Get to Know GRYC Medical Investigator: Elizabeth Stockhammer

At GRYC, our cases rely on a team of professionals who bring deep experience and investigative skill to uncover the truth behind complex medical cases. One of the firm’s key differentiators is the strength of our in-house investigation team. Unlike many firms that rely on third-party investigators on a case-by-case basis, our investigators work closely with our attorneys every day to identify the critical details that drive our cases forward.

Through this “Get to Know” series, we aim to showcase the important work our investigators do and offer a closer look at the people behind it.

Name: Elizabeth Stockhammer, RN, BSN 

Title: Medical Investigator 

What is your professional background, and how does it inform the way you approach investigations at GRYC?  

I began my career as a critical care nurse in the surgical trauma unit of a Level II trauma center. In this role, I developed strong critical thinking skills, the ability to perform under pressure, and a deep understanding of nursing standards of care.

I later worked alongside a local neurosurgeon for several years, which expanded my knowledge of mechanisms of injury, causation, and the treatment of various neurosurgical conditions.

After 12 years in the hospital setting, I transitioned to the Infection Control Department as an infection preventionist. This role strengthened my record-review and investigative skills while examining hospital- and community-acquired infections. I also ran hospital-wide reports, extracted and interpreted data, and presented findings at committee meetings. In addition, I conducted extensive research on medical literature and best practices to support the development and implementation of department- and hospital-wide policies and procedures.

Prior to joining GRYC, I worked as a full-time legal nurse consultant for a local personal injury firm. Over the next 10 years, I developed extensive experience in medical malpractice and personal injury cases, building the skills necessary to evaluate and manage cases efficiently from start to finish.

Together, these experiences created the perfect foundation for my current role as a medical investigator with GRYC.

Describe an instance where early investigative work significantly impacted the direction of a case.

We were referred a case that another law firm had previously placed into presuit. After the defendant’s attorney rejected the claim, the original firm chose not to pursue the matter further.

Once we received the case, I conducted a thorough review of the medical records, analyzing the documentation minute by minute. During this process, I identified pertinent information that had previously been missed or omitted.

Based on my initial investigation, I was able to uncover key facts that proved critical in obtaining multiple expert opinions and identifying three additional defendants. The case is currently in settlement negotiations.

What motivates you most about your role as an investigator?

What motivates me most about being an investigator is helping individuals who have been injured by the very healthcare providers they trusted to care for them. In many cases, our work may be the only path that allows them to obtain the accountability and compensation they deserve.