Stewart Bell, PLLC secured a $1.5 million verdict on behalf of the family of a 79-year-old woman who tragically lost her life after being neglected by staff at Montgomery General Hospital in Fayette County, West Virginia.
The verdict includes $500,000 for the woman’s pain and suffering and $1 million for her wrongful death, a remarkable result following the hospital’s initial $0 settlement offer.
What Happened
The case involved an elderly woman who was rehabilitating from lung cancer and was known to have cognitive impairments and a high risk of falling. Despite these clear risk factors, the nursing staff failed to provide appropriate supervision:
- Around 12:00 A.M., a nurse checked on the patient but then left her unattended for an hour.
- By 1:00 A.M., the woman had fallen in her hospital room.
- Instead of receiving the intensive care and monitoring her condition required, she was discharged later that same day (as had been planned before the fall).
Tragically, after returning home, the woman stopped breathing due to fluid buildup around her lungs, a complication directly linked to the injuries she sustained from the fall. She was rushed back to the hospital, where she later went into cardiac arrest and passed away.
Holding Montgomery General Hospital Accountable
Attorney Katherine Arritt, Attorney Andrew Paternostro, and the legal team at Stewart Bell, PLLC successfully demonstrated that Montgomery General Hospital failed to provide the level of care required to keep their patient safe. Despite knowing she was a high-risk patient, hospital staff left her unsupervised, failed to properly respond after her fall, and discharged her too soon. These preventable mistakes directly led to her injuries and, ultimately, her death.
This verdict reinforces that hospitals and healthcare providers in West Virginia must be held accountable when they neglect their duty to protect vulnerable patients. Stewart Bell, PLLC remains committed to fighting for families who experience similar acts of medical negligence and helping ensure their loved ones receive the justice they deserve.
Justice for a Preventable Loss
While no amount of money can undo the heartbreak caused by the hospital’s neglect, this $1.5 million verdict serves as a meaningful acknowledgment of the woman’s life, her suffering, and her family’s loss. By holding Montgomery General Hospital accountable, her family has helped shine a light on the importance of proper care for elderly and vulnerable patients, and taken a stand that hopefully prevents similar tragedies in the future.
Advocating for Families Across West Virginia
At Stewart Bell, PLLC, our attorneys are committed to standing up for individuals and families harmed by negligence, medical malpractice, and hospital errors across West Virginia.
If your loved one has suffered due to neglect, improper supervision, or medical mistakes, we can help you understand your rights and pursue justice. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Our experienced attorneys will fight to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable and help your family find closure.
