Stroke Victim Wins $7.4M In Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

A Pennsylvania stroke victim won a $7.4 million medical malpractice lawsuit verdict. Finis Cuff suffered a stroke in May 2010 at the age of 56. The stroke occurred two days after Mr. Cuff visited his physician, Dr. Douglas L. Keagle, and reported symptoms similar to those of stroke victims. Documents from the medical malpractice lawsuit showed that Dr. Keagle failed to give Mr. Cuff effective treatments for his high blood pressure, which eventually led to a crippling stroke.

Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Shows High Blood Pressure History

Records related to the medical malpractice lawsuit showed that Mr. Cuff had a history of high blood pressure. According to the records, Mr. Cuff’s blood pressure was 200/80 during his May 2010 visit to Dr. Keagle’s office, well above the standard normal blood pressure of 120/80. The month before, Mr. Cuff’s blood pressure reading was 184/94. During an October 2008 visit, Mr. Cuff’s blood pressure was recorded at 220/90. At the time of his stroke, Mr. Cuff had a blood pressure reading of 280/150.

Symptoms, Risk Factors Shown in Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

The medical malpractice lawsuit also alleged that Dr. Keagle failed to account for Mr. Cuff’s symptoms and risk factors in his treatment. The records showed that Dr. Keagle had been treating Mr. Cuff since 1995. Prior to his May 2010 appointment, Mr. Cuff wrote a note describing his symptoms, including dizziness, confusion, and numbness. The medical malpractice lawsuit also stated that Mr. Cuff had been a smoker and had several other health problems, including diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol, that should have alerted Dr. Keagle to the possibilities of a potential stroke.

Injuries Alleged in Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

Dr. Keagle reportedly prescribed the blood pressure medications Lisinopril and Norvasc for Mr. Cuff after his May 201 appointment. Hospital records used in the medical malpractice lawsuit showed that Mr. Cuff suffered a massive ischemic stroke two days after this appointment. The medical malpractice lawsuit also showed how the arteries in Mr. Cuff’s brain were partially blocked and how his blood pressure spiked to 280/150. The stroke left Mr. Cuff with paralysis, limited use of his arms, and severe brain damage.

Jury Awards in Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

The jury found that both Dr. Keagle and Mr. Cuff were responsible for the injuries alleged in the medical malpractice lawsuit. However, the jurors placed 61 percent of the liability on Dr. Keagle. The awards in the medical malpractice lawsuit included $2.6 million in future medical expenses, $350,000 in future lost earnings, and $3.5 million in unspecified damages, as well as $950,000 to the estate of Mr. Cuff’s late wife, Pamela Cuff.

Source: Delaware County Daily Times

Get Answers For Your Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Questions

To find out how we can answer your questions about how a physician’s medical malpractice can affect your case, contact one of our attorneys today. Our intake team will take down the details of your case and quickly connect you to an attorney who understands how to get the most from your medical malpractice lawsuit. You can also fill out the “Free Case Evaluation” form at the top of this page.