Kristen May and William Daniel May have filed a professional negligence complaint against UPMC Presbyterian, alleging severe medical malpractice. The complaint was filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on May 24, 2024. Represented by attorneys Margaret M. Cooney and Brendan B. Lupetin from the law firm Lupetin & Unatin, LLC, the plaintiffs seek damages exceeding arbitration limits.
The case revolves around Kristen May's hospitalization at UPMC Presbyterian starting June 10, 2023. Kristen May presented to the emergency department with signs of altered mental status and was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, aspiration pneumonia, and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Despite having clear skin upon admission, she developed severe pressure wounds during her stay due to alleged negligence by the hospital staff.
According to the complaint, UPMC Presbyterian's nursing staff failed to follow their own care plan designed to prevent skin breakdown for high-risk patients like Ms. May. The plan included turning and repositioning her every two hours and using barrier creams and foams to prevent friction and skin breakdown. However, these measures were not implemented consistently during her first three days at the hospital.
Three days into her stay, Ms. May developed deep tissue pressure injuries on her right buttock and left ischium. A Wound Ostomy Continence (WOC) nurse later documented additional wounds on her sacrum and described them as "Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries." Orders for wound care were issued but allegedly not followed by the nursing staff.
The situation worsened after Ms. May was discharged on June 29, 2023, still suffering from active wounds that had not been properly treated or debrided. Her discharge paperwork did not mention these new pressure wounds nor provided adequate follow-up care instructions.
At home, Ms. May's condition deteriorated further despite receiving home healthcare services from Gallagher Home Health. She eventually sought emergency care at UPMC Mercy on July 5, 2023, where it was discovered that her wounds had progressed to Stage IV severity.
Ms. May underwent multiple surgical debridements and required prolonged antibiotic treatments due to complications such as osteomyelitis—a severe bone infection—and other infections like C-Diff. These medical issues have significantly impacted her quality of life and independence.
William Daniel May also claims damages for loss of consortium due to his wife's debilitating condition caused by what they allege as negligent care at UPMC Presbyterian.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages for past and future physical pain, scarring, mental anguish, loss of independence, medical expenses incurred due to the injuries sustained at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Margaret M. Cooney (Pa I.D No: 325663) and Brendan B. Lupetin (Pa I.D No: 201164) from Lupetin & Unatin LLC based in Pittsburgh PA while the case has been assigned Case ID GD-24- in front of judges yet unnamed.