Bio

Ms. Petersen has significant trial experience and concentrates her practice in healthcare, product liability, and personal injury defense matters.  She also has experience in insurance defense and commercial litigation matters.
Her healthcare‐related experience includes representing hospitals, physicians, nursing homes and staffing agencies in medical malpractice, elder abuse and related claims.  Ms. Petersen assists healthcare providers when facing any disciplinary action or investigation.  She has represented clients in front of every healthcare licensing board in Arizona, including the Arizona Medical Board, Arizona Osteopathic Board, Arizona Dental Board, Arizona Occupational Therapy Board, Arizona Nursing Board, and Arizona Physical Therapy Board.   Ms. Petersen also trains and teaches physicians, risk managers, nurses, medical students, and attorneys on avoiding and defending against medical malpractice and elder abuse claims.
Ms. Petersen’s product liability‐related experience includes representing manufacturers of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, air conditioning and heating systems, and products containing or allegedly containing asbestos. EDUCATION:  Emory University (J.D., 1997)  University of Kent, Canterbury, UK (International Business, 1992)  University of South Carolina (B.A., magna cum laude, 1992) PAST EMPLOYMENT:  Snell & Wilmer L.L.P., Partner (1997 – 2009) COURT ADMISSIONS:  Supreme Court of Arizona  United States District Court of Arizona  United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit AREAS OF PRACTICE/REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS:  Vaughn v. Scottsdale Healthcare – First chair in medical malpractice trial involving significant birth injury and damages.  Settled during deliberations.
 Peterson v. Scottsdale Healthcare – First chair in medical malpractice case against emergency department physician, physician’s assistant and hospital.  Defense verdict.    Martan v. Kast – Represented neurosurgeon in medical malpractice trial in Coconino County Superior Court, Arizona. Defense verdict.  Represented large healthcare provider in jury trial regarding significant injuries and burns to plaintiff.  Admitted liability and tried on issue of damages only.  Maricopa County v. MICA – Represented large insurance company in advisory jury trial regarding insurance coverage dispute.  First chair bench trial in product liability case for a large automobile manufacturer.  Defense verdict.  First chair in restraining order case involving product dispute with International Corporation.  Court granted restraining order and matter immediately settled.  Represented plastic surgeon in medical malpractice jury trial.  Hung jury.    Represented psychiatrist and psychiatric facility in elder abuse, medical malpractice, and wrongful death jury trial.  Defense verdict.
PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS:  “Health and the Law,” Midwestern University Lecture Series  “HIPPAA,” Midwestern University    “Handling Medical Negligence Claims,” National Business Institute  “Advanced Issues in Medical Negligence Cases,” National Business Institute  “Personal Injury Settlements,” National Business Institute  Various seminars to employers and attorneys on issues relating to employment law and healthcare/personal injury, including: Sexual Harassment Employment Seminar for Supervisors HR Training on Employment Issues Preparing for a Deposition (medical, expert, and employment) Taking the “Sex” Out of Sexual Harassment Arizona Legislative Update

Elizabeth A. (Libby) Petersen

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