Kristina Bitzer
Kristina believes that meaningful communication coupled with a nuanced understanding of all relevant facts is key to bringing a case to a successful resolution.
- Northern Illinois University Law Review, Volume 42, Editor-in-Chief
- Enjoyed a decade-long career as an underwriter
Kristina Bitzer
Attorney in Rockford, IL
Kristina joined the Rockford office after graduating summa cum laude from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2022. With an innate interest in all things healthcare, Kristina focuses her practice on medical malpractice and other insurance defense matters. She also handles numerous, complex employment law matters for multiple healthcare entities in Illinois.
Before law school, Kristina enjoyed a decade-long career as an underwriter for multiple prominent property and casualty insurance carriers. This background gives her a broad understanding of all aspects of the insurance relationship, uniquely positioning her to serve her clients. She keeps apprised of developments in the field, understanding that meaningful communication and a nuanced understanding of all relevant facts are crucial to bringing a case to a successful resolution.
While in law school, Kristina served as Editor-in-Chief of Northern Illinois University Law Review, Volume 42. While serving as Editor-in-Chief, she published "Online and Off-Label: Closing the Regulatory Gap in Online Direct-to-Consumer Drug Promotion and Prescribing" and was awarded the “Most Outstanding Note/Comment Award.” Since its publication in 2021, “Online and Off-Label” has been cited and quoted by multiple law journals and news sources.
Kristina continues her relationship with her alma mater, serving as the class agent for the Northern Illinois University College of Law Class of 2022. Kristina is also an avid supporter of animal rescue and adoption efforts. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her three rescue cats. She also enjoys hiking, reading, and baking.
Practices
Credentials
Education
J.D., Northern Illinois University College of Law, summa cum laude
B.A., University of Missouri - Columbia
Licensure(s) and Admission(s)
State Courts of Illinois
State Courts of Iowa
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois
Professional Affiliations
Illinois Defense Counsel
Northern Illinois University, Contracts I and II, Teaching Assistant, 2020 – 2022
Northern Illinois University Law Review Vol. 42, Editor-in-Chief
Results
-
Obtained a defense verdict on behalf of a regional physicians’ group in a high-profile wrongful death medical malpractice trial in Winnebago County, Illinois. The plaintiff alleged that an emergency department physician negligently failed to order laboratory testing or imaging for a two-year-old patient presenting with fever and a rapidly developing neck mass, delaying the diagnosis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The child later died, and the plaintiff sought $24 million in damages, contending that earlier testing would have led to diagnosis and a 95%+ chance of cure and survival. The defense established that the physician appropriately diagnosed and treated the condition as an abscess, that the child returned to normal health for weeks following treatment, and that leukemia was neither present nor detectable at the time of the emergency department visit. Following a brief deliberation, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defense.
- Achieved multiple dismissals on behalf of a local county sheriff's department, its deputies, and staff facing an unusual deluge of meritless inmate civil rights lawsuits, including allegations of unsanitary conditions, delays in medical treatment, and unlawful assessment of medical copayments. Four dismissals with prejudice were achieved, saving the client significant time and expense in defending these baseless claims.
Presentations/Publications
Presentations
“WGN Legal Face Off,“ Guest Contributor (2021)
Publications
"Online and Off-Label: Closing the Regulatory Gap in Online Direct-to-Consumer Drug Promotion and Prescribing," 42 N. Ill. U. L. Rev 164 (2021)
Awards/Recognition
- Northern Illinois University College of Law
Alumni Council Prize, 2022
Hellene and Edward Fioretti Award, 2022
Mentor of the Year Award, 2024
Outstanding Contribution to Scholarly Publications Award, 2022
Updates
- Denning & Bitzer Secure Defense Verdict in High-Profile Medical Malpractice Case
- Heyl Royster Attorneys Enhance Federal Litigation Skills at CLE Session
- Heyl Royster Victory in FMLA Case, Leading to Dismissal Against Major Healthcare System
- Drinkwine and Bitzer Secure Summary Judgment in U.S. District Court
- Illinois Appellate Court Overturns Record Emotional Distress Damages in Landmark Ruling
- Bitzer Selected as NIU's 1L Mentor of the Year for 2023-2024
- Bitzer Interviewed by Undark Magazine
- Antonacci and Bitzer Protect Client From Liability for Six-Figure Knee Surgery
- Bitzer and Emmert Obtain Multiple Dismissals on Behalf of Local County Sheriff's Department
Public Profile
Kristina joined the Rockford office after graduating summa cum laude from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2022. With an innate interest in all things healthcare, Kristina focuses her practice on medical malpractice and other insurance defense matters. She also handles numerous, complex employment law matters for multiple healthcare entities in Illinois.
Before law school, Kristina enjoyed a decade-long career as an underwriter for multiple prominent property and casualty insurance carriers. This background gives her a broad understanding of all aspects of the insurance relationship, uniquely positioning her to serve her clients. She keeps apprised of developments in the field, understanding that meaningful communication and a nuanced understanding of all relevant facts are crucial to bringing a case to a successful resolution.
While in law school, Kristina served as Editor-in-Chief of Northern Illinois University Law Review, Volume 42. While serving as Editor-in-Chief, she published "Online and Off-Label: Closing the Regulatory Gap in Online Direct-to-Consumer Drug Promotion and Prescribing" and was awarded the “Most Outstanding Note/Comment Award.” Since its publication in 2021, “Online and Off-Label” has been cited and quoted by multiple law journals and news sources.
Kristina continues her relationship with her alma mater, serving as the class agent for the Northern Illinois University College of Law Class of 2022. Kristina is also an avid supporter of animal rescue and adoption efforts. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her three rescue cats. She also enjoys hiking, reading, and baking.
