Meagher + Geer litigators Tracy Kolb and Besse McDonald successfully defended a foot and ankle surgeon over the course of a seven-day trial in Bismarck, North Dakota. Seeking $4.1 million in damages, Plaintiffs alleged there was a “botched” bunion surgery that led to the development of complex regional pain syndrome, while ignoring an unrelated post-surgical complication that explained and dictated the patient’s post-surgical course. The jury found no fault by the surgeon, rejecting Plaintiffs’ case in its entirety.

Tracy has been practicing law in North Dakota since 1995. She has practiced in the private and public sector handling litigation, administrative and legislative matters, and legal and regulatory compliance matters, particularly in the health care setting. Her private practice has been devoted primarily to litigation, mostly representing health care providers—hospitals, clinics, physicians, nurses, and long-term care facilities—and the defense of medical malpractice cases. Tracy has also represented providers in state regulatory licensing and disciplinary matters.

Besse is an attorney in our professional liability – health care practice group. Besse’s experience includes defending clients in all phases of litigation including preparation of initial pleadings, fact investigation, discovery, drafting dispositive and pretrial motions, and trial preparation.