$4,300,000 Settlement – Death from Medical Neglect of Brain Cyst (Chicago, IL)

Cheryl Wiedenbeck was a book editor who was taking care of her two young daughters, ages 2 and 8 months. One day she developed an excruciating headache which she described to doctors at the hospital as “the worst headache I have ever experienced.”  The cause of the pain was later diagnosed as a benign cyst in her brain (colloid cyst of the 3rd ventricle). The cyst blocked the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and caused an increase in pressure in the brain.  This is known to be a critical and life-threatening risk.  After being transferred to the University of Chicago Medical Center, she was left in the hands of a new resident who failed to recognize the urgency of the situation. He didn’t bother to call the attending neurosurgeon, figuring they would just wait until morning to operate. No monitor was inserted to measure the intracranial pressure, which is what the standard of care would require.

While waiting for morning and the neurosurgeon, Cheryl’s brain herniated, leaving her permanently brain damaged. For four years her husband and two daughters cared for her as if she were another child. One day she she unexpectedly died as a result of the damage to her brain.

John Elliott Leighton was retained by this Chicago, Illinois family to litigate this medical malpractice case. During the course of the lawsuit, a settlement of $4,300,000 was obtained on behalf of the children and surviving husband of Cheryl. Estate of Wiedenbeck v. University of Chicago Hospital (Cook County Circuit Court, Chicago, IL). This amazing family carries on without the benefit of their mother and wife.

 

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