Our 53-year old male client suffered neurological injuries due to the delayed diagnosis of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm.

The 53-year-old self-employed woodworker initially presented with debilitating headaches, neck pain, and neurological symptoms in October 2021. His primary care provider referred him for brain imaging (MRI/MRA) performed on October 27, 2021, in Poughkeepsie, New York. The radiology report read the scan as negative—finding no aneurysm or cerebrovascular abnormality.

Less than two months later, our client experienced a sudden and severe neurological event while driving. He was found slumped over the wheel, drooling and vomiting, and was rushed to the hospital, where he was ultimately diagnosed with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Emergency coiling surgery followed, but not before he suffered significant intracranial bleeding, a medically induced coma, and extended ICU hospitalization.

Expert neurosurgical testimony confirmed that the aneurysm—measuring 7 mm—should have been identified on the original imaging. According to multiple experts, such a symptomatic aneurysm would have been treated immediately at any neurosurgical center, likely avoiding rupture. The failure to detect the aneurysm robbed our client of the opportunity to choose treatment and led to lasting harm, including cognitive impairment.

The settlement reflects the devastating consequences of a missed diagnosis and the importance of accurate imaging interpretation in preventing catastrophic outcomes.