Hospital Negligence Case Settles Over Vasospasm Treatment

One driver was rear-ended by a tow truck. Initially, the injured driver had minor injuries but later experienced a severe headache, seizure, and was diagnosed with a ruptured brain aneurysm. The case involved claims of medical negligence for failure to adequately monitor and treat vasospasms, which led to further strokes and prolonged hospitalization.

Case Information Updated: October 2025

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Head/Brain Injury

Rear-end

Strokes

About Head/Brain Injury Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Car accidents are a leading cause of TBI, with effects ranging from temporary symptoms to permanent cognitive impairment.

Case Outcome

Outcome: Settlement
Amount: $11,025,000
County: King County, WA
Resolved: 2018

Injury & Accident Details

Injury Type: Head/Brain Injury
Accident Type: Rear-end
Case Type: Strokes, cortical vision and short-term memory deficits. As a result of her strokes, Plff has permanent vision deficits and balance difficulties. She also has impaired short-term memory and can no longer work effectively. She lacks insight as to the degree of her deficits. Plffs husband and children made claims for loss of consortium.

Settlement Context

This settlement of $11,025,000 is above the median of $1,000,000 for head/brain injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $45,348 to $11,007,000, based on 43 cases in our database.

Case Overview

In October 2018, a 47-year-old plaintiff was rear-ended by a tow truck. She initially sustained minor soft tissue injuries. In January 2019, she experienced a severe headache, dizziness, and a seizure, leading to hospitalization. She was diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured vertebral artery aneurysm and underwent emergent external ventricular drain placement and coil embolization.

Following the embolization, the plaintiff developed vasospasm, a known complication. Over several days, her neurological condition progressively worsened with vision loss, confusion, and stroke-like symptoms. Plaintiffs alleged that despite monitoring showing increased vasospasm, her care team delayed ordering advanced imaging and failed to aggressively manage her blood pressure. When balloon angioplasty was performed, chemical angioplasty, necessary for smaller vessels, was reportedly omitted, leading to additional strokes. The plaintiff required extended hospitalization and a lengthy recovery.

The plaintiff and her family filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the hospital, asserting negligence in the delayed and inadequate treatment of the vasospasm. They argued the hospital's care fell below the standard, citing insufficient blood pressure management, delayed imaging, and incomplete angioplasty. The defendant hospital contended its staff provided appropriate monitoring and timely intervention. After an unsuccessful mediation, the case settled prior to trial, with the settlement terms approved by the Court.

Understanding This Case

Most mild TBIs resolve within weeks to months. Moderate to severe TBI often results in permanent impairment affecting cognition, behavior, and physical function.
This case was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
This case was resolved in King County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
Resolved in 2018, this case reflects the legal and economic conditions of that period, including medical costs, insurance practices, and jury award trends at the time.

Verdictly^TM Score

/100

Questionable

This outcome differs from typical similar cases

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Motor Vehicle Negligence

On May 26, 2004, a plaintiff was a passenger in an automobile that was rear-ended near the intersection of Bedford Avenue and De Kalb Avenue in Brooklyn. The plaintiff's vehicle was preparing to make a U-turn when the collision occurred. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the driver of the striking vehicle was negligent and the vehicle owner was vicariously liable. The defendants conceded liability, and the case proceeded to trial solely on the issue of damages. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained a herniated disc at C5-6, seeking medical treatment 21 days after the incident. Treatment included chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, and hot and cold packs over several months. The plaintiff reported missing two days of work and alleged permanent neck pain, decreased range of motion, and episodes of immobility, asserting an inability to engage in activities such as dancing, playing basketball, or wearing high heels. A family medicine physician testified on the plaintiff's behalf. The defendants argued that any injuries sustained by the plaintiff resolved within 90 days of the accident, with the decreased range of motion improving within three months. A radiologist testified for the defense, stating that the plaintiff's MRIs were normal and indicated no injury. Prior to the verdict, the parties agreed to cap any damages award at $25,000, which represented the policy limits. The plaintiff had also settled a claim with the driver of the vehicle in which she was a passenger for $3,500. Following the trial, a jury awarded the plaintiff $30,000, including $10,000 for past pain and suffering and $20,000 for future pain and suffering. The final recovery was then reduced to the agreed-upon $25,000 cap.

Kings County • 2010

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