As many as 6 million people in the United States – 1 in 50 people – have unruptured brain aneurysms. Approximately 50 to 80% of all aneurysms do not rupture during the affected person’s lifetime. About 30,000 people in the US suffer a brain aneurysm rupture each year, and about 40% are fatal. Among survivors, about 66% suffer some type of permanent neurological deficit.

Misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis occurs in up to 25% of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage when the patient initially presents for medical treatment. The failure to do a scan results in 73% of these misdiagnoses.

When a health care provider fails to make a timely diagnosis of a brain aneurysm or subarachnoid hemorrhage, or makes an incorrect diagnosis, potential tragedy may occur. Attorneys, physicians, hospitals, insurers, and others should be aware of the types of lawsuits that may arise and how to handle the litigation.

Arbitration or mediation may be required by contract or statute, mandated by the court or, in some circumstances, may be the appropriate method for a negotiated resolution.

The following are reasons why the attorney, physician, insurer, or employer would want to reach settlement, and not take the action to trial.

The following are reasons why the attorney, physician, insurer, or employer would want to take the action to trial.

How much have juries awarded and what settlements have been reached recently in malpractice cases involving brain aneurysms?  

This section provides detailed medical information on brain aneurysms and injury from rupture including terminology, occurrence, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and discusses the patient's prognosis and ability to work.

Provided below is a listing of law and medical resources for further information on liability for the failure to diagnose a brain aneurysm or subarachnoid hemorrhage.