A tragic case of alleged medical negligence has emerged from Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where the co-administrators of a deceased woman's estate have filed a lawsuit against multiple healthcare providers. The complaint was filed by John A. Norton and Tammy Krause on August 26, 2024, in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, naming UPMC Horizon, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside t/d/b/a UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC, University of Pittsburgh Physicians (UPP), Allie Mead (PA-C), and Dr. Derek Ray Serna-Gallegos as defendants.
The plaintiffs are seeking justice for Shirley Ann Campbell, who passed away on March 11, 2023. According to the complaint, Campbell presented to the UPMC Horizon emergency department on March 9, 2023, with severe rib and back pain that had worsened over time. Despite her unstable vitals and concerning CT scan results indicating a possible endograft leak near her thoracic aortic aneurysm stent, no repeat imaging was conducted for better visualization. Instead, she was transferred to UPMC Presbyterian after a significant delay.
Upon arrival at UPMC Presbyterian on March 10, 2023, Campbell continued to experience severe pain and shortness of breath. The attending physician assistant Allie Mead noted the poor quality of the initial imaging but deferred further action until the next day. Tragically, Campbell's condition deteriorated overnight without receiving IV fluids or being seen by a physician. She ultimately went into cardiac arrest early on March 11 and could not be resuscitated.
The plaintiffs allege that the defendants' failure to provide timely and appropriate medical care directly resulted in Campbell's death. They claim that both PA Mead and Dr. Serna-Gallegos failed to recognize the urgency of Campbell's condition and did not take necessary actions such as ordering repeat imaging or ensuring prompt surgical intervention. Furthermore, they assert that systemic issues within UPMC facilities contributed to these failures.
Norton and Krause are seeking compensatory damages for pain and suffering endured by Campbell before her death, loss of enjoyment of life, lost earnings and funeral expenses under both survival action and wrongful death claims. They also demand accountability for emotional distress suffered by surviving family members due to their loss.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Harry S. Cohen, Todd D. Bowlus, and Benjamin E. Cohen from Harry S. Cohen & Associates PC based in Pittsburgh.