Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys Secure $18,500,000 Verdict For Brain Injured Client in Brooklyn

Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys Secure Justice for Victim of Emergency Room Negligence

On October 3, 2024, a Brooklyn, New York jury returned a verdict of $18,500,000 on behalf of a Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys client. The case was tried by attorneys Joseph F. Sullivan and Steven G. Brill with support provided by James Healy, Esq., Brittni Sullivan and LeeAnna Sullivan.

Emergency Room Malpractice: A Failure to Diagnose

The case involved a claim of medical malpractice that occurred in Wyckoff Heights Medical Center emergency room on September 16, 2012. Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys' client had been arrested at 5:00 pm on September 15. He was taken to Wyckoff by the NYPD at 1:00 am due to complaints of chest pain.

At the hospital, he reported chest pain, heart palpitations, and a month-long headache. Despite elevated blood pressure and heart rate, the emergency room doctor failed to conduct a thorough examination or perform any bloodwork. The client was discharged within 32 minutes of triage, with a total ER stay of just one hour and four minutes.

Catastrophic Consequences of Misdiagnosis

The client was actually experiencing early symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, which the doctor failed to recognize due to inadequate assessment. Released back to police custody without treatment or special instructions, the client suffered a seizure ten hours later. This led to a severe brain injury requiring multiple surgeries, including a craniectomy.

The client now resides in a nursing home, suffering from catastrophic brain damage. He has limited control over his body and compromised brain function, though he can interact minimally with his wife and children.

Legal Battle and Jury Verdict

The doctor and hospital denied responsibility, claiming blood work was unnecessary and they had no reason to suspect alcohol withdrawal. Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys admitted 25% responsibility due to the client's circumstances but argued for the hospital's negligence.

The jury found that the doctor departed from the standard of care by failing to order blood work and obtain an adequate medical history. They assigned 30% responsibility to the client and awarded damages as follows:

• $2,400,000 for past pain and suffering (12 years)
• $3,150,000 for future pain and suffering (21 years)
• $1,200,000 for the wife's past loss of society (12 years)
• $2,400,000 for the wife's future loss of society (21 years)
• $9,464,727 for future medical care (21 years)

Hope for the Future

The client's wife, who has visited him daily for the past 12 years, plans to bring her husband home once the jury's award is collected. This verdict not only provides for the client's care but also highlights the critical importance of thorough medical assessment in emergency situations.