A patient fills out a medical form in a hospital office.
PITTSBURGH – A Maryland boy was left traumatized after a visit to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children’s Hospital, where he was given too much valium and fell out of a chair, a lawsuit says.
Emily Ringer sued UPMC Sept. 1 in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, claiming her son’s treatment for head injuries sustained in a car accident caused him even more anxiety around health care professionals.
He showed up Dec. 17 for a CAT scan already wary of the machinery, which led staff to administer valium to a “young child,” complete the scan and place him in a chair, the lawsuit says.
“Plaintiff was administered a quantity of valium which rendered him unable to properly function or exercise normal motor skills…” the lawsuit says. “The chair Plaintiff was placed in had no restraints or proper supports to prevent him from tipping over, nor were any of Defendants’… agents or employees attending to Plaintiff to prevent any harm to him.”
W.R., as the boy is known in court records, fell out of the chair and struck his head on the hospital floor, causing “intense pain,” the suit says, and a mark on his forehead. It is alleged that the hospital failed to offer any follow-up care.
“Plaintiff is now fearful of hospitals and medical care in general due to Defendants’… conduct, lack of empathy, and total disregard for the plaintiff’s health and well-being during this incident.”
Physical injuries alleged are bruising and swelling, headaches, dizziness and blunt-force trauma. The defendants are charged with negligence and medical professional liability.
The plaintiffs are represented by Deanna Lyn Istik of Sinatra & Istik Law Office.
