$3 Million Jury Verdict for Late Diagnosis of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, Blindness

Melina Greer, 25, went to a hospital emergency room complaining of a severe headache, neck pain and decreased and blurred vision. She received a neurological consultation from neurology resident, Dr. Basad Essa, who noted that she was having difficulty performing an optic fundus examination.

An emergency physician later discharged Greer with a diagnosis of a complex migraine.
Two days later, she returned to the hospital with complete vision loss. A lumbar puncture led to a diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Greer sued neurologist Dr. Ruggero Serafini, whom she claimed had consulted on her case during the first hospital visit, alleging he chose not to timely diagnose intracranial hypertension. It was alleged had she undergone a simple fundus examination and lumbar puncture, Greer asserted she could have been timely treated with acetazolamide and an LP (lumbar peritoneal) shunt and avoided additional vision loss.

The jury signed a verdict for $3 million.

The attorneys successfully handling this case were James Rasor, Michael Ratton and Sarah M. Thomas.

Greer v. Serafini, No. 2016007772 (Mich. Cir. Ct. Wayne County).

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling hospital negligence lawsuits, emergency room negligence cases, neurology negligence lawsuits and medical negligence 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 Bridgeview, Palos Hills, Willow Springs, Countryside, Justice, Forest View, North Riverside, Maywood, Melrose Park, Stone Park, Franklin Park, Bensenville, Wood Dale, Addison, Glendale Heights, West Chicago, Wheaton, Chicago (Belmont Cragin, Logan Square, Bucktown, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Little Italy, Humboldt Park, Austin, North Lawndale), Harwood Heights, Park Ridge, Niles, Lincolnwood and Glenview, Ill.

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

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