Overview
Growing up with a father who ran hospitals and a large multi-specialty medical group in Memphis, Whitney L. Burkett continues her family’s healthcare legacy by defending healthcare providers and hospitals against medical and long-term care negligence claims. She has a history of being a tenacious advocate for her clients. She’s worked in multiple jurisdictions nationwide defending healthcare and other clients in catastrophic injury litigation.
Ms. Burkett is skilled at preparing difficult witnesses for deposition and trial. She also works with experts to create a strong defense for each case. In addition, she uses her experience designing and conducting mock trials for catastrophic injury cases to help build creative defenses.
Burkett started her law career prosecuting administrative violations for the City of Chicago but quickly transitioned to defending insurance clients in products liability, medical devices, transportation, and premises liability matters.
Education
- DePaul University College of Law, J.D., 2009
- Tulane University, B.S. in Psychology, 2003
LAW SCHOOL HONORS/INVOLVEMENT
- Intellectual Property Law Society
- Student Bar Association
Admissions & Affiliations
- Illinois
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit
- U.S. District Courts for the
- Northern District of Illinois
- Central District of Illinois
Professional Associations
- Chicagoland Healthcare and Risk Management Society
- Claims Litigation Management
- Defense Research Institute
- Medical Liability and Healthcare Steering Committee
- Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys
Practices
Results
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Obtained settlement on behalf of hospital for $225,000 in wrongful death case. Plaintiff initially asked for a seven-figure global demand.
- Settled multiple medical negligence cases for long-term care facilities, individual medical providers, and hospital clients for less than 40% of original demand.
- Obtained settlement of products liability action on behalf of builder of sporting/recreational equipment for less than claimed damages.
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of transportation client in case where Plaintiff alleged negligence because driver did not properly secure him to wheelchair during transport.
Insights
Events & Speaking Engagements
- “Developments Critical to Medical Malpractice Litigation: Forum Non Conveniens and the Healthcare Provider,” IDC webinar (2024).
- "How Witness Effectiveness Training Affects Your Bottom Line,” Chicagoland Healthcare and Risk Management Society Spring Meeting (2021).
