PA Man Wins $7.4 M Medical Malpractice Award

A Delaware County resident has been awarded $7.4 million following a medical malpractice trial before Judge Angelos Spiros. According to the suit, plaintiff Finis Cuff suffered a massive ischemic stroke just days after a visit with his physician due to the substandard medical care provided by Dr. Douglas L. Keagle.

Cuff was sent home after a routine check-up with Dr. Keagle, even though he had dangerously high blood pressure of 200/80. His attorney argued that Cuff, who was 56 years-old at the time, had a number of alarming symptoms that made him a high risk candidate for a stroke. Cuff was an overweight smoker, suffered from high cholesterol levels and diabetes and had a history of hypertension. Defendant doctor Keagle should have taken into account these health conditions during Cuff’s appointment, it was argued, but instead sent his patient home with a Norvasc and Lisinopril prescription and instructions to return in 4 weeks.

In the medical malpractice lawsuit, critical facts were presented to the jury including Cuff’s long history of high blood pressure. In 2008, his blood pressure was 220/90, and in April 2010—one month before his stroke — his pressure was still high at 184/94. During this April appointment, Cuff was prescribed Lisinopril and asked to return for another check-up in one month.

Substandard medical care alleged

Cuff had purportedly written a note regarding disturbing symptoms prior to his May visit with Dr. Keagle. He told his daughter and wife he was experiencing some numbness, confusion and dizziness and wanted to convey these issues to his doctor. Keagle’s lawyer surmised that Cuff never expressed this information during his appointment, perhaps fearing we would be hospitalized.

During the trial, the claimant’s legal team argued that Cuff’s attending physician “failed to provide standard medical care when he allowed his client to leave the office without performing further diagnostic testing.”  In light of his medical history and hypertension, contended the family attorney, Cuff should have been admitted to the hospital immediately for additional testing.

Ischemic strokes happen when blood vessels to the brain become blocked – usually by fatty deposits. When the brain is starved of oxygen even for the shortest periods of time, patients can suffer permanent memory loss, vision problems, speech and language impairments and paralysis to parts of the body. Cuff’s stroke left him with permanent arm impairment and partial lower paralysis that will keep him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Jury awards $7.4 million to stroke victim

The malpractice case also named as defendants Darby’s Mercy Medical Associates and Mercy Health System of Southeastern Pennsylvania, in addition to Dr. Keagle. Last week, jurors deliberated for a mere five hours before handing down their verdict.

The jury award for Finis Cuff included $2.6 million for anticipated medical expenses, $350,000 for future loss of earnings and $3.5 million in other damages. In addition, the panel awarded $950,000 to the estate of Cuff’s late spouse.

Mercy Health System’s senior director of marketing communications released the following statement after the verdict was rendered: “The health and well-being of our patients is always our top priority. We continue to support Dr. Keagle and the quality, compassionate care he provides to his patients. While we are disappointed with this case’s outcome, we will review the details of the finding and determine our next steps.”

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