patient’s family,” Cardiovascular Business (October 27, 2021)

“Jury awards $6.46 million: Largest ever in Volusia County wrongful death case, lawyer says,” The Daytona Beach News-Journal (October 1, 2021)

“Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm Partners Win Nearly $6.5 Million in Medical Malpractice Suit,” Daily Business Review (October 1, 2021)

***UPDATED STATISTIC: the largest wrongful death medical malpractice verdict in Volusia County due to a $10M wrongful death, car crash verdict awarded in January 2022.

HPS Public Relations Contact:

Carrie T. Ryder
Director of Marketing
954.523.9922
cryder@hpslegal.com