$2.7 Million Jury Verdict for Misdiagnosis of Epilepsy Instead of Autism

As Clare Linzell’s parents became concerned about her repetitive behaviors and attention span, they asked a neurologist, Dr. Yassar Awaad, to examine their 4-year-old daughter. Dr. Awaad is a pediatric neurologist.

Dr. Awaad conducted several EEGs, diagnosed epilepsy, and prescribed anti-seizure and anti-depressant medications.

The epilepsy treatment continued for years until another doctor diagnosed Clare as having an autism spectrum disorder, not epilepsy.

The Linzell family filed suit against Dr. Awaad alleging that he negligently misdiagnosed Clare as having and treating her for epilepsy. The Linzell family claimed that Dr. Awaad engaged in a pattern and practice of misdiagnosing epilepsy in his patients and systematically ordered and misread excessive EEG tests so that he could meet incentive bonus perks set by his then-employer, Oakwood Healthcare Inc.

The Linzell family also alleged that Oakwood Healthcare was liable for the negligent hiring, supervising, and credentialing of Dr. Awaad, against whom there had been multiple complaints by other patients and families.

After this jury trial, the jury signed a verdict for $2.7 million.

The attorneys who successfully handled this case were Brian McKeen, a Detroit attorney, and Anthony Randazzo of Troy, Mich.

Meier v. Awaad, No. 08-116530-NH (Mich. Cir. Ct. Wayne County, Oct. 29, 2019).

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling pediatric neurology negligence lawsuits, labor and delivery negligence lawsuits, birth trauma injury cases, misdiagnosis lawsuits and medical malpractice cases for individuals, families and loved ones who have been harmed, injured or died as a result of the carelessness or negligence of a medical provider for more than 40 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Oak Park, North Riverside, LaGrange Park, Brookfield, Westchester, River Forest, Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Schiller Park, Harwood Heights, Clarendon Hills, Rosemont, Park Ridge, Winnetka, Glenview, Riverwoods, Long Grove, Hoffman Estates, Evanston, Chicago (Rogers Park, Mayfair, Ravenswood Manor, Sheridan Park, Uptown, Winnemac, Wrigleyville, Buena Park, Roscoe Village, North Center, Lakeview, Wrightwood Neighbors, Sheffield Neighbors, Clybourne Corridor, Wicker Park, River West, Fulton Market, East Garfield Park, Homan Square, Heart of Chicago, Armour Square, Bridgeport, Douglas, Bronzeville), Waukegan, McHenry, Grayslake and Crystal Lake, Ill.

Robert D. Kreisman has been an active member of the Illinois and Missouri bars since 1976.