Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Judith D’Amico, 73, was admitted to Bryn Mawr Hospital for surgery to treat a suspected infection in her arm AV graft used for hemodialysis. During the surgery, she lost blood and fluid volume, which led to a postoperative decrease in her blood pressure, blood volume, and hemoglobin. Additionally, that night, she suffered prolonged periods of hypotension and decreased tissue profusion. After undergoing hemodialysis the next day, she became unstable, lost consciousness, and suffered a fatal cardiac event. D’Amico is survived by her husband and two adult daughters.

D’Amico’s husband, individually and on behalf of her estate, filed suit against the hospital, alleging failure to treat hypotension, hypovolemia, and decreased tissue profusion. The plaintiffs claimed that, among other things, the defendant should have administered appropriate medications, fluids, and blood products, and transferred D’Amico to a unit that could provide a higher level of care.

The parties settled for $325,000.

Citation: D’Amico v. Bryn Mawr Hosp., No. 2019-11936 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Montgomery Cty. Aug. 11, 2020).

Plaintiff counsel: Michael J. D’Aniello, Norristown, Pa.