Robert Willoughby
Mr. Willoughby is an experienced trial attorney who, since joining Hassard Bonnington in 1997, has dedicated his legal career to the representation of health care providers in a variety of contexts, primarily the defense of medical negligence lawsuits alleging catastrophic injuries or alleged wrongful death. Mr. Willoughby is also very experienced in handling matters before the California Medical Board and California Nursing Board, premises liability claims, and hospital staff issues.
A native San Franciscan, Mr. Willoughby moved to Marin County with his family at the age of 7. While in the 8th grade at Ross School, he won several national awards and commendations for rescuing two elderly residents from a burning home near the school. After graduating high school from The Branson School, Mr. Willoughby attended the University of California Berkeley, where he double majored in Political Science and Mass Communications.
The son of a respected journalist and press secretary, Mr. Willoughby initially worked in local and national politics for four years before deciding to attend law school at the University of San Francisco School of Law. While at USF Law, he won a Best Oral Argument award and served as a Judicial Extern to Justice Timothy A. Reardon at the California Court of Appeal.
Since joining Hassard Bonnington out of law school in 1997, Mr. Willoughby has always considered it a great honor and privilege to represent the Bay Area’s finest medical providers. He has been a partner of the firm since 2006.
HASSARD BONNINGTON LLP, San Francisco, CA
Partner, 2006-Present; Associate, 1997-2006
- April 2018, Medical Negligence. Defense trial verdict on behalf of university hospital in a lawsuit alleging failure to timely diagnose and treat compartment syndrome, resulting in permanent neurologic injuries.
- February 2018, Medical Negligence and Wrongful Death. Defense trial verdict on behalf of neurologist and university hospital in four-week trial involving $41.18 million in claimed damages based on an alleged violation of Health & Safety Code §103900.
- October 2015, Medical Board Hearing and Appeal in Physician’s Favor. Represented physician at trial and appeal following Medical Board’s denial of licensure, resulting in issuance of medical license with no conditions.
- September 2013, Medical Negligence, Dismissal of all Claims at Trial. Obtained dismissal of all claims against internal medicine physician at trial involving an alleged violation of Health & Safety Code §102800.
- June 2011, Medical Negligence. Defense trial verdict on behalf of pulmonologist following trial involving an alleged failure to monitor a patient (also a physician) following prescription of medication for tuberculosis.
- February 2006, Medical Negligence and Wrongful Death. Defense trial verdict on behalf of a university hospital and cardiologist following trial involving a patient’s death during a cardiac stenting procedure.
- University of San Francisco School of Law, J.D., 1996
- University of California, Berkeley, B.A. (Double Major, Political Science and Mass Communications), 1988
- The Branson School, 1983
Hassard Bonnington LLP
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San Francisco CA 94111
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