A lawsuit has been filed against a prominent hospital, alleging severe negligence that led to significant patient harm. On August 1, 2024, Barbara J. Gray, acting as Attorney-in-Fact for Betty L. Harris, filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, against UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.
The case revolves around Betty L. Harris, who was admitted to UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital on December 22, 2021, for a total hip revision surgery. According to the complaint, Harris had a history of multiple hip surgeries and was at considerable risk for skin breakdown post-surgery. The plaintiff alleges that the hospital staff failed to take necessary precautions to prevent pressure ulcers or skin breakdowns during her stay. When Harris was discharged to a rehab unit on December 28, 2021, staff noted she had developed skin breakdowns on her back and coccyx—wounds that had not been reported to the hospital’s wound care team.
The situation worsened when Harris's thoracic wound deteriorated to the point where it required surgical debridement. Due to the pain caused by this wound and its interference with physical therapy—specifically because a gait belt needed for assistance came into contact with the wound—Harris developed foot drop, further impeding her ability to regain mobility. By the time she was discharged home on January 28, 2022, her condition had significantly worsened; she had stage II wounds and an unstageable thoracic spine wound along with foot drop.
Gray accuses UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital of corporate negligence and vicarious liability. The complaint asserts that the hospital failed in its duty of care by not selecting competent staff and failing to train or oversee them adequately. Specific allegations include failing to recognize and remedy problems related to Harris's skin care timely and not arranging necessary medical consultations for her deteriorating condition.
As part of their legal action, Gray seeks judgment in favor of Harris in an amount exceeding the arbitration limit along with costs and any other relief deemed just by the court. The plaintiff demands a jury trial.
Representing Gray are attorneys Peter D. Giglione (Pa. I.D. No. 89523) and Robert Fitzgerald (Pa. I.D. No. 330325) from Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam law firm based in Pittsburgh.