- Location: Cuyahoga County, Ohio
- Type of Case: Medical Malpractice / Failure to Diagnose Brain Aneurysm
- Settlement Amount: $3,600,000 (Out-of-Court Settlement)
Case Overview & Firm Perspective
Skolnick Weiser Law Firm secured a substantial $3.6 million settlement on behalf of a client whose life was permanently altered by a preventable neurosurgical error. This case arose from a failure to timely identify clear evidence that a brain aneurysm was at imminent risk of rupture. From the firm’s perspective, the matter exemplifies how diagnostic vigilance is critical in neurological care—and how devastating the consequences can be when warning signs are missed.
The client entrusted their care to a neurosurgeon with the expectation that critical imaging and clinical indicators would be properly evaluated. When that did not occur, the result was a catastrophic brain bleed that caused permanent neurological injury. Skolnick Weiser pursued this case to ensure accountability and to secure compensation that truly reflected the scope of harm suffered.
Geography & Venue Considerations
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, is a challenging venue for medical malpractice claims, particularly those involving complex neurological issues and highly credentialed specialists. Ohio law also imposes limitations that can make malpractice recovery difficult, and many claims resolve for modest amounts—or not at all. Statewide, average medical malpractice settlements often fall in the mid-six-figure range, with many cases resolving below $500,000 depending on injury severity and liability disputes.
Against this backdrop, a $3.6 million settlement represents a result well above typical Ohio and Cuyahoga County outcomes, especially in a non-jury resolution. The settlement reflects both the catastrophic nature of the injury and the strength of the evidence developed by Skolnick Weiser.
Injuries Sustained
As a direct result of the undetected aneurysm progression, the client suffered a sudden and severe brain hemorrhage. This catastrophic event resulted in significant neurological impairment, affecting cognitive function, physical abilities, and overall independence. Such injuries often carry lifelong consequences, including limitations in daily activities, employment potential, and quality of life.
The brain bleed was not a minor or transient event—it was a permanent, life-altering injury that fundamentally changed the client’s future and placed extraordinary demands on the client and their family.
Treatment, Care, and Lifetime Expenses
Following the brain hemorrhage, the client required emergency medical intervention, prolonged hospitalization, advanced neurological care, and ongoing rehabilitative therapies. Treatment included repeated diagnostic imaging, neurological monitoring, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, and continued medical oversight. Medical expenses escalated rapidly, reaching substantial six-figure amounts even before accounting for future care needs.
Beyond direct medical costs, the injury imposed long-term financial burdens related to rehabilitation, potential in-home assistance, and loss of earning capacity. Skolnick Weiser emphasized that the true cost of a catastrophic brain injury extends far beyond initial hospital bills and must account for lifelong medical and functional limitations.
Cause of Injury & Medical Fault
The evidence demonstrated that the neurosurgeon failed to detect and act upon imaging and clinical indicators that the aneurysm was at imminent risk of rupture. Proper evaluation and timely intervention would have allowed preventative treatment before the catastrophic bleed occurred. This failure to diagnose and intervene fell below accepted medical standards and directly caused the client’s injuries.
Skolnick Weiser’s investigation established a clear causal link between the missed warning signs and the resulting brain hemorrhage—an essential component in overcoming the defenses typically raised in neurosurgical malpractice cases.
Legal Process & Timeline
After a comprehensive review of medical records and consultation with qualified experts, Skolnick Weiser filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the responsible provider. The litigation involved extensive discovery, expert testimony, and detailed analysis of neurological imaging and standards of care. Rather than proceed to a jury trial with significant exposure, the defense ultimately agreed to resolve the case through an out-of-court settlement.
The matter concluded with a $3.6 million settlement, allowing the client to avoid the uncertainty of trial while securing meaningful financial resources for ongoing care and future needs.
Verdict Amount & Comparative Value
When compared to average Ohio and Cuyahoga County medical malpractice settlements—many of which resolve for a fraction of this amount—the $3.6 million recovery stands out as a significant result. The hidden value in this case lies in Skolnick Weiser’s ability to clearly demonstrate that earlier diagnosis alone could have prevented the injury entirely, and to translate that failure into a compelling, well-supported damages claim.
This outcome reflects the firm’s commitment to fully valuing catastrophic neurological injuries and refusing to allow complex medical negligence to be minimized. It underscores Skolnick Weiser Law Firm’s ability to achieve results that exceed regional norms by presenting the full medical, financial, and human impact of malpractice.