Offspring Drummer-Turned-OB/GYN Saves Potential Jurist, Causes Mistrial

OAKLAND, CALIF. (CelebrityAccess) The former drummer for The Offspring, now a doctor, was considered a hero for his actions in an Oakland, Calif., courtroom March 26 but, in the process, caused a mistrial.

A prospective juror passed out in the courtroom, but Dr. James Lilja, an OB/GYN, and his nurse assistant, came to the rescue and administered CPR and shocks with a defibrillator until paramedics arrived. It occurred during court proceedings for a medical malpractice suit; Lilja was the defendant.

That is, the former drummer for the Offspring.

Because of Lilja’s heroics, the judge agreed with the plaintiff’s attorney’s motion that the jurors could become biased against his clients and rewarded Lilja with a mistrial, according to Law360.

“No good deed goes unpunished,” Lilja said before the decision. The certified gynocologic oncologist is being sued by a couple who is accusing Lilja of negligently mistreating his wife, the The Mercury News said.

Lilja drummed for the Oakland-based punk band from 1984 to 1987 and can be heard on recordings like the debut single, “I’ll Be Waiting” from 1986, according to the News. (He left the band before the 1990s hits “Self Esteem” and “Pretty Fly (For A White Guy),” among others.)

The incident took place during the second day of jury selection. The potential juror was with 35 other prospective jurors outside the courtroom when he collapsed, hit his head and lost consciousness. That’s when the call came, inside the courtroom, to help the person and Lilja and his assistant sprang into action, according to Law360.

Lilja has a nearly 5-star rating from 19 reviews on Healthgrades.com

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