Erie County Jury Awards $7.1 Million to Woman Left Blind by Radiologist's Misread

An Erie County jury awarded a $7.1 million verdict to a young woman who became legally blind after a radiologist misread her CT scan. 

The verdict was handed down after a two week trail on Friday, September 27. Allison Mitchell was awarded the $7.1 million. 

Mitchell, who is described as a talented artist and active outdoors-person, was left legally blind in November 2020 after Dr. Anil Kumar Bhardwaj of Foundation Radiology failed to identify and report brain clots in Allison's brain after she was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital in Erie. 

The jury awarded $2.35 million for future medical costs, $1.28 million for lost earnings, and nearly $3.5 million for pain and suffering.

Dr. Bhardwaj was found to be 90 percent responsible for her damages, and Allison was found to be 10 percent responsible. 

“Allison is grateful to have finally obtained justice,” said one of her attorneys, Dominic Guerrini of Kline & Specter. “While Allison’s injuries are catastrophic, her courage in moving forward has been truly inspiring. It has been a privilege to represent her.”