Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Coffey v. Woo, No. 14168/2012 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. Nassau Cnty. May 30, 2019).

Christine Coffey, 44, was diagnosed as having a berry aneurysm. Vascular surgeon Henry Woo reviewed Coffey’s images and advised her that an untreated aneurysm could cause sudden death. Woo then performed the Onyx brain aneurysm procedure, during which Coffey suffered brain damage that has left her with permanent hemiparesis. She had worked at a hospital but is now unable to work. She also has an impaired ability to take care of her young child.

Coffey sued Woo, alleging negligence and failure to obtain informed consent. Suit claimed that Woo had forced the liquid Onyx embolic agent into Coffey’s small aneurysm, causing the Onyx particles to escape the aneurysm and cause a stroke. The plaintiff also asserted that the defendant failed to advise her of the dangers of the surgery and safer available alternatives. The jury awarded $4.7 million.

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Steven Pegalis and James Baydar, both of Lake Success, N.Y.