A grieving husband has taken legal action against a medical team and healthcare institutions, alleging that their negligence led to his wife's untimely death. Jermaine Taylor filed the complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on July 1, 2024, accusing Dr. Vijay G. Menon and Pinnacle Health Medical Services, UPMC Pinnacle Hospitals, and UPMC Health System of professional negligence.
The lawsuit centers around the tragic death of Tanicka Taylor following a Whipple procedure performed by Dr. Menon at UPMC Harrisburg on February 24, 2023. According to the complaint, Tanicka had been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in December 2021 and was undergoing treatment with Imatinib before her surgery. The plaintiff alleges that during the operation, Dr. Menon caused a "small defect in the anterior right aorta," which he attempted to repair without proper documentation or follow-up imaging studies.
The lawsuit details how Ms. Taylor experienced severe complications post-surgery, including significant pain and drainage issues from her surgical site. Despite these alarming symptoms and suboptimal CT scans that suggested potential vascular issues, Dr. Menon allegedly failed to order necessary follow-up tests such as a CTA exam or angiogram. It wasn't until March 2, 2023—after Ms. Taylor's condition had deteriorated significantly—that further imaging revealed critical stenosis in her superior mesenteric artery (SMA), leading to bowel ischemia.
Tragically, despite emergency surgery to address these complications, Ms. Taylor's condition continued to worsen due to extensive necrosis of her bowel tissue. She was transitioned to hospice care on March 3, 2023, and passed away on March 10 at the age of 40. The cause of death was determined to be postsurgical occlusion of the SMA resulting in large areas of bowel ischemia.
Jermaine Taylor's complaint accuses Dr. Menon and the associated healthcare entities of failing to exercise appropriate medical care and skill during both the surgery and postoperative period. Specific allegations include not recognizing signs of vascular injury promptly, neglecting necessary diagnostic imaging, inadequate postoperative monitoring, and failure to consult with vascular specialists timely.
The plaintiff seeks judgment for damages exceeding $50,000 plus interest and costs for delay under multiple counts: negligence against all defendants; corporate negligence against Pinnacle Health Medical Services d/b/a PinnacleHealth Transplant Associates, UPMC Harrisburg, and UPMC Health System; wrongful death; and survival action.
Representing Jermaine Taylor are attorneys John M. Dodig, Jason A. Daria, and Daniel R. Klaproth from Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock & Dodig LLP.