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We are proud to share that our firm, Finz & Finz, P.C., secured a $40 million verdict from a Nassau County jury on behalf of a man who suffered life-altering paralysis after two Long Island hospitals failed to properly treat his stroke.
Hospitals Found Negligent in Failing to Treat Stroke
Our client, a 52-year-old man, arrived at St. Joseph Hospital after suddenly experiencing classic symptoms of a stroke. He reported that his symptoms began approximately 30 minutes before his arrival (well within the 4.5-hour treatment window) during which the administration of tPA (a clot-busting medication) can reverse or minimize long-term damage.
Despite this, the hospital’s emergency department disregarded his account and instead relied on an incorrect “last known normal” time provided by his wife. This error wrongly placed him outside the treatment window and rendered him ineligible for the tPA medication that could have prevented his paralysis.
He was then transferred to Good Samaritan Hospital for further evaluation, where another opportunity to prevent permanent brain damage was missed. A neurosurgeon at Good Samaritan incorrectly interpreted a CT Perfusion Scan, concluding that too much brain tissue had already died to justify intervention. Based on that misreading, a mechanical thrombectomy—a surgical procedure used to remove blood clots from the brain—was never performed.
As a result, our client’s stroke continued to progress untreated, leaving him permanently paralyzed on his left side and dependent on others for nearly every aspect of daily living.
Finz & Finz, P.C. Secures Justice for the Victim and His Family
At trial, our team, including Stuart L. Finz, CaraMia R. Hart, and Brandon S. Finz, presented evidence that dismantled the hospitals’ defenses.
We demonstrated that our client’s reported symptom onset time was credible, that he did not suffer from a prior stroke that would have made tPA unsafe, and that the decision not to perform a thrombectomy was based on a misinterpretation of medical data.
Our medical experts confirmed that both hospitals failed to meet accepted standards of care and that, had appropriate treatment been provided, our client’s devastating outcome would have been prevented.
“This verdict reaffirms the importance of accountability in healthcare,” said Stuart L. Finz. “Hospitals must act decisively when lives are at stake. We hope this outcome encourages higher standards of care across our Long Island communities.”
Promoting Accountability and Patient Safety in New York
Stuart L. Finz, New York Personal Injury Lawyer
The $40 million verdict not only provides justice and long-term financial security for the patient and his family, but also sends a powerful message about the responsibility of hospitals to provide timely, competent medical care.
For decades, Finz & Finz, P.C. has been a trusted advocate for patients and families harmed by medical negligence, securing record-setting verdicts and settlements across New York State. Our legal team remains committed to holding negligent parties accountable and promoting patient safety through the civil justice system.
Learn more about our firm’s work in medical malpractice litigation and other areas of personal injury law by visiting our website or scheduling a free consultation with our attorneys.
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Finz & Finz, P.C. is a New York and Long Island personal injury law firm based out of Mineola, NY. It was founded in 1984 and is highly rated, with many honors and awards of excellence.
