Professional Negligence Law Reporter
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Failure to establish comprehensive care plan
September/October 2022During her stay at the Pine Run Health Center, Helen Aruffo—who had just been hospitalized for treatment of respiratory failure and acute colitis—developed pressure sores, including a sacral pressure sore with fecal contamination. She also developed severe osteomyelitis, pneumonia, and sepsis.
Aruffo required debridements and multiple hospitalizations before suffering a painful death.
Her estate filed suit against Pine Run Health Center, alleging that it failed to establish a comprehensive care plan, adequately assess Aruffo’s propensity to develop pressure sores, and provide patients with safe and sanitary conditions.
The parties settled for $300,000.
Citation: Aruffo v. Pine Run Health Ctr., No. 2020-06501 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Bucks Cty. Mar. 1, 2022).
Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Brian P. Murphy, Washington Crossing, Pa.
