$40M Verdict in Stroke Misdiagnosis Case Against ER Doctor

Buckelew, who was 32 years old at the time, suffered a brain stem stroke after a chiropractic neck adjustment and was left with “locked-in syndrome”—a condition rendering him completely paralyzed except for eye movement…expertinstitute, $40M Verdict in Stroke Misdiagnosis Case Against ER Doctor, ByWendy Ketner, M.D

Despite presenting to the North Fulton Hospital emergency department with urgent symptoms, Buckelew did not receive the critical care he required, resulting in permanent and catastrophic injuries.

At trial, the jury apportioned 60% of the blame to Dr. Womack, citing egregious lapses in communication and failure to seek a neurological consultation. The $75 million jury award included $40 million in damages attributed to Womack alone, making it the largest emergency room malpractice verdict in Georgia’s history.

The appellate court rejected all of Womack’s challenges, affirming the jury’s conclusion that his conduct rose to the level of gross negligence.