Delaware County Man Awarded $7.4M Medical Malpractice Verdict

A Delaware County man who suffered from a stroke in May of 2010 after his doctor allegedly failed to treat his high blood pressure has been awarded a $7.4 million verdict by a Delaware County jury.

Finis Cuff, 61, of Darby, had gone to see his physician, Dr. Douglas L. Keagle, on April 16, 2010, when his blood pressure was found to be 184 over 94, according to an April 28 story in The Legal Intelligencer. He was told to continue on his blood pressure medication.

Almost a month later, on May 14, 2010, the patient went back to the doctor and was found to have a blood pressure reading of 200 over 80, while also complaining of headaches and lightheadedness, the story reported. The doctor then increased the patient’s blood pressure medication and advised him to return in four weeks. Two days later, Cuff suffered a large hypertensive stroke, the story reported.

Cuff later filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against Keagle and Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, alleging that “as a direct proximate result of the defendants’ negligence, Finis Cuff’s elevated blood pressure was ignored and allowed to progress to hypertensive stroke without appropriate medical intervention.”

The victim lost the use of both legs and of his right arm due to the stroke, and had to be cared for by his wife, who later suffered a fatal asthma attack in front of him, according to the report. Due to his own physical issues from the stroke, he was not able to get help for his wife, the story continued.

The verdict was reached April 15 in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas following a seven-day trial and four-and-a-half hours of deliberations, the story reported. The doctor was found to be 61 percent negligent in the case by the jury, while the plaintiff was found to be 39 percent negligent. Cuff was awarded $350,000 for future loss of earnings, $3.5 million for pain and suffering and $2.6 million for future medical expenses. His wife’s estate was awarded $950,000.

These kinds of cases are a somber reminder that patients and their families must be vigilant about the medical care they receive so they know what is being done for a patient’s care every step of the way. But at the same time, patients and families aren’t doctors and they can’t know every question to ask.

That’s where skilled, expert, compassionate and thorough legal representation is needed by patients and their families who have been harmed by medical errors or omissions during their treatment. These kinds of cases happen on a regular basis, but they can be fought by legal teams that are prepared to battle for their clients’ rights all along the way to a fair settlement or to a just verdict.

We here at MyPhillyLawyer stand ready to assist you with your legal case if you or a loved one is ever seriously injured in a similar medical malpractice, birth injury or related case anywhere in the United States. We represent the families of victims who die in such tragedies as well, to ensure that their families receive every penny of damages that they are eligible to receive.

Call MyPhillyLawyer at 215-227-2727 or toll-free at 1-(866) 352-4572 anytime and our experienced, compassionate, aggressive team of attorneys and support staff will be there for you and your family every step of the way as we manage your case through the legal system.

When Winning Matters Most, Call MyPhillyLawyer.