A young woman is suing a Pennsylvania medical center for alleged negligence that left her with permanent facial scars. Michaela Mocadlo filed the complaint against Mount Nittany Medical Center in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on June 18, 2024.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on July 16, 2022, when Mocadlo, then a student at Pennsylvania State University, suffered injuries after falling to the ground while attempting to get a "piggyback" ride from a friend. The fall resulted in cuts and abrasions to her forearms and face. Mocadlo was taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center's Emergency Department for treatment.
According to the complaint, Physician Assistant James A. Cady and several unidentified emergency department nurses attended to Mocadlo at Mount Nittany. She underwent CT scans which confirmed soft tissue injuries but no fractures. Mocadlo alleges that the medical staff failed to properly clean and debride her wounds, leading to improper healing and permanent scarring. "The lack of proper care has left me with unsightly marks on my face and arms," said Mocadlo in her statement.
Mocadlo's legal team argues that Mount Nittany Medical Center violated standard medical care protocols by not adequately cleaning her wounds or referring her to specialists such as dermatologists or plastic surgeons for further treatment. The complaint states, "Mount Nittany’s failure to properly cleanse and treat Michaela’s injuries has caused her significant physical and emotional distress."
The plaintiff is seeking judgment against Mount Nittany Medical Center for an amount exceeding $75,000, exclusive of interest and costs. The lawsuit claims damages for medical expenses incurred, future medical costs, permanent scarring and disfigurement, mental anguish, suffering, humiliation, embarrassment, physical pain, and suffering.
Representing Michaela Mocadlo are attorneys Sudhir R. Patel and Eric M. Prock from Fanelli, Evans & Patel P.C., based in Pottsville, PA. The case is being overseen by Judge Matthew W. Brann under Case ID 4:24-cv-01004-MWB.