Simons Hall Johnston congratulates partners Mark G. Simons and Duncan G. Burke for their advocacy as co-counsel with a Bird Marella trial team led by partners Ekwan Rhow and Julia Cherlow, of-counsel Kate Shin, and associates Heejin Hwang and Sophie Kosmacher. The trial team secured a jury verdict awarding over $510 million in damages to a long-time Reno institution – the Saint Mary’s Health Network. This verdict represents the largest verdict in Washoe County history, and cements Simons Hall Johnston’s reputation as a leading litigation law firm with special expertise in complex commercial litigation.
On September 26, 2025, a jury in the historic courtroom of Nevada’s Second Judicial District Court awarded Saint Mary’s Health Network a unanimous verdict on all claims. After three weeks of trial, the jury found Universal Health Services of Delaware, Inc. (UHS) and affiliated defendants committed intentional tortious misconduct in a coordinated scheme against Saint Mary’s Health Network during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Derrick Glum, the CEO of Saint Mary’s Health Network, stated, “The actions at the center of this case disrupted continuity of care and put families at risk. This ruling reinforces the principle that patient care must always come before personal or corporate gain.”
Dr. Prem Reddy, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Prime Healthcare (Saint Mary’s parent company) added, “This case is about more than one hospital, it is about accountability and integrity in American healthcare, and we commend the judicial system for bringing truth to light. This ruling is a victory for patients and communities, affirming that accountability and integrity are the foundation of healthcare.”
Simons Hall Johnston also credits Jodi Alhasan and Audrieanna Quiroz for their essential contribution throughout the litigation. In addition, Bird Marella paralegals Pamela Moore and Tamara Sybel, and Trial Technician Mitch Keane provided crucial assistance at trial.