Every day people throughout the state of Pennsylvania make mistakes while at work. In most instances they are minor and there are little if any ramifications. Depending on one's occupation however, even a minor mistake can cause serious problems. This is particularly true when one is employed in the medical field. While no one wants to think about it, a seemingly small slip-up by a physician or nurse can cause serious harm to a patient or be fatal.

The family of a former councilman in Johnston, Pennsylvania, understands this firsthand. They have filed a medical malpractice lawsuit after the councilman died as a result of a surgery he had at Memorial Medical Center last year. The lawsuit, filed in Cambria County court, makes two allegations. It asserts that during the surgery the anesthesiologist was impaired due to intoxication. The second claim is that the former councilman received negligent care and treatment.

The former councilman's daughter is the executor of the estate and filed the lawsuit. She filed it on her own behalf as well as that of her mother and three brothers. In addition to the hospital and the anesthesiologist, Conemaugh Health Initiatives, a certified nurse anesthetist, a few doctors, Conemaugh Health System and physician groups, were named as defendants. The amount sought by the family is unspecified.

While a medical malpractice lawsuit cannot undo the injury or death sustained by a patient due to a medical provider's negligence, it may provide the compensation and closure needed to help those affected by it move forward. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process.

Source: The Tribune Democrat, "Gallo family sues over ex-councilman's death, Sandra K. Reabuck, Oct. 11, 2011