The estate of a woman that filed a wrongful death lawsuit in 2010, recently sought the opportunity to amend the complaint to add allegations.

The woman at the root of the wrongful death lawsuit reportedly died of pneumonia which she came down with while in Allegheny County Jail. Shortly before her death, the 27-year-old woman had been transferred to UPMC Mercy for treatment. At the time, she was pregnant.

The original lawsuit indicated that her death was due to a misdiagnosis and indifference to her medical condition. In addition, the lawsuit indicated there was a delay in sending her to the hospital due to how much it would cost.

Among other things, the amended complaint reportedly includes allegations regarding the state of the deceased's cell. It was reportedly so cold that inmates "could see their breath." In addition, water was apparently leaking from the ceiling and walls and black mold was present. It also alleges that the odor of sewage wafted from the sink in the cell.

Other recent developments in the case include a U.S. District Judge's denial of a motion made by the county and the man who was then the jail's warden to dismiss the complaint.

Wrongful death lawsuits are a way that some families try to seek justice for the death of a loved one. These civil cases may be filed when the negligence of another person or entity is to blame for a death. When successful, financial compensation will be awarded.

The federal judge assigned to the case is considering the amended complaint. We will report relevant updates as they become available.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "New claims in lawsuit over pregnant inmate's death," Dec. 20, 2011