Erie, PA – A jury in Erie County has delivered a $7.1 million verdict in favor of a young woman who became blind after a radiologist reportedly failed to detect a blood clot in her brain. The significant compensation reflects the severity of the misdiagnosis that had life-altering consequences for the plaintiff, 23-year-old Allison Mitchell, whose ordeal began with a hospital visit in November 2020.
Mitchell’s health concerns started with a severe headache, which escalated to the point of her losing consciousness and necessitating emergency medical care at Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie. There, she underwent a CT scan supervised by Dr. Anil K. Bhardwaj of Foundation Radiology. Despite the grave symptoms, the scan was initially reported as normal, leading to her discharge after three days with a follow-up MRI recommended — a procedure Mitchell never underwent.
The persistence of her headache compelled Mitchell to return to the hospital, where she was eventually diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis, a serious condition where blood clots in the brain’s venous sinuses prevent blood from draining out of the brain. By this time, the damage had escalated, culminating in near-total loss of her vision.
The legal battle that ensued concluded with a jury decision on September 27, attributing 90% of the fault to Dr. Bhardwaj, while the remaining 10% was attributed to Mitchell. The jury’s award included $1.28 million for lost future earnings, $3.5 million for her pain and suffering, and $2.35 million to cover medical expenses.
After the verdict, Mitchell’s attorney, Dominic Guerrini of Kline & Specter, conveyed her relief and gratitude for the jury’s acknowledgment of her suffering and her courage throughout the ordeal. “Allison’s injuries are indeed catastrophic, but her bravery and determination in moving forward have been remarkable and inspiring,” Guerrini stated.
On the other hand, Dr. Bhardwaj maintained throughout the trial that the initial CT scan did not present any abnormalities warranting immediate concern and that his recommendation for an MRI was within the standard of care. However, the legal team representing Mitchell argued successfully that the CT scan had visible indicators of the thrombosis that were overlooked.
Mitchell’s case, formally known as Mitchell v. AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, highlights significant issues in medical diagnostics and the devastating impact of misinterpretations. This verdict also underscores the crucial role medical professionals play in thoroughly assessing and responding to emergent health conditions and has sparked discussions about how similar future occurrences could be averted.
This tragic story not only reflects on the personal resilience of a young woman but also calls for a broader reflection on accountability and systematic improvements in healthcare to enhance diagnostic accuracies and patient outcomes.