Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Louis Dignam was admitted to Wyndmoor Hills Health Care & Rehab Center. At the time, he suffered from various health problems, including cognitive deficits, impaired gait, encephalopathy, reflux, and hypertension. Dignam, who was not steady, used a wheelchair and required supervision.

After Dignam attempted to stand from his wheelchair, a nurse allegedly told him to sit down. As he did so, unassisted, the wheelchair moved backward, and he fell. Several hours later, Dignam was found sitting on the floor during a shift change. As a result of this second fall, he suffered blunt impact injuries to his torso and a fractured hip and pelvis. Dignam, 73, died nine days later and is survived by his wife.
Dignam’s estate sued Wyndmoor Care Center LLC, among others, alleging failure to prevent the falls. The plaintiff also asserted that the facility was understaffed.

The parties mediated an undisclosed settlement.

Citation: Dignam v. Wyndmoor Care Ctr., LLC, No. 2019-18307 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. July 6, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: Charles Galvin, Philadelphia.