Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Dorothy Albertson, a 70-year-old woman who suffered from dementia, was admitted to the behavioral health unit at Lower Bucks Hospital for medical management of agitation, aggression, and confusion. Despite having a 1:1 observation safety order due to her high risk of falling, she fell and fractured her hip while pacing the hospital’s hallway unattended. She underwent a partial hip replacement and inpatient rehabilitation. Her health declined, and she later died.

Albertson’s husband and daughter, on behalf of her estate, sued the hospital and the medical corporation that employed hospital physicians and nurses, alleging medical negligence for the failure to provide 1:1 observation of Albertson and prevent her fall. Suit also alleged that the defendants failed to provide adequate safety checks or adequate staff on Albertson’s floor.

The parties settled for $235,000.

Citation: Albertson v. Prime Healthcare Servs.-Lower Bucks, LLC, No. 2018-02342 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Bucks Cty. Mar. 1, 2021).

Plaintiff counsel: Leonard G. Villari and Thomas A. Lynam, both of Philadelphia.