A Pennsylvania woman has filed a lawsuit against a major health network and its associated hospital, alleging severe negligence during her treatment. Carole Attisano filed the complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County on October 2022, naming Allegheny Health Network and West Penn Allegheny Health System, Inc., doing business as West Penn Hospital, as defendants.
The lawsuit stems from an incident that occurred on October 15, 2022, when Attisano was admitted to West Penn Hospital for treatment of myasthenia gravis. According to the complaint, while undergoing a routine chest x-ray performed by a male staff member at the hospital, Attisano suffered significant injuries due to improper handling. The staff member allegedly lifted her by her left arm without warning or preparation, causing immediate pain and subsequent severe injuries.
Attisano claims that she experienced severe shoulder pain and bruising following the incident. Despite undergoing multiple medical examinations including an x-ray and MRI, it was revealed that she had sustained a full-thickness tear of her left rotator cuff. The complaint states that "the West Penn staff member failed to carefully lift and/or sit up Plaintiff Carole Attisano by her body or otherwise in a safe and careful manner," leading to these injuries.
The plaintiff accuses the defendants of negligence for failing to provide competent medical care and ensuring patient safety. Specifically, the lawsuit highlights deficiencies in training hospital staff on the safe use of portable chest x-rays and proper patient handling procedures. "Defendant AHN West Penn had an obligation to establish proper policies and procedures to ensure patient safety while being treated at its facility," reads the complaint.
Attisano is seeking judgment against Allegheny Health Network and West Penn Allegheny Health System for damages exceeding arbitration limits plus interest and costs. She demands compensation for physical pain, suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses incurred due to additional treatments required as a result of the injury, and other related damages.
Representing Carole Attisano is attorney Patrick L. Sullivan from Dallas W. Hartman P.C., who emphasizes that this case underscores serious lapses in patient care protocols at reputable healthcare institutions. The case has been assigned Case ID GD 2024-XXXXXX with Judge [Name] presiding over it.