Hodes Milman Secures $6 Million for a Medical Malpractice Brain Injury

Attorneys at Hodes Milman have secured a significant $6 million settlement for our medical malpractice client. These funds help compensate for the harm done, and fund vital care for the future.

Attorneys at Hodes Milman have secured a substantial $6 million settlement for our client, but the cost of certain medical errors can never be fully repaid. A woman who was once in charge of her own life and employed in the field of medical practice management now needs round-the-clock care. Additionally, our client was the conservator for her 40-year-old sister who has Down syndrome — a loving responsibility she can no longer fulfill. 

Our client was an independent 51-year-old single woman who experienced persistent headaches. Doctors discovered a suspected aneurysm, and while performing a treatment procedure, errors were made, causing a brain hemorrhage and stroke. The woman was hospitalized for two months, and needed nine more months in rehabilitation. Despite these efforts, she was not able to regain her independence and now needs 24/7 home assistance. 

At Hodes Milman, our medical malpractice lawyers build strong, comprehensive cases for clients who need maximum compensation after surgical or hospital injuries. A lawsuit is often a person’s only chance to secure the support needed for the rest of their life, so it needs to count.

Read on for more information on this case, and what a medical malpractice settlement can cover. Contact Hodes Milman at (949) 640-8222 if you’re in need of proven representation.

How Did Medical Malpractice Cause a Stroke?

In the summer of 2020, our client saw her primary care physician with complaints of persistent headaches. In July of 2020, she underwent an MRI of the brain which revealed an oval-shaped structure that looked suspiciously like an aneurysm. 

A brain aneurysm occurs when part of an artery’s wall in the brain weakens, allowing it to abnormally widen or balloon out. Untreated aneurysms are dangerous, because should they burst, the incident could be fatal or incapacitating.

Our client underwent an aneurysm coiling and stent procedure in August of 2020. An aneurysm coiling and stent procedure is performed inside of the artery through a steerable catheter inserted into the bloodstream, and guided through to the brain. Small coils, glue, or mesh stents are then placed to prompt clotting at the area, and a natural closing off of the weakened aneurysm area. 

In our client’s case, a flow diverter stent and embolic coils were placed in the affected area of her brain. However, a guide wire perforated through a branch artery during the procedure and this error was not adequately noticed or cared for. 

In the hours following the procedure, our client became increasingly lethargic, disoriented, and dulled. That evening, a CT scan was performed, showing a hemorrhage, or bleeding from a damaged blood vessel. A hemorrhage in the brain is also known as a stroke.

Strokes are known to cause cognitive impairment, paralysis of the face and body, and can severely inhibit a person’s mobility and enjoyment of life. Despite intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy, our client still suffers from injury symptoms. She is incapable of working, and requires 24/7 home assistance.  

Our client went in for medical care as a self-reliant adult, capable of complex work and providing care for her disabled adult sister. Tragically, after experiencing medical malpractice, our client must now rely on expensive home health care for the rest of her life. Our work in negotiating this case ensures she can afford the care she needs. Contact Hodes Milman at (949) 640-8222 for medical malpractice legal services.

What Do Damages for Medical Malpractice Cover?

Damages awards from medical malpractice lawsuits may cover:

• Medical expenses: Coverage for necessary treatments, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost income: Backpay and future lost earnings for missed work due to injuries.
• Pain and suffering: Damages for physical and emotional distress, including conditions like depression or PTSD.
• Future care: Funds to support ongoing medical needs arising from the malpractice.
• Loss of quality of life: Compensation for reduced enjoyment of life activities.

In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the healthcare provider’s actions were found to be particularly appalling or intentional. 

In total, these forms of compensation can add up to large settlements in the multi-million dollar range. Funds can then be used for medical care, housing, professional assistance, and anything else the injured party needs to make their life whole.

Consulting with a qualified attorney experienced in medical malpractice cases can help injured patients understand their rights and pursue appropriate compensation for their damages.

Contact Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyers

In order to successfully secure a $6 million settlement for this case, our attorneys at Hodes Milman had to counter the arguments put forth by the defense. Specifically, the other side claimed that the care and treatment was, at all times, within the standard of care. Attorneys Daniel Hodes and Jacob Brender presented a clear picture of malpractice. 

While the accidental puncture of an artery during a coiling and stent procedure may be considered part of the risk associated with surgery, failing to correct that error or monitor its impact on the patient’s health after the fact was negligent. Our attorneys argued that with prompt recognition and remedy, our client would have been left with minimal injuries she could have quickly recovered from.  

Instead, this considerable $6 million settlement following mediation with Jay Horton at Judicate West is required to provide comfort for our client for the rest of her life. If you need legal help after a medical malpractice injury, contact Hodes Milman at (949) 640-8222. We will work tirelessly to ensure your needs are met.