A harrowing case of alleged negligence and wrongful death has been brought to light as Susan Menozzi files a lawsuit against Concordia Lutheran Ministries of Pittsburgh. The complaint, filed on August 14, 2024, in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, details the tragic circumstances leading to the death of Evelyn M. Indyk.
Susan Menozzi, represented by attorneys Robert F. Daley and Katelyn D. Edwards from Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., claims that her mother, Evelyn M. Indyk, suffered severe neglect and mistreatment while under the care of Concordia Lutheran Ministries of Pittsburgh d/b/a Concordia of Monroeville. According to the complaint, Indyk was admitted to Harmony Rehab at Concordia on November 11, 2022, after being identified as a high fall risk due to anxiety and weakness during a prior admission at UPMC East.
The lawsuit outlines a series of failures by Concordia staff to adequately assess and address Indyk's needs. Despite numerous evaluations indicating her high risk for falls and dependence on assistance for mobility and toileting, the staff allegedly categorized her as a low fall risk upon admission. This misclassification is cited as a critical factor leading to her subsequent injuries.
On December 21, 2022, Indyk fell while attempting to use the toilet with inadequate assistance from an aide. The progress notes reveal confusion among staff about whether she fell or was laid down by staff during the incident. Following this fall, Indyk sustained multiple fractures and extensive bruising that went unnoticed until several days later when x-rays confirmed the injuries.
The complaint accuses Concordia of numerous breaches in their duty of care under both state and federal regulations governing long-term care facilities. These include failing to create an effective care plan, properly assess fall risks, provide necessary assistive devices, maintain accurate records, communicate effectively with supplemental caregivers like Sivitz Jewish Hospice (SJH), and transfer Indyk to a higher level of care when needed.
As a result of these alleged failures, Indyk experienced immense pain from untreated injuries until her death on January 1, 2023. Her death certificate lists "complications of blunt force trauma" due to a fall as the cause of death.
Menozzi seeks compensatory damages exceeding jurisdictional arbitration limits for hospital expenses incurred before her mother's death and funeral costs. Additionally, she demands compensation for the loss of companionship and support resulting from Indyk's untimely demise.
Representing Menozzi are attorneys Robert F. Daley (Pa. I.D.: 81992) and Katelyn D. Edwards (Pa. I.D.: 319093) from Robert Peirce & Associates P.C., with Judge presiding over Case ID: .