A harrowing tale of alleged medical negligence has emerged from Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Patricia M. Smith and her husband, William Smith, have filed a lawsuit against St. Clair Hospital and Dr. Daniel M. Austin, D.O., claiming severe injuries resulting from inadequate medical care. The complaint was officially filed by their attorney, Matthew J. Scanlon, on February 8, 2023.
According to the complaint, Patricia Smith was admitted to St. Clair Hospital on February 5, 2023, with symptoms including diminished appetite, generalized weakness, altered mental status, and cognitive impairment. Despite her alarming condition and history of hypertension and other health issues, the plaintiffs allege that the hospital staff failed to properly diagnose and treat her for a hypertensive emergency. Instead, they focused on chronic nutrition issues stemming from a previous surgery.
The complaint details how Patricia's blood pressure readings were dangerously high throughout her stay at the hospital—reaching as high as 205/119 on the day of her discharge. Despite these critical signs, she was released from the hospital without appropriate follow-up care or urgent treatment for her hypertensive crisis. Tragically, hours after being discharged on February 8th, Patricia suffered a hemorrhagic stroke that left her severely incapacitated.
"Patricia Smith is now severely and permanently injured as a result of the breaches of duty of care by the defendants," reads the complaint. The document further accuses Dr. Austin and other hospital staff of failing to act urgently in response to Patricia's symptoms and elevated lab tests indicative of a hypertensive emergency.
The plaintiffs are seeking judgment against St. Clair Hospital and Dr. Austin for professional medical negligence, vicarious liability for the actions of hospital staff under Dr. Austin's supervision, corporate negligence for failing to provide competent medical care and enforce adequate policies ensuring quality patient care, and loss of consortium for William Smith due to his wife's severe injuries.
Represented by attorneys Matthew J. Scanlon and Timothy Grant Wojton from Scanlon & Wojton LLC., the plaintiffs demand compensation exceeding arbitration limits plus interest and costs for damages including but not limited to permanent physical impairments like aphasia, paralysis on one side of her body affecting mobility and daily activities; recurring infections; cognitive impairments; emotional distress; significant medical expenses; lost wages; and loss of companionship.
The case is being overseen by judges in the Civil Division of Allegheny County’s Court of Common Pleas under Case ID No GD-24-. The outcome will determine whether St. Clair Hospital along with Dr.Austin will be held accountable for what appears to be gross lapses in standard medical procedures leading up to Patricia’s life-altering stroke.