PITTSBURGH — A lawsuit alleges VA hospital staff in O'Hara Township failed to properly manage the care of a patient with a heart condition, history of alcohol abuse and high fall risk which led to his death.
JoAnn Hoyt, administratrix of the Estate of Charles J. Blawas, deceased, filed a complaint June 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania against the United States of America alleging negligence and wrongful death.
According to her complaint, Hoyt's brother Charles Blawas was at the VA H.J. Heinz Veterans Recovery Center in O'Hara Township on Sept. 5, 2019, for a pre-operative appointment due to scheduled eye cataract surgery.
The plaintiff alleges that Blawas had a history of alcohol abuse and had suffered a recent fall that caused rib fractures and that on that particular day, his blood alcohol level was .091. He was admitted to the hospital due to atrial fibrillation concerns and the next day suffered a fall that resulted in a head injury including a subdural hematoma and seizures and died on Sept. 10, 2019, according to the suit.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to properly recognize and manage Blawas' atrial fibrillation and history of alcohol abuse all which made him a clear fall risk. The plaintiff also claims the defendants were negligent for leaving Blawas unattended and not ensuring his safety while admitted to the hospital.
The plaintiff seeks monetary relief, trial by jury and all other just relief. She is represented by Harry Cohen of Harry S. Cohen & Associates PC in Pittsburgh.