Course Description
Expert Medicolegal Guidance on Piloting Stroke Cases
Every 40 seconds in the United States, someone suffers a stroke. In recent decades, stroke treatment has evolved far beyond watchful waiting to include thrombolytics ("clot-busting drugs" like TPA) and extraordinarily intricate procedures to remove stroke-causing clots. While medical advancements improve countless lives, many patients are still left with permanent neurological deficits that may lead them to question their care. Issues typically center on delays in diagnosis, the use (or non-use) of TPA, the timing of various treatments, and complications from treatment itself.
Given the tremendous economic and non-economic damages suffered by stroke victims, the stakes can be staggeringly high for plaintiff and defense attorneys who handle these cases. By understanding foundational concepts of current stroke diagnosis, treatment, and litigation, legal teams can bring actionable insight to their overall case strategies.
For an inside look at key issues in stroke litigation, join Dr. Burton Bentley, Dr. Alexander Merkler, and Attorney Rudy Massa in this important fourth installment in Insights Beyond the Law. Dr. Merkler will begin the program by reviewing core concepts of stroke physiology, diagnosis, and treatment across a wide range of stroke types. He'll then focus on current diagnostic and treatment practices for the most common type of stroke, acute ischemic stroke, while specifically discussing the role of TPA and endovascular therapy in plaintiff and defense theories of informed consent and standards of care. Mr. Massa, an acclaimed trial attorney who's handled dozens of stroke cases, will then share practical strategies for screening, analyzing, and litigating acute stroke claims. The speakers will remain for audience questions at the conclusion.
Agenda
Session Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern
Presenters: Dr. Burton Bentley II, Rudy Massa, Esq. and Dr. Alexander Merkler
- Introduction
- Overview of Stroke
- Ischemic Stroke, the Most Common Stroke Subtype
- Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke
- Indications and Contraindications for TPA
- Risks and Benefits of TPA
- Mechanical Thrombectomy, the Leading Edge of Stroke Treatment
- Special Situations: Extending the 4.5-Hour Window and "Wake-Up Strokes"
- Pearls & Pitfalls of Handling, Screening, and Litigating Stroke Cases
- Questions & Answers
Audience
This program is designed for plaintiff and defense attorneys who want to learn about current issues in stroke malpractice and litigation. Paralegals who work on medical negligence matters may find it useful as well.