Atlanta Family Secures $9.9M Radiology Malpractice Settlement After Misdiagnosed AVM
In February 2023, a Georgia family obtained a $9,900,000 radiology malpractice settlement after a routine emergency scan missed a critical diagnosis. This case centers on a bright high school senior whose life took a devastating turn due to a radiologist’s negligence. What began as a single missed abnormality on a CT scan spiraled into a catastrophic injury – but through determined legal action, it ended in accountability and financial security for the young man’s future.
A Radiologist’s Missed Diagnosis Leads to Catastrophic Stroke
The trouble started when an otherwise healthy 17-year-old high school senior suffered a sudden, unexplained seizure. Doctors ordered an immediate head CT scan to find the cause. Tragically, the interpreting radiologist failed to identify an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) on the scan – an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain that was clearly visible. An AVM is a ticking time bomb that can rupture if untreated, but in this instance the warning sign was simply overlooked. The radiologist’s oversight meant the young man received no treatment for the AVM, and no warnings about the risk it posed.
About one year later, the unrecognized AVM violently announced itself. It ruptured without warning, causing a massive brain hemorrhage and stroke. In an instant, the teenager’s life was forever changed. He survived the stroke, but it left him with severe, permanent neurological damage. Once a vibrant student with college plans, he now faces paralysis and profound impairments that require full-time care. His family’s worst nightmare had come true – all because a critical finding on that earlier scan was missed.
The aftermath was emotionally and financially devastating. The young man spent months in the hospital and acute rehab. He will require lifelong medical care, therapy, and assistance with basic needs. His parents grappled with the reality that their son’s independence and future opportunities were stolen by a preventable error. To make matters worse, the radiologist initially refused to accept any responsibility for the mistake. This denial compounded the family’s distress – they not only had to watch their son suffer, but also fight against a wall of defensiveness from the very professional who had let them down.
Investigation of the Radiology Negligence Case
Determined to get answers, the family reached out to experienced Atlanta radiology malpractice lawyers at Davis Adams. The firm immediately launched an in-depth investigation into the radiology negligence case. Every relevant medical record and image was obtained and scrutinized. The team obtained the original CT scans and had them re-read in detail. Importantly, Davis Adams consulted leading outside specialists – including top neuroradiologists and neurologists (some with training from institutions like Johns Hopkins) – to review the evidence with fresh eyes. These independent experts specialize in diagnosing brain AVMs and stroke; their insight would prove crucial.
The findings were as clear as they were damning. Multiple experts confirmed that the AVM was plainly visible on the initial CT scan and absolutely should have been caught by any reasonably careful radiologist. Failing to identify such an obvious abnormality represented a glaring breach of the standard of care. In simple terms, the radiologist’s performance fell below what patients are entitled to expect – and this failure directly led to the young man’s stroke. Armed with these expert opinions and a mountain of medical evidence, the legal team was able to prove definitively that negligence had occurred. This was not a case of a subtle finding or reasonable mistake; it was a clear-cut radiology misdiagnosis lawsuit built on an obvious error.
Strategic Legal Action and Intensive Preparation
With the evidence in hand, Davis Adams filed a radiology malpractice claim and prepared the case for trial. The firm’s attorneys took a meticulous approach, knowing how high the stakes were for this family. They gathered sworn testimony from treating doctors and the defendant radiologist, methodically building a timeline of exactly how the miss happened and how the injury resulted. By the time the case was ready for court, the plaintiff’s attorneys had a compelling story backed by hard science – a story of a young life derailed by a preventable oversight. Every argument was supported by authoritative medical evidence and expert testimony, painting a vivid picture of what should have been done versus what was done. This thorough preparation sent a clear message to the defendants: the truth would come out in front of a jury if they did not negotiate in good faith.
The radiologist’s legal team and insurance carriers began to grasp the gravity of the situation. Confronted with irrefutable proof of negligence and the very human story of a promising teen now facing lifelong disability, they recognized that a jury would likely be outraged on the family’s behalf. The risk of an enormous verdict in court was very real. Both sides engaged in intensive settlement negotiations as the trial date approached. Davis Adams leveraged the strength of their case at the bargaining table, refusing to settle for anything less than what the young man would truly need for his future. After several rounds of talks – and with the specter of a public trial looming – the defense relented. They agreed to a life-changing settlement rather than face a jury.
$9.9 Million Settlement Provides Lifelong Care and Stability
On the eve of trial, the parties reached a $9.9 million settlement to resolve the case. This substantial radiology malpractice compensation ensures that the injured young man will be taken care of for life. More than just a number, the settlement provides the financial resources necessary to cover his extensive medical needs, ongoing rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment going forward. It will fund in-home caregivers and therapy, allowing him to achieve the best quality of life possible under the circumstances. Just as importantly, the settlement relieves a huge burden from his parents’ shoulders – they now have the means to secure proper care for their son without facing ruinous costs.
While no amount of money can return this young man to the active life he once had, the outcome represents a measure of justice and stability after so much trauma. The radiologist’s failure to diagnose the AVM had devastating consequences, but holding the wrongdoer accountable has at least provided the family with answers and resources. This resolution will help ensure the patient’s comfort and dignity in the years ahead. In a broader sense, the case sends a message about the critical importance of diligence in radiology: one missed scan can upend a life, and medical professionals must be held to the highest standards to protect patients.
Moving Forward After Radiology Malpractice
This hard-fought settlement closed a painful chapter for one Atlanta family, but it also opened a path forward. They have the means to focus on their son’s recovery and long-term well-being, rather than constant worry about bills. Their legal victory cannot undo the harm, but it will support a young man’s long-term care and stability – and that is a meaningful comfort after an unimaginable ordeal. Ultimately, this case was about more than a dollar figure; it was about securing justice and making sure no one else endures the same negligence without accountability.
No family should have to suffer due to a preventable radiology error. If you suspect that you or a loved one has been harmed by a misread scan or diagnostic mistake, know that you are not alone. Our Atlanta radiology malpractice attorneys focus solely on medical negligence cases like this, and we understand the pain and confusion you’re going through. We invite you to contact us for a free case evaluation. Let our experienced Georgia medical malpractice team review your situation, answer your questions, and fight for the answers and compensation your family deserves.
