Healthcare professionals located at Portsmouth Regional Hospital have received the brunt of a recent medical malpractice lawsuit. On June 19, 2009, Judith Vozzella was pronounced dead after two months of subsequent surgeries failed to cure infected bedsores she received as a result of hospital neglect and blatant disregard for patient safety.
The lawsuit was filed by Judith’s husband, Robert, who claims that the hospital’s negligence and breaches of the standards of care led to the death of his 60 year-old wife. According to the wrongful death lawsuit, healthcare providers at the hospital knew of Judith’s bedsores, yet neglected to attend to them for a period of three days. As a result, the bedsores became infected due to fecal contamination, ultimately leading to her death.
Bedsores, often referred to as pressure sores or pressure ulcers, are injuries to skin and underlying tissues that result from prolonged pressure on the skin and a lack of blood flow. They can develop quickly and can be very difficult to treat. More often than not, patients who lack the ability to move themselves develop these complications. As a result the following complications can arise:
- Sepsis: Sepsis occurs when bacteria enters your bloodstream through the broken skin and spreads throughout your body — a rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition that can cause organ failure.
- Cellulitis: This acute infection of your skin’s connective tissue causes pain, redness and swelling, all of which can be severe. Cellulitis can also lead to life-threatening complications, including sepsis and meningitis — an infection of the membrane and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
- Bone and joint infections: These develop when the infection from a pressure sore burrows deep into your joints and bones. Joint infections (septic or infectious arthritis) can damage cartilage and tissue, and bone infections (osteomyelitis) may reduce the function of your joints and limbs.
In the report, Robert Vozzella asserts that blame should be placed on the hospital as well as two physician’s assistants, Mark C. Sullivan and George K. Looser. The complaint also names the Coastal Cardiothracic & Vascular Associates and Appledore Medical Group as a defendant.
Sullivan allegedly gave strict orders that Judith Vozzella was not to be turned in order to prevent the formation of bedsores following a surgery she had just received after suffering a stroke. As a result, Judith was unable to move or prevent the bedsores in question. Robert’s lawsuit accuses the defendants of doing nothing to prevent or help the bedsores that lead to his wife’s death.
Do I have a Hospital Bedsore lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in hospital bedsore lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one has received injuries as the result of a hospital bedsore, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a hospital bedsore lawsuit. For a free case review, please click the link below or call toll free 24 hrs/day 1-(949) 557-5800.