PITTSBURGH — A patient alleges she suffered second-degree burns after nursing staff placed hot wash cloths on her wound during her post-op recovery at Forbes Hospital.
Melody Murray filed a complaint March 21 in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against West Penn Allegheny Health System Inc., doing business as Forbes Hospital alleging negligence.
Murray, according to her complaint, underwent back surgery for her scoliosis on Nov. 22, 2021, at Forbes Hospital in Monroeville. She alleges that during her post-op recovery, the nursing staff placed moistened, hot wash cloths on her scapula/shoulder area and she awoke with a "wetness running down her back."
Murray claims as a result of having the hot washcloths placed on her, she suffered second-degree burns along her surgical incision and on her mid back. She alleges that in December of 2021, she underwent plastic surgery for the excision and flap reconstruction of the burn wound which caused her to incur additional medical expenses and now has permanent scarring.
Murray claims the defendant's negligence for applying the hot washcloths to her back for an unreasonable period of time and for failing to properly treat her pain complaints or consult a doctor in regard to her complaints.
Murray seeks monetary relief, trial by jury and all other just relief. She is represented by Jason Tetlow of Tetlow Law in Pittsburgh.