Attorneys obtained a defense verdict following a three week medical malpractice trial

Attorneys obtained a defense verdict following a three week medical malpractice trial. The plaintiff-decedent died of a massive subarachnoid hemorrhage, at the age of 49, six weeks after undergoing an MRI of the brain for severe headaches. The insured, a neuroradiologist, interpreted the films as showing non-specific and non-emergent abnormalities, but found the studies to be suboptimal and suggested additional testing. Plaintiff contended that the insured failed to diagnose bleeding in the subarachnoid space preventing the plaintiff-decedent from obtaining appropriate neurosurgical treatment. Plaintiff also alleged that several subsequent treating physicians and radiologists failed to diagnose a brain aneurysm or to suspect a subarachnoid hemorrhage as a result of which the plaintiff did not obtain appropriate treatment. All co-defendants settled with plaintiff prior to jury selection. At trial, it was argued that the MRI was appropriately and properly interpreted by the insured and the he acted reasonably and responsibly in suggesting additional testing.