PITTSBURGH — A woman alleges she was dropped while being transferred with a lift at a rehab facility in Pittsburgh.
Cara A. Zanella, on behalf of and as power of attorney of Anne E. McCloskey, filed a complaint July 7, in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against Concordia Lutheran Ministries of Pittsburgh, doing business as Concordia of the South Hills, alleging negligence.
McCloskey, who was 89 years old at the time, underwent hip replacement surgery on July 7, 2020, and was admitted to South Hills for rehabilitation from July 10, 2020, through July 24, 2020, according to her complaint.
She claims that while at South Hills, a staff member was attempting to use a Hoyer lift, but she was mishandled and forcefully dropped into her chair during the transfer. Zanella alleges that as a result of her being dropped, McCloskey suffered a shattered pelvis and dislocated hip that required a revision hip replacement.
She further alleges McCloskey has suffered from groin and muscle spasms, immobility of her lower extremities, and mental anguish and has incurred medical expenses. Zanella claims South Hill's negligence for failing to properly and safely use the Hoyer lift, failed to have the proper amount of staff to transfer her and for failing to have adequate training for its staff members. She also claims South Hills was negligent for failing to adequately supervise its employees.
Zanella seeks monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. She is represented by Wayne Chiurazzi, Donna Flaherty and Sarah Benedetti of The Chiurazzi Law Group in Pittsburgh.