EspañolSettlement After Delayed Medical Care for a Driver Suffering a Stroke
Carrillo Law Firm obtained a $2,999,999 settlement in the case of Steven D’Braunstein, a California attorney who suffered a stroke but was investigated and arrested for suspected impaired driving instead of receiving prompt medical care.
On June 1, 2018, a CHP officer responded to his collision on a State Route 55 on-ramp in Orange County. D’Braunstein displayed confusion, slurred speech, and poor balance. Despite significant vehicle damage, a deployed airbag, and a breath test showing no measurable alcohol, the officer took him to jail. A nurse rejected his admission and referred him to a hospital, where he was ultimately diagnosed with an ischemic stroke.
The lawsuit alleged that the delay deprived him of an opportunity for timely stroke treatment. D’Braunstein was left with memory and communication impairments, could no longer practice law, and required residential care. After an appeal revived the case following an initial dismissal on qualified-immunity grounds, the litigation resulted in this settlement.
