Tammera E.  Banasek

Tammy Banasek is a dedicated litigator who has developed a special focus in defending medical and dental professionals, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. She also counsels physicians and dentists in professional licensing matters.

Ms. Banasek welcomes the challenge of extensive research and investigation, learning the details of medicine and dentistry to develop effective defenses and provide positive case results. Her clients appreciate her calmness and professionalism in steering them through the stressful litigation process. She also excels at remaining accessible and responsive to her clients’ needs.

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Ms. Banasek is detailed and deadline driven. She understands that early workup of a case’s facts and defenses provides the most favorable and efficient results. She is also committed to providing a collaborative and cohesive defense. That focus has enabled her to achieve favorable resolution with motion practice and mediation and through numerous trials. Her prior years as a plaintiff litigation paralegal shaped her unique perspective and ability to anticipate plaintiff’s offense. Further, her personal journey caring for her elderly aunt has made her a passionate advocate for heroic professionals working in long-term care areas.

As a leader in her field, she is frequently asked to speak and write on topics related to healthcare litigation and risk management.

Education

• The John Marshall Law School, n/k/a UIC Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1993
• Roosevelt University Certificate in Paralegal Studies, 1985
• Northern Illinois University, B.A. in Communication Studies, 1985

LAW SCHOOL HONORS/INVOLVEMENT

• Moot Court Team

Admissions & Affiliations

• Illinois
• Illinois Supreme Court
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

• Obtained defense verdict in a two-week Cook County medical malpractice trial. Plaintiff asked for $9.8 million.

Honors & Awards

• AV Preeminent® Rated Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell
• Trial Lawyer Excellence 2012 Award, Jury Verdict Reporter
  • Outstanding Defense Verdict – Dental Malpractice (2012)

Events & Speaking Engagements

• “Communication, Care and Clear Protocols Ensuring Safety for Patients of Every Age,” Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Conference (Chicago IL, 2024).

• “Refunds and Patient Dismissal: Taking a Strategic Approach,” webinar for The Dentist Insurance Company (TDIC) (2024).

• “Sexual Harassment and Implicit Bias,” Armitage Oral Surgery Seminar (Chicago IL, 2023). (Co-presenter)
• “Staffing Shortages: A Panel Discussion on the Challenges, Trends, Solutions and Impact on Litigation,” Chicagoland Healthcare Risk Management Society (Chicago IL, 2023). (Co-presenter)
• “Time for Good Behavior! Creating a Culture Free from Sexual Harassment,” Chicago Dental Society-Midwinter Conference (Chicago IL, 2022).
• “The COVID Wound: Clinical Insights,” DRI Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Seminar (Las Vegas NV, 2021). (Co-presenter)
• “Litigation Claims and Risk Review: An Attorney Perspective,” Ascension Healthcare webinar (2021).

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• “COVID Wound – Not Your Facility Acquired Injury,” Chicagoland Healthcare Risk Management Society webinar (2021). (Co-presenter)
• “Defending Your License: Strategies for Nursing Professionals,” Ascension Living Lunch and Learn webinar (2021). (Co-presenter)

• “Depositions: The Good, Bad, and Ugly,” Ascension Living Lunch and Learn webinar (2021). (Co-presenter)
• “How [Documentation] Best Practices Impact Litigation,” Ascension Living Lunch and Learn webinar (2021). (Co‑presenter)
• Continuing education seminar on sexual harassment prevention in the dental practice, webinar presented for Armitage Oral Surgery (AOS) (May 2020).
• “Forecasting Medical Liability Claims in the Age of COVID-19: How to Mitigate Risk and Reduce Payouts from Potential Negligence Claims,” Medical Liability Monitor Webinar (June 24, 2020).
• “Standards in Preventative Skin Care and Legal Trends in Wound Care Litigation,” CHRMS Webinar (Chicago IL, 2019).
• “Social Media and the Impact on Claims,” Illinois MGMA/ICAHN/ Southern IL HFMA Physician Management Summit (O’Fallon IL, 2019).
• “Social Media and the Internet,” HB CPCU Joint Seminar (Chicago IL, 2018).
• “Running from the Law,” Infinity Healthcare Management, Saint Bernard Hospital Nursing Documentation seminars (Chicago IL, 2016-2018).
• “Write is Might,” Infinity Healthcare Management, Saint Bernard Hospital Nursing Documentation seminars (Chicago IL, 2016-2018).
• “Providing Testimony and the Duty to Warn,” Saint Joseph Medical Center (Chicago IL, 2006).
• “Running from Risk: Behavioral Health Concerns,” Westlake Medical Center (Maywood IL, 2006).
• “Informed Consent: Understanding the Risks,” Holy Family Medical Center staff (Des Plaines IL, 2005).

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Blog Posts

Publications

• “A Sympathetic History and Importance of Contracts,” Professional Solutions Insurance Co (PSIC) Newsletter (September 2023).

• “The Thing Speaks for Itself and to the Standard of Care,” IDC Quarterly Vol 32, No. 4 (2022).
• “Risk Considerations in Evaluating Wounds in the COVID-19 Era,” Illinois Society of Healthcare Risk Management Quarterly, Fall/Winter 2022, No. 4.
• “Genetic Testing, Physical Examinations and the Future of Supreme Court Rule 215,” IDC Quarterly, Vol 31, No. 4 (2021).
• “Thomas v. Khoury: Has the Illinois Appellate Court Expanded the Cause of Action and Damages for the Death of a Fetus,” IDC Quarterly, Vol. 30, No. 4 (2020). (Co-author)
• “Going for Broke: The Impact of Bankruptcy in Litigation,” IDC Quarterly, Vol. 29, No. 4 (2019). (Co-author).
• “Until Death Do Us Part … The Impact of a Plaintiff’s Death During Litigation,” IDC Quarterly, Vol 28, No. 3 (2018). (Co-author)

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• “How to be Thankful When Settling a Wrongful Death Claim,” Medical Malpractice Update, IDC Quarterly, Vol. 27, No.1 (2017). (Co-author)
• “Failure to Diagnose and Delayed Diagnosis of Cancer: Medicolegal Issues,” The Journal of the American Dental Association (2009). (Co-author)
• Regular columnist, “Legalities,” Woman Dentist Journal (2006 to 2009).

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