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'rh, I:lo:llll'l'. In '.I'Jll1J11j'1.",PI1 Wlil\l un t,ll 1I~11I1I1I1I1 11111'111 ~,hl~ ~"1~"lIllitll!ll'iIl
IJt thlll duty <11' n.II''' l,y "'lltIL/lI/l>:) tli" 1It.,lIld,Ho! I'I'''IJ'.l/lL~r'',.1 LI1 Ill,:\r.ll"
Nqm~"'IIl.Lt!illJ!1J.tnl v, !JO:IIJIlI), 1.11.\ Pol, '''1, 0\1".' ^,~d ll14 (19114) IIIll
t.lin '~PfJropr 1.1l11 1II",pln,." or '.'llr'~ I
O/lll who "/l,hn'tnIHIt1, ',J\"tt.'lltf.HIIIlY 01.' rot'
llOni>l<ltn'1t inn. 1,'1 t'IIII'kr l.".'i'Vt<-"iU to lI/lotl1<n'
whioh 1)1'1 t~I1"Jllld l'II,:l)I,lnl~'? "IS nfJe'?IIHJot'y Lot' tll'I
protect 1 ,)11 nt, 1'.111' oth,Pl" 5 P"I'e,;Oli (II' toll I 11'111 in
lSubjn,'!t. 1'.... 11"bl1lty to tl1'9 ot.llnl' I 01' \lhYllL.l'~l
hlll'l1I I'lIt\lIlllnq [l'OIl\ 11IOS (,II lilli' \,11 IIXPl'IlilH.',
I'OM;O/lllblr.' ,,'''1':,] to )'1",.( ''''111 Ii I" "/ld"l.'t,ddn'J, ir
(1) hi", LoI Ulll'U \.., "~",,,,'i"" "'1,'11 ,~i1I.'Oi' i/lct'OllllClIl thll
l: is)'. ot tSllcll '!,)1"III, III
(~) l.lill Ii.Hm i", 1!l1l11'91'O<! bOl!,IlIII" r) r t.hr.> otho:>l." r~
"1111 'HI'''' upon tl1'~ Ulld"l'l.dk 11114,
gi<;l<!l.!:1, ,\'1 '.' A, 2d
f{n/lt.('\t'!m'!l1t (It TOI't.fl
C\ t 1.11 ". ,,11.111'.1
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'i'he COUl'l'. ill :I',lt'JI11[lI.on WOI!l c I (1,11' In II.H ,:')/\<11u(010n that IInd.it'
thtil do,:lr in'! or ':Ol'p<lt';Il'.o II ',"J I i(J~Il<':>:l or '~I'il'P(It'lIt,(1 1 i'\~li 1 i ty, Lh','
hOl!lpll",1 it! li,1bltil j I II. J',dll.S to') <lpllOld t.11l1 llt'llfllll' Hl.i'\n<h,~." or
C':1tt:/" 'JWr~d its P;I I'. ,I 11111 ,
1t it; trll(1 toll/It. I'.IIP '''''Ik'\. ,11100 I!!xpluined
thllt In lw<h,'I" tor n 1l()llplt..~1 I <.) 1m d1111"J..d wit.h Ilnq\ \'lPnl."_', it, 111
nQ")llt\l,H,ry to :'lllnw 1.t1,,\. I: It", Ilosp\ till I,./d "1<'1.11.'\1 IJI.' ,~onstruct l.ve
know I (Idy" of thl9 dl!.llnct, <'II pt.'ol,.",'"llIrlo?<> wll \ ....11 .::t"'IIl'."d 1.1t,.' I\lu'm, ,I~L,_,
1\,1.<1 ;11. '/(I/l, cltlnq El:.j~.l:L,~, \':vnnl;. In M'l?.. ',11." <In I',;!d 46'3
(1'.)/111) "nd r"r'~{I.L.L.Y...-Z.I_mb,'lm"n, IH ~,tJ:',/IJ'f>, 1',,1.\'1, '.I(l(I 1',~d )3".1,
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pl,lint,Ut Will, 1111 (11)1-111, 1IIII'VlIIJt, W'~Jl"klll.,n I,ll.' '~1lI~3JOY<l" nf th,p
hOlllrlt..~11 It "/11I1 l';)'JIo-I1l1,/ hit Inr',>"PJ'\ t.llIIt, tlll\ hrl~lplt'.ill II,~"
ktUllolll,'d'Jo tlllll p1uilltl II 101,\11 1I,I!.11'J /:Jill/II 111,11'1 II)! thrt CI'iJ'/IIt" III,'/.'Vllllt.,
wOl.'kmC\II l)~" ~'tnploynn, .\11<1 lhllt ",Ilil,) \I,l1b hOllipltl:J1 rl''')I,~,!dll''O bonlll</
; mpl,JI1Ip.l1tad,
'rhon 1/11:<11'" tll'9n t'lnJ',1 011 WIl,iJtll''II' plllintitL Illlf> ollJ",dy (ll1d
unrloubtoL'J1y f(llled tn Ilt",lb~ " CIl U lOll Ilr .j'lt.l"lI llll<II!1l' \.tIll '.'01.'1'01.'1\1:11I
lillblllty theol'Y,
p]"llntlll h.w ull"~llld in h','~' ':01111'1.11111', r,jnl',l th"t, II' prnvnn,
W<1\11'\ IH.bjt'lGt. l.)o!f.mdnllt. Il>'lfIllit..r1 to '~'H'P"Il:,~I.", lillbil I t'/, Hh,.! IHH!
1'I11eged, int,!,,'" III iiI" l.hilt; d'ilf(mcllltJl. \/1\,. n",,)J j'J,mt. In fl.lilill>) to
udequll\',<lI)! lnlol'lII, ,'nd hnvO!t III plo1',:r.> pl.'opml' pt'...,'ll!lIl'r.>rE, I'UJeill,
pol Ir:i,,'i> "l1d/ot' l.\tdndlH'dl!l I:n j ntorm, itl!l ,lqnnl.JI, I.\IJl'V(IlItl!l, \I,"'kllllln
or employo,.ll.l at pl,~lnl.ltf'lS cOllcJil.llln lIlId spmcifl" r"'qllll'elllenl:lS
thel'nf')l:",'1 C\lId (,dlllre tn ...dp'l"dt<?ly tl'lIin, o'\nd huve ill pllll111
I1r,)p',r pt"oClndllrel!l, 1'\11""1, pollclM', ,llId/r,ll.' 1,\t"l1do11'd/l t,ll l'nlln, its
''I<;Jt'nts I /llll"VI'Int a, \I(Jt'k mpn .,.: <111Ip loy''''!'< III tha pt'l)plll.' (,:Ul"l 0 t C\
p"rsol1 nf p1ul11tlll'tI "'.1',' Ulld '':<1Ilolili'.ln,
One at t.lw foul' c'lt.nq"t'if.'I,< 'Jt '1lwllpilo11flJ' dlltlLH1, "llIbnw,..d by
l',h<r SlIpt'<'IlIIlI COlll't in :!1L'1I11Plll"", itl oJ duty to i'li1'1111 JI,1\',r', >:I~k'pt Mid
enrol'c'J (\c1eqllll\'.r,' rill>'!\!; ,111<'1 p"Jif:i,<\!; t<'l nrlllllt'" (lll(\llty ,':,11'" lOI;' 1.11,..
I1I1t.ip.l1tf:, Ar:I7P.ptll1'J ,11' trll<P pl,)ltll.lrr'll 1J11'~'J,)tlOIIlI t.h,jt d,~t'~l1dnl1t
tlllllld ~,Q hC\v,v In pl.;'\'~'? "".:1/'," (ll'lr.orc,p (I"':qUolt,1I 1'111..", pollcl,tn .md
st,1tIlJ;~l.'d,. to ",ntlllrf,' h>'!1' "H.rnt.y, thllt pl'-lIlli',) ru,,' wulk,~1' W,~II IIInvlld
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hur t(lll 1I11d 1l\1 h,.,nrl""" I' ill'/'Il:')' Willi ","'IJ,'d ,W (\ dii"l,~t t"~IIl\ll t c~ thli1
wlllkl'l'l.' bll'"(j ""''11101, pJ,tllll.ln lHI~ 1!t.,lt'&>:I ,I ~'lHIIU 001 ,l>::tlo:Jl1 IC'I'
Oo:ll'POt','ll.,.1 1 J.11~illt y, n 11<1 tllWI'lI Ill'. 1 VIII:Y . '"11'11:'" 1.11 L ,~II Lilli 1 lulbu',\1S I:,r.)
1111 rlut,nl'I1IJ,I1,pd, 'rIJ flt.l'i~,lI 1'1'llnl.ll'['1\ "1111111: t,'r c"l.'ll"r!\t'~ LiC\In1ity
WOll1d pog, ilt 1'.11111 ">lilli, inuppl.,.,prJate,
Till) flol':l'.dn'.. ",t Corporllte l,IIlIJlliI:Y /)MI "lIlly \"lllIlnI.1y hllllll
lldcptocJ hy l./),.. I'cl1l1,sylvulllo1 '~O\lI'I:", "'II dol 1.11, l.ltu '.ll,llll:'tl.l tll1'll.l
ut:t:Ii1Jl\pted to d\f""'LII ,Hid ,I,!r.inl? the P,ll'/lIll,&tlftl'<'I '?l' 110,.,pit.1J I (11It.y on
u CLUB!! by "1/11\11 ",",d,;, 0111. Supenol' <:,')\1 I' t. >;),1 WI ,1 t'lIl1lindm' in
f&.ItD.1'.:ili.LY..J_lJl.'I'ndywllll? 1.f\1()12i!:,1I1 t,/1,I1. 1,1t,! "I',lI>/I'r ',"JIIl.'LI.l Ill.',' l,ound t~l
U.Y l',() tiqure Ollt Wildt. 1'.1111 dlll.!.,", 11I'''''" ol1d I.\pply 1:1111111, l'ilthl!lt' tllC\n
d i nllll"" t.t1il'11I 00\' d i ~lt j n"fll i "" t/1"11I o1W.,}'," l::dWlll.d'^ V, fH'Ql1dYWinOi'
HOl!ipitl'\l, ~,lil 1'",.t',lI[",'i', (,'l}f. (i5~ lI,,~d '1,\11,', '1:11\(1, (!,,;> (19'H,), II'.
ill II dilLy ~)t tl1,& I',l,~t J llld>!!I' I... "X'I"IIII" I,h" '''I l'\,'n,.",- pl.'r.>I~'~nt,,,,.d und
detannllln wh<'th'..r, b,,5l?d lIP<?1l 1':1\11 np'''' 1 I '" 1',,,,1 I' or I,tlll' ll<'lIlH,
pl<llntitf has )'I1''''VIIII I.h"l lh"rr: WlIe: .In tl\~'t i\ IIo<'lp1 t.o1l ,'JlIl':y owed
(lnd breC\cl1>Dd, In >11"\"" to do thilil, pJ,1111tl II l1\\lnl: WII ,lrrot'dlld 1':1)(1
'mpol.'tlJlllty tn l't<'lIlllit 0111 <,vid'.'rI~lr.' thl? ()ddlt i"'ll\ I 1,1Ctl1 Ill?(l(/IllSo1t'Y
toO pt'cva h(/I' UdU~, g"ln~d throllqh d\G~ov",I'V'
l)I,\r','n~"\nt'~: Fll'i<'tl pnilJl,1I 1>.1 'l'h,.lr'l,u"n "lid l:dw(It'dlS tOl.'
delillwo1t Inll lIe th', b'~llndlS ot >::<lI'P"/l','>t,II I I ,'JI,I Ill.y, II nw<,'J','l' , J,1. i 1\
illtlll'llllt',in'l to Ilot'.' tho1t In "'hlllllllll'HI, Ihr. f.l'Il1l".'m'~ I~Olll't 11o&ld t.hnt,
thel'>!! Willi ,j ,llIn 1",' 1 'I'll t. q\IP.l!lt i 011 >.'i I' 111,'1 \.11 I i ,11 ,. ,1.:1 pl'r\i\i~llt'1d Jill 1.'1
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t,Il" /Ul.ldLml1 cill"~ I'I~':nIVot<l toy fll,JlIII'" 1', "1>lIlIh 1II,il. IIlIt ,,.11'\1 1111111"1.
()Ollld IIl1t I",V" 1'I'I.II"'l.' Iy 'Jl'"ni "'ll Ll11lllmlll'Y jUoI'JIJIfJl1t 011 tll': i '1111'0'1 Or
1:l01'rn~"li'.,.. l1ubllilY," 'l'h(I\IILHI~'Il, II'll /I.;'d 011. 'Ill'). 1111011011'11', ill
~,Il"',il;'d"" thl!l Cllflot Wllllt to] q'i,'\l, "nd l'Il'! BUPr./l'iol' t'mlL't held lhnt.
It(\ horspitnJlt) n<1I'JlOI'01t.II 11"'lli'l'-'"'."! will b,? ml?tl$IIL'"d C\.;jllllllSt wllot 0
nH\lIOnupllP hospi t.ll ulld,n 11111I11111' c: 1I""llnlll'..1n'''"1 IIhrwld hl\v,~ dnl1'" It
.l:i!hWX.rJ.,M" G5~ /1,;><1 Ill'. 1'111'/, Glll'H'ly, Ltdl,\ '.'11111,1 trJL' " tlll'tllU1
det~ll'lIIjI1I1I'.Ll)n ot wl)l?th'JI' d""""ldollt. iI(~I'....d l'otM,,""llllly 'II' ill lillllin
und,pl.' II th030t'Y 01 \:'lJ'f'I.II'.'\I'1' li"bility,
llIPf/mdtlnt ,11'qll("~ t. 11 ,1 1'., 1110'1 pI'IIJ llllin'lry 'llI,'I"III.L','nlO l~hOll1d h,l
nllnLodnr.>d ISO p/aillt'" ii' lilli, ,1rronl",l lhn <.IJ1f"JI.'I',llnity to IHI',lk
dlnnovoL'Y ot il1tOl'lllilllOn thllt wmlld <Ithllndllllllll nOllllltlllOvn"llblll Ir
the COUllt rm' cOl.'porutp. Li(\bil,lty W"I'" nt:l'ick(lll. (Ill thll ,:onl,)'1I1'Y,
it. iu premlitlll'lI t.n rot.!' ;,kn I'.h"l CoHI1t. 10l' C~IL'plJl','\L',' Li('\IJi 11 t y pr Lor
t,'J dir5covery 1 fi i Ill':'" \',11" (1'11'1".11.11,' ",( ,lil.\'~ov"'J:Y ilb to I9nub Ie tIll.'
llppllcllnt 1'.0 mukr. out his CIIl.1,"'" 'Jl ;lOtion 01' dnl'(tnll<l, .11111 l.l\ ..Ii low
rtOllmH,\l to gu i n MJ(Iqll,I t.... know 1 "d'll' lie I.h',' (,I',lt r. ,ln,,1 is(';ll,,r;, ~~,~...
"'<"ml"" C!I:,y DC\IlI< V. ,l~'llIl H'ln':Il';~,JIII..t,. I.lfo Inll. 0::0'1 )')) ['ii, 12;),
44 A.2d '.il4 (194!'i); i."'1 .11110 1\lo""!.LY_,..-S~l.IJJ.!U:!l_K, ~lnl1 ~_)i.!V)",
~nc" )!'iO p,~, :;IIpi.'r, )2'1, l'>'H ^ ,,1d n,j:' (191'11',).
ThIn <:OllL't llI"y ':'Illj' PI'(!)'I.!,t'ly ',po1l1l', 110,1'","<1,11,1'11 l'I'"llnolll.lI'y
ohlnc:t,Lol1G is: pl.dnLlIl' h,1I1 c1t1ltrly ,Hill undoLlbtudly (,111"d 1:,;. I\t.i'l~,"
It '1/-1111\(,' ot a,~t Ion Ulhh'tl' 1'.110 l.hlillt'y or "'I/'llo"l1I.,' ~ illbi lll.y,
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I. Ji'AC'1'lIA1, ANU llHOCI!11llJltAL IllH1'OIlY
!'llllnUll' ViI'lllllill H, IrwllI elllllllllllle,.d lhl~ 11!1l1l1l""e" IIdlJ)ll Ily Wl'llllf
SUlIIlIlun~ 'Ill AlIllll~1 I, !fJllfi, All",' hl!illj.( 1'I11,'d '" dll ~U, P11I11IUIl'llI,!d II
CUlIlllllllnl'1ll UI' IIhllUt. SI'pll!lIll11!I' l:l, IflfJfi, '1'111' CIIlIlplllinl. eJ)lllllin~ lwu Cuunl~:
V\cllrllluK IIl1hillly (CIIlIlIl Illllld elll'plll'lll.lI IllIhillly (CIIlIlIl. Ill, H"I! CIIlIlpllllnl.
ACCOl'dill1( 10 tl1I' CIIlIlplllllll, PIIIIIIWl' WIIH IIdlllilll'd III lJl!fi!lldlllllllllly Spl"'l
lIu8plllllllnol' IIhlllll AUIlUHt. :.!, IUU:llill' rillhllll\l'l! HlIl'Ill'I'y, Plllinlill'lIlll'KllK lhlll.
1111111 Unw~ l'I'I,'vllnllll llllH lIelilln, PIIIIIIWl' WIIH II Pllll..nllill' tilt! PUI'P'IHU Ill'
hllVlng lhll HUI'/{CI'Y, IIl1d WIIH II hUHilw~~ illvili'l! III' IIIIly HplrlllluHplllI1.
Pllllnwr IIll'!/{l!H Hlw WIIH III Ill' diHChlll'j.(I!lllbllll 1I11ly Spirit lIuKpltlll Augu8t
9. 19f1:llll M.!chllnicHhul'K It,'llIIhilillllioll lI11~pltlll, wlwl'l! Hhl! WIIH golnK for
thcrllpy 'lIld rchllhilltllUlln IiiI' Iwr klw'!' At. till' l.illW, PllIIlIwr WIIH rccupurlltlng
from hlJr HLll'g.!ry IInd WIIH I'dillnt uplln llw U~I! 111'11 wlIllu!r till' Kuppllrl. PllllnWr
c1I1IIl1H thllt whit.! Hlw WillI W!tllnf.( dl'l!HHl!d tl) Ill! diHChlu'l(l!d 1'1'1111I tlw hllHpltnl, 111\
III(Ullt Ill' '!ll1pII)Yl!'! Ill'tllI! hllHpllll1 1'I!Il111v.!d 111'1' WlIll(I!I' I'rllll1 1I11lCl\Ulln II hlld lwcn
pl.lcnd hy I'lllinWl', Whlln l'lllinlill' ",IIll1pl,'II!,1 drl!HHIIII(, HIll! rlJllchud hllckwllrd for
lIll! wlllkl!r IInd lhll, atrlklnK lIll! IIUllI', 1'1 III nWl' l'urtluH' 1I11l!/{l!K thllt 1111
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rd. III 1t:lf).411. mil A.lllllIl 7117 IcltllllollH ollllttlllll, 11I01'1hll' I,) hn ch""~lId wllh
CUI'l)lll'lltn 1I11ullul'IICIl, ItlllllMt hI' MhllWIl "thllt tllll hllMIIIIlI1 IllulllcLLllI1 01'
~llIllltl'L1CUVIl kllllwll!lll(I' of tlH' <llIli!cl Ill' III'lICIl<lun'M which CI'lI11111l1 thll IIIU'lll," rd.
III :H 1, litll A,Il<l III 70H,
Althoul(h ClIl'llllrntl' JWI(IIUI!IICI! ill II 1'1I111livlIly IIIlW thulIl'Y Ill' Hllhillly III
(llIl\llllylvlIllill, till! 1I1l1ll'\llItl' CIlUl'tM hllvl! hll<l H"IllI', IIlhllll Hmllo'<I, "1111111'Lunity tll
dllnllU iUlIHll'llnwllll'H, III EdwrH',IH II, 1I"'J11ll.vwhll! 1I"H/liflll, ,1:lH I'll, HUIlIlI',
H7:J. HIi:l AIl<l l:IH:lIl!lfJli I. tlte l'lllll't l'el'il'wed tlte trial cllurl'~ directed VlIl'dlct In
faVlll' llf the defelldant hll~pit.ll. The l'lalntlff, il r.'/ year llld retired ~teelwllJ'k'!I' with
nn artificial hip, aJ'l'IVlId ,It 1I1'olndywille Hll~pit,II'~ en)l!r~ency l'l111m l'lllllpl'llnlng llf
hip pain, He \Va~ ildmitted tlltlte h'1spltal, ,111d a nurse Installed 01 heparin IllCk In his
left hand, .. del'ice which permits l11ultlple illll',lwnllUS fluids tll be intl'l1duced at 01
commlln pllint. The heparlll Jllck was left In plilce for allr!,lst three, l11aybe fmll',
days, In apparent vlol,ltllln llf l'ennsyl\',lnia U"partn1l!lIt llf Health regulations, The
day after his discharge, the l'lalntiff lllltked .1 red spollln his hMld where the heparin
lock had beel1, He retul'lled tll the hosplt,ll fllr physic.ll therapy, and was referred to
the emergency rmll11 , I.ab test resul's showed 01 staph Infectlun, and the Plaintiff was
sent home with a prescription fur ural antibiotics, He retul'I1ed tllthe huspltal a few
days later with leg pains, and this time thl! physician missl!d thl! earlil!r diagnosis of
, Ii .
tl1l! ~toph Illfl!djllll, A \\Il!l!k IIIIl!I', II kl!"'lld Jllb I.'kl sllllwl!d sl,Iph IlIrl!dloll, 1\11.1 hl!
Wil~ plil~l!d Ollllllrn\'l!IllIUk l\IItlblolk~, [JudOI'k kUkpl'dl!d Ilhll by Ihlk 111111' lhl!
Illfl!dlull hild kl"'l!llIl lu his i1rlllkl.11 hip. TIll' 1'1.lllltlf( 1i,ld lu Ill! ,Idllllthld il~illll illlll
ulllmotl!ly, oJfll!I' lWll 1l1l1l'l! ~'l!Mk uf hllkpllollll.ltlull,lIId 11'l!.Itllll!lllk, his o1I'tlrldill hip
wo~ 1'l!Il111Vl!d ,111.1 I1\,IkkIVl! dUSl!k or ollllblulkk Wl!I'l! ukl'd 111 wlpl! Llullhl! Illfl!dlull,
TIll! I'l,llllliff klll!d 11ll! IlllSpll,11 alld till! dLldul's whll tl'l!atl!d hll1\ fIll'
prufl!ssILlllilllll!IIIIIIl!Il(l!, Illdlldlllll (Ol'plll',ltl! 1Il!1I1i1ll!1I(l! .llIalllst till! hospltol. Thl!
ddl!ndont physld.1I1S sllltkd with thl! 1'1.lllIlirr. Il!avillll ullly thl! huspllol os 0
ddl!ndont ot triol. Thl! 11'1.11 (UUl't tuuk jlldld,llnutkl! ur till! lJl!poll'tllll!llt uf Hl!olth
rl!guloliull Ull ~iltlll!tl!1' sltl! dl,llIlIllIlI, .1Ild hdd thot thl! h,)spltol's f,llllIl'l! tLl I1\LlVl! thl!
hl!pal'lll ILKk fur at Il!ost thl'l!l! days (Imslitutl!d 11l!1I111Il!IKl! pl!I' Sl!, At till! dLlSl! uf
Plaintiff's ~aSl!, till! trial (LllIl't l!1I1l!I'l!d a dlrl!dl!d vl!l'dld fLlI' thl! hospital ruling that
thl! Plaintiff wuld lIul Pl'll\'l! (iIlISaliLlIl (I.l!" that thl! illfl!ctlull I'l!sultl!d frLlm tlll! fallurl!
tLl muVl! lhl! Ill!parill IlKk), alld that till! hospital wuld nLll proVl! curpuratl! nl!gligl!n~l!
under TI/lHlII'SI"',
Thl! Supl!riur CLlurt uphl!ld thl! trial cuur!'s dlrl!ctl!d Vl!rdkt as to most uf the
Plaintiff's eurporatl! nl!gligl!n~l! claims, Thl! only ",rpurate Ilellligellce claim with
posslbll! merit, held the Cllurt, ~oncernl!d thl! hllspital's puliey 011 muvillg cathders;
the hospital had a puli~y uf O1ovln); ~athl!ters l!very 72 hours, illstl!ad uf the 4B hour
,6.
l/lw 1l1'1l\lUHCIIIIlIIII"I'/lCLiclI. It Willi dUll LII Lhlllll'lllIlollol' hOIl"ILIII illllllulllty /lnd
thll IllCl'ulllllull\HIIIl' 01' IlIl1lpl'/lcLlcll IIcLlu1I1I 111I1I'III1L 1IIIIIplLIIIII thllL Lhu CUI'lllll'/ltU
1)llll'lil(llllCU ductl'''w Willi UIUIIIIILI'ly IIdupLl!llhy Llw Pt>llllllylvlIlIill HUJll'UlI1U CUUl't,
HIIII ,,'hllllll'HIII. nL :1:17-:111, nUl ^,:ld Ill. 71)l).l)7, ^\Iuf Lhll tht!Ol'h'/I uf I\lIhiHty
rl!cllj(lIi1.lId IIIUIII( Lh,! wny -- 1'l!/lpulIdl'llt /llIPI'l'IUI', ulltl'II/1'hll! 1I/{l'IICY IIl1d I!Vlm
HlIhlllly hll/ll!llulI HI!/Itlltl!IIIl!lIt (HI!COllll) uf 'l'lll'l.~ ~:I:l:\ -- 1II'l! thl!Ul'ill/l thllt hnvu
tJ'lullLlulIlI\ly hPI!1I Ill'l'll\cnlt.d UpOIl 1IJ1l.(liw'lIt lIIl!dicnl CIII'I! IIl1d tn'lltIlWIIt.
'I'hl! I'lIcl.Iluf th'/I CII/lI! IIIVulVI! thl! 1I\11!I(I!d 1'l!lIIuvlIl hy II hll/lpltnlllll'llnt or
empluye!! uf II Wlllkl!l' which 1'1llillUll' hlltl Jlu/lil.illlwd /10 thllt It. would hi! IICCellllihlll
to her 1111 1I1ll! Willi drl!/I/11111.( tu Ill! tI'/ldllll'l,wtl, 'I'lli'll!! Iilcl.~ dl!llrly tlo lIut involvll
medlcnl trclItuU!Ilt nlltl CIU'I!, hut I'll till! I' till! /Iilllpll! Ilet of IIIl l1111pluyee, Thuro lire
no Ihctll which lh!lIlOIl/ltl'llt!! UIIIIlIli! 01' illlldl!qUlltl' faoilitlllH or IIqlllp"lIInt. thc
/Il!ll!ction or I'l!tentioll of IIl1lnCOlllpl!l.L!Ill/,hYHlclm., till' fililul'l! to UVI!rIlCe /I01l1110ne
practlcl"1l mlldlcine within the hu,~pitlllllll tu pallellt oarll UI' till! fllllurll to
formulntll, adopt or t!llfbrcc IIdequate rulml aud pul\ci'>/1 to 1!Il/lUI'C qllallty care,
SilO ThompHOI. Ilt :l:m,40, filii ^,:ld at 707, Only if /luch flletll hllVl! hcen allcged
clln the Phlintifl'lll! IIl1id to hllVl! lh!1ll011l1tl'lltcd II CUl'pOl'lltl! Ill!l.(lil{CIICC claim,
'l'he fllcl.IllIll!!l{t!d are 1!lIl1lmtlll\ly thill, UII thlll \lllrticulllr ol;clI/lion. n hOllpital
Ilgent or employee rl!lllOVl!d till! WlIlker Irom tho rl!IICh 01' II patient. Simply
,9,
hllCllUlI1I Lhlll OCCUI'I'1Il11llU hOllplLul d01l1l 1I0LLI'IUUlII' CIII'IIIII'IILII lIuhlllLy, E,lwm'tlN,
NIII,,'a, 'I'hlll'll 111'11 110 Iilclll III L1w COlllpllllllL which Il1dlcllLII LhuLlloly Hpll'Il
1I0llplLul klll!W III' III\1lu"lllIIVII IWOWII LhllLuW'IILII or "llIplOYII"1I WOl'lt "IIIl1UViIlU
wullull'lI Ihllll Lhll I'ouch lit' III1Lh!llt.II, 'I'hlll, III IIl1dol' itll"'l', 111'1lI01lILI'IIL"" Lhll
hlllPllllcuhlllLy lit' CIIl'pUl'iltl! 1I,l/dlj.(I!IICI' to t.hlM CUM", 1\1111'1'11'1"1', L11l""! IU'II l1ulilclIl In
Lho COlllpllllllL dl'IlII1I1Mtl'ilt.illJ,t L1w tYPI' III' "IIYMtl'lllic 1lt!l!liwmcl!" which thll
POl1nHylvlIl1ill HUI)l!rior Cllul'lI'l''1ull'l'll III E,llIJa/'JIH, lInd",' LIlt' I'IICI.~ UllllJ,tl!d, Lhl!
hUllpltlllllt!,!d nllt. hllV'! II pill icy 01' I'U". III'IIhlhit.illJ,t till! rl'llI II VII I 01' a Wllllwl' Ihol1
Lhl! I'ollch 111'11 pllt.i"I1Li It' 1111 1I1!I'IIL III' I'JIlplllYI'1' Cllllllllilll!d lI\Jch 1111 lIet, IlIld il'it
wall 1I0nlt'lhil1l! II I'llallllnllhll! 1Il'l'M'lll Wlluld not dll IIl1dl!1' LIlt! circuIllMtllnCI!M, thon
nlllllilll!nCll IlII1Y hl! lilUndl'l!glll'll"!MM 01' Lilt' lilet that thl! d.!li'ndant hlllll)lHlII to ho 11
hUllpill11. 'I'hl! filetll 01' Lhlll CIII'lI an' not I!V"n 11M dUMl! tll cllrpol'lltl! Ill!l!lilll!nCl! 1111
thOIll! dillllliMlled hy tilt! Pllllnllylvlluill Hupl!rior Court in EcluJJlrrlH,
'1'hUII, Plllintll1' hllM 1'1Ii1I!d to IItlltl' II dllhllol' corllol'llt,! IwJ,tlil(llllCe ullon
which rolleI' clln hl! I\'l'iInLmll)l!CIIUM" tlw III1l!glld IWI\'lil!lInCll hlll'l! Willi not rulllllld to
llIediclll lrelltnwnt und CIII"] , IInd L1wl'l! IIrll no liletulIllllh!J,tlltlonll in the cumph1lnt
dlllllllnlllrnting lIylltlllllic IwJ,tlillllncllol' which lIoly Spirit !I11llllitlllulther know or
IIhould hllVe known,
. 10 .
'l'hll IhclH III' lhlll CIlHU 11I'11 IIl1l UIIIII\III IIll1lply hUCIlUlI1I lhll I\ulillllllllll. III II
hllll\lillll, 11111\ lhul'lIl111'1I Lhu 1'1111 IIl1 II' IIhllU11\ IIl1l hll \lul'lIllll.,'d 1111 lI11lt'lllhili II'Y III'
IIllhlllly IIll1lply hllCIIUlI1I lIl'Lhllllild, 1'IIIIIIWl' hllll 1I1111111'l1!l111l ('lIuIILI Ilflhll
()lIl1lllllllllll.hlllllllly HplrllllllH\lll.ullH vleurillullly Iluhh' IiII' lh" Ildlllll' 1111I111111111111
III' IIJl1I1{11111JlIll' IIlllpIIlYI!I!H, Ulldlll' till' fildH pluul\,'1\ III UII! ('lIlllplllllll, Vlclll'IUUH
IIllhHlly III llw IlPlll'lIJlI'illll' UII'III'Y UPI)II whkh I'lullllill' HhllU11\ prllclIl!Il, CUl'plll'lllll
ll11gligullcll, IIIIWllVI'I', hllH Ill) IIppliclIliulI Lu I.hulIl! I'llclJl,
1'1In1l1WIIl! CI)I'PI)J'1Ilt! IWl!IIj.(lllW! III Lhtll 11I1II'llllllpl'llcliclI IlClIlI1l willollly
HlIrVI! III cllnl'uHI! lhl! iHIIIII!H IIlld, 1ll111'I'IIVI!I', 1.11 cunfuHll Uw Jul'Y IIlll'i1l1. III Ilddlllon,
cllrplll'lIl11 nl!l!IIl!I!I1cl' 1ll1l,V IIlliJrrll'llIinWl' llw IIpplIl'lunlLy III III!l!It diHCllVl!l'y III'
Inlol'llllllilln lhllt IH nl!ilhl!1' I'l!Il!vlInt Illll' liItl!ly III h'lld III tlw diHCIIVlll'Y III'
IIdllllHHiblll IlVidl!ncl'. bul whleh lllil!hllll'gUlIhly bl' dlllcllvllI'lIhll' lIilllply ber:IIUHI!
clIl'J)lIrnll! lll!glil!I!l1CI! hllH \)I!(!n IIHHI'I'led (I',g" L1w 1l'!I'HlIllIlI!l fill! IIl'lhe I'lIlplllYllll
who 1I1\1!l!l!llly IIlIlVI!d I'llIintill'H Wlll\tl'l'), TIll! ClIlllplllinl will HIll Llll! PUl'llllllllllrH
fi)r dlHClIVI!ry, IInd lhiH 1II'I'Illllinlll'Y IIhJI'c1.illn ill L1w IIpprllprilllll vI!hide iiII' 1I11ly
Spirit III1Hpllnllll lillllllhl! Helllul lIf LIlli ClIlllplnlnl. ~h!1! CmHlor v. AlleN',e"y
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VIRGINIA ~. IRWIN,
pt8intitt
v.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
cUMaERLANP COUN'l'Y, PENNSYLVANIA
NO, 95"4099 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION * LAW
HOLY SPIRIT. HOSPITAL OF THE
SISTERS OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY,
t/a HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL,
Detl!lndant
JURY TRIAL DEMANPED
Q.QHllAlli'r
AND NOW comes Plaintiff, VLrginLa S. Irwin, by and
through her attorneys, Metii:gor, Wickershal1l, Knauss & Erb, and makes
the following complaint, averring in support thereofl
L Plaintiff, Virginia s. Irwin, is an adult individual,
residing at 319 North 29th street, Camp Hill, cumberland County,
Pennsylvania 17011,
2, The Defendant, Holy spirit Hospital of the sisters of
Christian Charity, at all times herein mentioned, was and still is
a hospital corporation, organized and existing under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and is engaged In the business of
furnishing medical care, attentJ.on and hospitalization, and is
empowered to furnLsh such services and [acUities to admitted
patients, with its hospital buildingl!l located at 503 North 21st
street, Camp Hill, Cumberland county, Pennsylvllnia 17011, and
Igenerally is known as and trades as Holy spirit HOGpital.
3. on or about August 2, 1993, Plaintiff, who was 81 years
old, entered and was admitted to Defendant's hospital as a patient
tor right knee surgery.
4, on the atoresa id date, and at a 11 relevant timea,
Plaintiff was a paying patient for the purpose of having the
surgery, and was II business Lnvitee of the Defendant.
5. On or about Augurst 9, 1993, after her surgery al1d on the
date of her discharge frol1l the Defendant hospital, Plaintiff was
preparing to be transfer.red to the Mtlchanicsburg Hehab system,
where she was going to go for thernpy a/ld rehabilitation for her
knee.
6, On August 9, 1993, Plaintiff informed all agent, servant,
workman or employee of Defendal1t that she needed to get dr.essed in
order to be transferred to the MechanLcsburg Rehab system,
7, On the aforesaid date, the agent, servant, workman or
employee of Defendant put a curtaLn around the Plaintiff so she
could dress, and the Plaintiff placed her walker, which the
Defendant hospital provided because of her weakened condition, at
a location which was immediately accessible to her,
8. on the aforesaid date, the Plaintiff informed and
instr.uoted the agent, servant, workman or employee of Defendant
that she required the wallter in order to ambulate to the ambulance
personnel, who were waiting to transfer her to the Mechanicsburg
Rehab system facility.
-2-
9. on the afo..-esaid date, the Bgent, aorvilnt, workman or
_mployee removed the walker from ita provioua location as plaoed by
the Plaintitt without informing the Plaintitt of the removal,
contrary to the Plaintitt's directions, and without regard to the
Plaintiff'a condition.
10. on the aforesaid date, tho Plalntitt completed dressing
and reached backwards for tho walkor ilt tho lociltion in Which she
initially placed it,
11. As a direct result at the l'omoval of the walker and
disregard of Plaintiff's instruction Bnd condition by the agent,
servant, workman or employee of Dofendllnt, the Plaintiff tell
l;au/(wards and struck the IlBrd tloor of the Defendant hospital,
causing severe injuries as sot forth below.
12, After the fall, ambulance personnel from Camp Hill
Em~rgency Medical Services responded to the Plaintiff'S fall, and
placed her on a litter for transportation,
13. On the aforesaid date, an ambulance attendant from the
Camp Hill Emergency Medical Services talked to a nurse employed by
the Defendant and informed her of the fall, and that an x-ray may
be necessary of Plaintiff'S back.
14. On the aforesaid date, the nurse refused to take an x.
ray, stating it would be unnecesrsary.
-3-
COUNT 1
YJCARIOU8 LJABILI~
1~. Paragraphs 1 through 14 hel:"eot ne inool:"porated herein by
refel:'enCJe.
11\. plaintiff's tnll and injuries were oaused direotly,
proximatelY and/or SUbstantially by tho carelessness and negligence
of the Defendant, by and through its agents, servants, workmen or
employees Bcting withLn the scope of their employment Bnd/ol:"
lIuthol:"ity, in the following particulars~
(B) I:"omoving tho walker when speclficBl1Y
instl:"uoted not to remoV~ the walkorl
(b) not ensuring that tho walker was present at the
position it WBS placed by Plaintiff I
(c) failing to have the walker or other pl:"oper
equipment to allow Plaintiff to ambulate from the room
after she was dl:"essedl
(d) failing to adequately supervIse the Plaintiff
so that she would not fal11
(e) failing to be present or have someone pl:'esent
to assist Plaintiff in ambulating to the tl:"ansfer
ambulance I
(f) leaving the Plaintiff unattended while she was
dressing I
-4-
(9) failing to take an K-ray or perform the
required tests after plaintift's fAll,
(h) failing to provide Plaintlft with any medioal
oare following her fall at the DefendAnt hospital,
(i) failing to protect Plaintiff from falling as
she was dressing,
(j) failing to warn or otherwiee advise the
plaintiff that the walker Ilad been removed,
(k) failing to adequately train ite agents,
servants, workmen or employeoe in the proper Cllro for a
person of Plaintiff'e age and condition,
(1) failing to adequately inform its agents,
serv~nts, workmen or employees of plaintiff's condition
and speoific requirements therefor;
(m) fa il ing to prov ide adequate pat,ient care for
plaintiff while she was in the procees of being
discharged from the hospital;
(n) hiring a servant, workman or employee, or
having as its agent a person incompetent to care for
Plaintiff on the dAte of her discharge;
(0) failing to ensure that Plaintiff's directions
regarding the walker were followed by agents, rservants,
workmen or employees; and
(p) failing to ensure that its agents, eervants,
workmen or employees followed the phyeician's orders
-5-
t:e9ardin9 the oare ot phintitt in regards to the
n.oeesity of a walker or similar device,
17. As a direct and proximate result ot the negligence and
carelessness of Defendant, the plaintiff sustained serious and
painful injuries, inclllding, but l10t limited to, an L-l oompression
fracture in her back, arthritis, multiple bruises and contusions,
and shock to the nerves and nervoUs systel1l, somo Ol.' all of which
may be permllnent, in nature and I1IilY have aggravilted pre-existing
oonditions, causing her g~eat pain and suffering,
lB. As a direct and proximate result or Defendant's aforesaid
negligence and carelessness, I'laintLff wos forced to incur medioal
bills and expenses for the injul'ies she suffered, and may be
obliged in the future to expend further sums for medical servioes,
medication and medical equipment,
19. As a further direct and proximate result of the aforesaid
negligence and carelessness of Defendant, Plaintiff has undergone,
and in the future may undergo, great physical pain and mental
anguish, loss of life'S pleasuros, el1lbarrassmont, humililltion, and
a severo limitation in her pursuit of daily activities.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court enter judgment against the Defendant for the
aforesaid damages, which exceed the limits for compUlsory
arbi tration ill cumberland county, and assess cost6, interest and/or
damages for delay against Defendant as allowed by law.
-6-
COUNT n
PORPORAT. LIAIlLlfX
:10. Paragraphs 1 through 19 hereof ue inoorporated heuin ~y
referenoe.
21, plaintiff's fall llnd injuries were caused direotly,
proximately andlor substantially by the carelessness and negligenoe
of the Defendant in the followinq particular.sl
(a) tailing to adequately train, and have in place
proper procedures, ru leB, polic lOB and/ol" Btnndards to
train, its agents, servants, workmen or omployees in the
proper care for a perBon of Plaintiff/s age and
oonditionl
(b) failing to adequntely inform, and have in place
proper procedures, rules, policies and/or standards to
inform, its agents, servants, workmen or employees of
plaintiff'S condition and specitJ.c requirements therefol:'!
(0) failing to provide adequate patient care for
Plaintiff while she was in tile process of being
disoharged from the hospital I
(d) hiring a servant, workman or employee, or
having as its agent a person incompetent to care for
Plaintiff on the date of her dischargel
-7-
(e) fai1inq to havD proper soreening meauures in
plaae to avoid hiring persons inaompetent to care for
Plaintiff on the date of her dioahargel
(f) failing to enuure, and have in place proper
prooedures, rules, policios ilnd/or standards to ensure,
that Plaintiff's direotions regllrding the walker were
followed by agents, servants, workmen or employees I and
(g) failing to ensure, and hnve In placlll proper
prooedures, rules, policies and/or standards to ensure,
that its agents, servants, workmen or employees followed
the physicl11n's orders regarding the care of Plaintiff in
regards to the necessity of a walker or similar device.
22. As n direct and proxLmnte result of the negligence and
oarelessness of Defendant, the Plaintiff sustained serious and
painful injuries, incLUding, but not limited to, an L-l compression
fracture in her back, arthritLs, l1Iultiple brllises and contusions,
and shock to the nerves and nervous system, some or all of which
may be permanent in nature and may have aqgravated pre-existing
conditions, causing her great ~aln and suffering,
23. As a direct and proximate reslllt of Defendant's aforesaid
negligence Bl1d carelessness, Plaintiff was forced to incur medical
bills and expenses for the injuriers she suffered, and may be
obliged in the future to expend further sums for medical sorvices,
medication and medical equipment.
-8-
VIRaINI~ S. IRWIN
Plainl:i tt
IN 'rIHl: COUR'l' 01" COMMoN PLIllAS OF
CUMl!lllllLAHP COUN'l"i, PENHSYLVANIA
v.
1'10. 95~4099 CIVIL
HOLY SPIRI'I' HOSPI'l'AL 01" THill
SIS'l'ERS OF CIIRIS'l'IAH CHAIU'I'Y,
t/a HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL,
Defendant
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
IlJllj;;F OF PLJUIU'IF1' IlL9rfQSI'I'IQJLIQ
EB~11.Mnj!ill.'i. J;)D,.z.E~IUQN1L9LIJ.tt~EtlDhJj!r
A. FACTUAL AND PROC~~BA1_UlB'rgBY
On or about Augurst 2, 1993, Plaintiff. Virginia Irwin, who was
81 years old, was admitted to Defendant Holy spirit Hospital as a
patient for right knee surgery, At all times relevant to this
aotion, she wan a paYLng patient for the purpose of having the
surgery, and was a business invitee of defendant,
On August 9, 1993, plaintiff was to be discharged from
Defendant Hospital, As she WllS preparing to be transferred to the
Meohaniosburg Rehab system, she Lnformed an agent, servant, workman
or employee of defendant that she needed to get dressed in order to
leave.
The agent, servant, workman or employee put a curtain around
plaintiff so she could dress, and plaintiff placed her walker
(provided by Defendant Hospital to assist plaintiff) at a location
immediately accessible to her. She informed the agent, servant,
workman or employee that she required the walker because of her
weakened condition. Nonetheless, the agent, servant, workman or
.mploy.. nmoved the wAlkor from itQ previoufJ 10oation without
informing plaintiff 01.' the removal, oontrary to plaintiff's
instruotionfJ and without regard to her condition.
After plaintiff completed drefJSLng, she reaelled backwardfJ for
the walker at the location in which ahe had placed it. The walker
WafJ not there, and plaintiff fell backw~rds and struck the floor of
Defendant HOfJpital, aUffering severe injury.
Following the fall, amblllance personnel from tho Camp Hill
Emergenoy Medical Services responded to the plaintiff'S fall, and
placed her on a litter. An attendant informed a nurse omployed by
defendant that plaintiff had fallen, and that an x-ray may be
neoessary. 'rhe nUrse rofused to toke an x-ray, stating that it
would be unnecessary,
Plaintiff commenced a negligence action by Writ of SummonfJ.
On or about September 12, 1995, plaintiff filed a Complaint
oontaining a Count for Vicarious Liability and a Count for
Corporate Liability againrst defendant, On Septollmber 25, 1995,
defendant filed Preliminary Objections in the Nature of a Demurrer
to Plaintiff's corporate Liability Claim, This matter is scheduled
for Argument Court on December 6, 1995, and plaintiff received
Defendant' Ii Complaint on or about December 1, 1995, Plaintiff
immediately responded via this Brief.
-2-
Preliminary objeotlons in the Nature ot a Demurrer are improper and
should be denied,
corporate liability, or oorporate negligenoe, ie a relatively
new theory of liability in Pennaylvania, 'rhe theory of oorporate
liability all it relatell to hoapitalB was adopted In 1991 in
Thompllon v. NaBon HOBplt6l, 527 Pa, 3:10, 591 A.2d 703 (1991). 'rhe
supreme Court in ~m~n aUcdLnctly expluinod the definition of
oorporate n0g1Lqenoe as it applies to hospitals, stating "corporate
negligenoe is a dootrine under which the hospital irs liable if it
fails to uphold the proper standard of care owed the patient, which
is to ensure the patient's safet,y and well-bel,ng while at the
hospital. This theory of liability r;reatos a nondelegable duty
whioh the hospital owes directly to the patient,.,," ilL., A.;2d at
707.
There are four areas Classifying a hospital's general duty to
its patients I
1) a duty to UBe reasonable care Ln the maintenance of safe
and adequate facilitiers and equipment;
2) a duty to rseleot and retain only competent physioians;
3) a duty to oversee all persons who practice medioine
within its walls as to patient care;
4) a duty to formulate, adopt and enforoe adequate rules and
policies to ensure quality care for the patients.
~, A.2d at 707.
-4-
The oourt in rb2m~ went on to ewpound upon the parameters
ot the duty ot oare by outlining the standard reoognhed ill llilUJl
Memorial Hospital v. ...J.1.Qluln, 504 PII. 571, 475 A,2d 1314 (1984) as
the appropriate measure of carel
One who undurtllkes, gratuitously or fOl:
considel:ation, to rendor services to another
whioh he shollld reoogni~e BS neoessary fOl: the
protection of the other'S person or things is
subjeot to liability to the other tor PhysIoal
harm resulting from his fnilure to exer.oise
reasonable oare to perform his undertaking, it
(1) his failllre to exercise sllch oare inoreases the
risk of such harm, or
(2) the harm Ls suffored because of the other's
reliance upon the undertaking.
Riddle, 475 A.2d at 1316, citing the
Restatement of Torts 2d S 323 (1965).
~, A.2d at 708,
The court in Thompson was clear in its conclusion that under
th~ doctrine of corporate neglLgence or corporate liability, the
hospital is liable if it fails to uphold the proper standard of
care owed its patient. It is true that the court also explained
that in order for a hospital to be charged with negligence, it is
necessary to show that the hospitlll had actual or constructive
knowledge of the defect or procedllres which creat~d the harm. ~,
A.2d at 708, citing Fridena v. EVanH, 127 Ariz. 516, 622 P,2d 463
(1980) and fWLcell v. Zimhglffiftn, 18 Ariz.App, 75, 83, 500 P,2d 335,
343 (1972). Plaintiff has IIssorted that the individual assisting
-5-
plaintiff W81 an agent, I18rvant, workman or employ.e of the
hospita11 it can logically pe interre<1 that the hOlipital had
knowledqe that plaintiff was peing assisted by the agent, servant,
workman or employee, and that this was hospital procedure being
implemented,
'rhe iSSlle then turns on whether plaintitt has olearly and
undoubtedly tailed to state a cause of nation under the corporate
liapility theory.
Plaintiff hllS alleged in her complnlnt fncts that, if proven,
would liupjeot Pefendant 1I0spi ta 1 to oorporate liapi li ty, She has
alleged, ..inter ali1l, that defendant was negligent in failing to
adequatoly inform, and have Ln pineo proper procedures, rules,
policies and/or standards to inform, its agents, servants, workmen
or employees of plaintitt'rs condition and specific requirements
therefore, and failure to adequately troJ.n, and have in place
proper prooedures, rules, policies and/or standards to train, its
agqnts, servants, workmen or employees In the proper care of 11
person of plaintiff'S age and condition.
One of the four categories of a hospital's duties, embraced by
the Supreme Court in Thompson, Is a duty to formulate, adopt and
enforce adequate rules and policies to ensure quality care for the
patients. Acoepting as true p1aintif f' s a llegations thaI: defendant
failed to have in place and/or enforce adequate rules, policies and
standards to ensure her safety, that plnintiff's walker was moved
-6-
by an agent, Dervant, workman or employoo or derendant, and that
her rail and ftul:lDequent injury WaD oaused as a direot result ot the
walker being moved, plaintiff hllD atnted B I.JI\USO at Botion tor
corporate liability, ~nd thoro are very concrete faotual issues to
be determined, To strike plaintiff's count for corporato Liability
would be, at thim point, inapPl:'opriato,
The I)octrine of corporttte LillPLlity hnB only recontly been
adoptod by the I?ennsy lvnnill oourts. '1'0 ditto, tho courtB have
attempted to diBcern and define the pnrameterB of hospital duty on
a oaBO by caBe basis. our super ior COllrt gave n rel1linder in
Edwards v. Brandyw iI1!oLllQIilVl!;.!l1 that the "leMur courts are pound to
try to figure out what the duties mean and npply them, rather than
dismiBs them or distinguish them awny." EillIlIrds v. Brl.\ndvwl..lli!
Hoscital, 438 PI.\, Super, 673, 652 A,2d l.J82, 1386, (L2 (1995). It
is a duty of the fact finder to oXflmLne the ovidence presented and
determine whether, balled upon tho sped t ic fnctB of this case,
plaintiff has proven that there WC\S in fnct n hospLtal duty owed
and breached. In order to do thiB, plaintiff must be afforded the
opportunity to present as evidence the ndditional fnctB necessary
to prove her case, gained through diBcovory,
Defendant's Brief points to rhQm~ and Edwards for
delineation of the bounds of corporate liability, However, it is
interesting to note that in rJlQm12liQ!l, the supreme Court held that
there was a sUffioient question of material fact presented as to
-7-
whether the hospital was negligent in Bupervising the quality of
the medical care reoeived by plaintiff, ~such that the trial court
could not have properly granted summary judgmont on tho LBsue of
oorporate liabil i ty, ~ 'l'hompson, 591 A.2d at 709. similarly, in
&lwA.tIUl, the case went to trial, and tho superior Court held that
~a hospital's oorporate negligence will be measured against what a
reasonable hospital under similar cirClImstanceo should have done.~
Edwards, 652 A,2d lit 13117, clellrly, this culls for a faotual
determination of whether defendant acted reasonably or is li~ble
under a theory of corporate liability,
Defendant at"gues that his preliminary objections shOUld be
sustained so plaintiff is not afforded the opportunity to seek
discovery of information that would otherwise be nondiscoverable if
the Count for Corporate Liability were stricken. on the contrary,
it is premature to strike the Count for corporate Liability prior
to discovery, since the purpose of discovery is to enable the
applicant to make out his cause of action or defense, and to allow
counsel to gain adequate knowledge of the facts and issuers, See
PeoDles citv Bank v. John Hancogk Mut, Lifo~. co" 353 Pa, 123,
44 A.2d 514 (1945); Bee also Blou~ Clifford R, Zinn & Son.
~, 350 Pa, Super. 327, 504 A,2d 862 (1986).
This Court may only proper ly grant Defendant's Preliminary
Objections if plaintiff has olearly and undoubtedly failed to state
a cause of action under the theory of corporate liability.
-8-
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VIRGINIA S. IRWIN
plaintiff
IN THR COURT OF COMMON PLRAS OF
CUMS2RLAND COUNTY, PRNNSYLVANIA
V.
HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL OF THR
SIS'l'2RS OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY,
tla HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL
NO. 95-4099 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN RE I llRIlLIMINAIW OIlJEC'rIONS OF DEFENDANT
J.mFOREI SHEELY. P.J.. 1I0FE'ER. J.. OLER. J.
OPINION AND ORDER OF QQllll~
Defendant haa filftd preliminary objeotiona in the nature of
a demurrer to plaintiff/a corporate liability claim. We heard
argument on December 6, 1995.
STATEMENT OF THE FACTS
The facta neceaaary to decide defendant'a demurrer are
brief. Plaintiff waa admitted to Holy Spirit Hoapital for knee
eurgery on Auguat 2, 1993. (Complaint at !3). On August 9, 1993,
plaintiff waa dreaaing in preparation to be tranBferred to the
Mechanicaburg Rehab Syatem. (Complaint at !51. She allegedly
plaoed her walker within arm'a reach behind her. (Complaint at
!7, !10). After ahe finiahed dreaaing, plaintiff claima to have
reaohed behind her for the walker, unaware that an agent or
employee of the hoapital had moved it, thua cauaing plaintiff to
fall and auffer aevere injury. (Complaint at !9, !10, !11). One
of the causes of action that plaintiff haB alleged in her
complaint is predicated upon the theory of corporate negligence,
in which she claimB, ~r alia, that defendant failed to have in
place proper procedureB, rules, andlor atandardB fer plaintiff'S
,
NO. 95"4099 CIVIL TERM
oare and failed to eneure adequate patient oare. (Complaint at
!21). Defendant has filed proliminary objeotions to this oount,
olaiming that no oaUBe of action exists under thn faots all.ged.
Illf3CUf3f3IQN
Our standard of review for ruling upon a preliminary
obj.otion in the nature of a demurrer is well established.
All material facts set forth in the complaint
as well as all the inferenoes reasonably
deduoible therefrom are admitted for the
purpose of this review. The question
presented by the demurrer is whether, on the
faots ~verrod, the law says with certainty
that no recovery is possible. Whe~e a doubt
exists as to whether a demurrer should be
sustained, thie doubt should be in favor of
overruling it.
Jones v. Waaner, 425 Pa. Super. 102, 104-105, 624 A.2d 166, 167
(1993). The caBe law interpreting oorporate negligence as it
relates to hospitals is relatively sp~rse, with our supreme court
first adopting the doctrine in ~hompBon v. Nason "osDital, 527
Pa. 330, 591 A.2d 703 (1991).
In Thompson, the court imposed
the following non-delegable duties upon a hospital.
(1) A duty to use reasonable care in the maintenance of
safe and adequate facilities and equipment I
(2) A duty to select and retain only competent
phyelcians I
(3) A duty to oversee all persons who praotioe medioine
within its walls as to patient oarel
(4) A duty to formulat.e, adopt and enforce adequate
rules and policies to ensure quality oare for the
patients.
lA. at 339"340, 591 A.2d at 707 (oitations omitted).
2
NO. 95-4099 CIVIL TERM
Additionally, we note plaintlt f' s pha to the Court to oonsider
the admonishment of our superior Court in J::fiWlUdll v. Bnlll$ywillll
~olpital, 438 Pa. Super. 673, 6~2 A.2d 1382 (199511 "lower oourts
are bound to try to figure out what the dutiell mean and to apply
them, rather than to dlamillll them or dilltin'luillh thorn away." lfi.
at 682-683, 652 A.2d at 1386 (f. 21.
Keeping in mind the IItandard of a demurrer as well the
admonillhment of our Superior Court in l:;dwardJJ, wo will detel'mine
the applioability of the non-delegable duties of a hospital as
expreslled in Thomoson to the faots in the instant case. Beoause
the first three duties deal with hospital equipment, physioians,
and medioine, they bear no relationship to plaintiff's alleged
injuries. We will therefore direot our llnalYllis to the fourth
duty imposed upon defendant.
In order to avoid dismissal of the oount alleging corporate
negligenoe, plaintiff must allege facts to lIupport her claim that
defendant failed to formulate, adopt and enforce adequate rules
and policies to ensure quality oare for the patientll. We believe
that plaintiff'S fall, if proven to be caulled in the manner
alleged, is not the type of incident that our supreme court had
in mind in adopting the theory of corporate negligence. As
defendant has prudently quoted from Edwards, "oorporate liability
will not be triggered every time something goes wrong in a
hospital whioh harms a patient." 438 Pa. super. at 683, 652 A.2d
at 1386. Further,
3
NO. 9~.4099 CIVIL T~nM
Thomoson contemplates a kind of Bystemia ne9ligonoe,
Huoh as where a hospital knows that one of it. staff
phYHioianB is incompetent but letB that physician
praotioe medioine anyway, or where a hOBpi~al should
realize that itB patien~s are routinoly getting
infeotod beoause the nursing staff is leaving oath.ters
in the Bame spot for too long, yet the hospital fails
to formulate, adopt or enforoe any rule about moving
oatheters. . . .
lQ. at 683, 652 A.2d at 1.387.
We find that an employee or agent allegedly moving an already
injured patient'B walker without that person's knowledge is not
the typo of "Bystemio negligenoe" envisioned by Thompson.
QnDEn OF COURT
AND NOW, this S tl. day of ~, 1996, after oareful
oonsideration of dofendant's motion, as well ae the oral
argumente and briefe of the parties, we hereby GRANT defendant'.
preliminary objeotions to plaintiff's oorporate liabl,lity olaim.
By the court,
/s/ Harold E. Sheely
Harold E. Sheely, P.J.
Ramona C. Cataldi, Esq.
For the Plaintiff
Jayson R. Wolfgang, Esquire
For the Defendant
IBld
.
4
VIIKIlNIA S, II~WIN,
111,llnllrr
ilN THE couln lll' CllMMllN PLEAS
iCUMlIl\I~I.ANIJ cllUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
i CIVil, ACTlllN ' LAW
v,
HOLY Sl'UUf HOSPITAL OP
THE SISTm~ (JII CHIUSTIAN
CHARITY, t/a t-1l11.Y SPIIUf
HOSPITAL,
: Nl), 'l5..1l)'l'l CIVil,
Uehmdant
: /UIW TIUAI. UEMANPl!U
~OTICE TO l'LEAD
TOI Virginia s. Irwin, 1'lalnl\Hs
do Clark Dl!Vere, EKqulre
3211 Nurth Frunt Slrl!el
Harrisburg, l'A 17110
You are hereby notified to file a wrlllen resporuie to the enclosed Answl!r wllh Nl!w
Maller within twenty (20) days from sel'vke hereof or a judgment mAY be lmtered
agAinst you,
METrE, EVANS & WOODSIDE
By:
Ja '01 R. Wlllfgan '
S p, Ct. 1.0, #6207
3401 North Front Street
Harrisburg, P A 17110
(717) 232,5000
Allorlleys fl1r Ddendal1ts,
Hol y Spirit t-1ospltal or the Sisters of
Christian Charity, tla Hl1ly Spirit Hospital
DATED: March 14, 1996
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VIRGINIA S. IRWIN,
Plaint:itt
v..
IN THE COUIl'l' OF COMMoN PLEAS
OUMaEIlLANP GOUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 96-4099 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
HOLY SPIRIT HOBPITAL OF THE
SISTERS 01' CHRISTIAN CHARI'l'Y,
tla HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL,
Defendant
JURY 'l'RIAL DEMANDED
lLA1BtllI~1-BIPLY TO DJlJ~DAHT'B "J! HATT!R
26. Conolusion of lBW, no rosponse required. If a response
i. required, the averments Bre specifically denied.
26. Conolusion of law, no response required, If a response
i. required, the averments are specifioally denied.
27. Conclusion of low, no response required. If a response
is required, the avermenr.s are speoifioally denied.
28. Conolusion of low, no response required. If a response
is required, the av~rments are speoifically denied.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests thet Defendant's
New Matter be dismissed and that judgment be entered against
Defendant as more speoifioally set forth in her Complaint.
METZGER, WICKERSHAM, KNAUSS & ERB
By Cla~k c o'ever:/ESquire
Attorney 1.0, 168768
111 Market street
P.O. Box 93
Harrisburg, PA 17108-0093
(717) 238-8187
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Patedl March 21, 1996
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VB.
IN THE cOUR'r OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND cOUN'ry, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 95-4099 CIVIL
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
VIRGINIA S. IRWIN,
plaintiff
HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL OF THE
SISTERS OF CHRISTIAN CHARIT~,
t/a HOLY SPIRIT HOSPITAL,
Defendant.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
lLAlNTlrr'. 'ITITION TO OOijllL DIBOOVIRY
plaintiff, Virginia S. Irwin, through her undersigned oounsel,
respeotfully petitions this court pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 4003.1,
4009 and 4019 for an Order compelling the Defendant Holy spirit
Hospital, to produce the document identified balow. In support of
her motion, plaintiff represents as followSI
1. On september 12, 1995, Plaintiff filed a Complaint
against Defendant arising out of a 1993 fall she sustained while a
patient at Defendant's hospital,
2. The complaint alleges acts of negligence on the part of
Defendant's agents, servants, workmen or employees acting within
the scope of their employment and/or authority for which Defendant
is alleged to be vicariously liable,
3. The specif lc acts of negligence include not having proper
equipment to assist Plaintiff in amnulating in the room, failing to
adequately supervise Plaintiff and failing to have someone aSBi.t
Plaintiff while ambulating in the room.
4. on Oeollmber 21, 1995, pll1inti tt's counlSB1 took the
deposition of Jennifer alaaoo who was the nurse supervisor at the
time of Plaintiff's fall.
!'l. ourinq the aforesaid deposition, HIS. IHasco tutified
that they had polioiee for patients at risk for falls in their
polioy manual in 1993. A oopy of the PQrtinent paqes from Ms.
alasoo'~ deposition transcript are attached hereto aa Exhibit "A".
6. The Plaintiff has teatified in her deposition that she
was left alone while dressil1q and her walker was removed from the
room.
.,. on January 9, 1996, Plaintif.f's counsel forwarded to
Defendant's counsel a written request for the aforesaid policy.
B. On March 19, 1996, fOl1owinq aeveral further requeste,
Oefendant's counsel forwarded to Plaintiff's counsel a letter
indioatinq that they would not be producing the policy,
9. on March 22, 1996, Plaintiff's counsel responded to the
Karoh 19, 1996, letter. indicating that the requested policy is
relevant to the vioarloua liability claim against the hospital
beoause if the nurses failed to follow hospital policy then that
JDay constitute proof of negligence of the individual whioh is
imputable to the hospital.
10. On April 25, 1996, after receiving no response to
Plaintiff.'s counsel March 22, 1996 letter, Plaintiff's counsel
served upon Defendant's counsel a Second Request for production ot
Documents in which the aforesaid policy documents were requested.
2
A copy cf the Second Requut for prcduction of Ooouments is
attaohed hereto a. Ewhibit "B".
1L On Hay 8, 1996, Defendant's oounsel Bervert upon
Plaintiff's counsel a response to the Seoond RequeBt tor produotion
of Doouments objecting to tho aforesaid request on the basis that
the information requested was not relevant nor likely to lead to
the discovery of admin.ible evidence. ^ copy of the Defendant's
re.ponse is attaohed hureto as Exhibit "CU.
12. To date, the Oefendant has not produoed the requested
policy document deBpite several requests therefor,
13. Under Pa.R.C.P. No, 4003.1, the Plaintiff may obtain
discovery regarding any non-privileged matter. which is relevant to
the subject matter involved in the pending action inclUding the
nature and content of any books or documents.
14. Under Pa.R,C.P. No. 4009, the Plaintiff may serve upon
Defendant a request to produce and permit an inspection or copying
of any designated documents which constitute or contain matters
within the Bcope of Rule 4003.1, et seq.
15. Furthermore, Rule 4009 requires Defendant to serve a
written response within 30 days after service of the request in
which the responding party must state whether the inspection will
be permitted as requested or state the objection thereto.
16. Furthermore, under Rules 4009 and RUle 4019(a), the
Plaintiff may move for an Order with the respect to any objection
to or other failure to respond to the request or any part thereat
or any failure to permit inBpection as requested.
3
1
Q
1;2
I mOBn, you/vo muntionud a 1993 policy manual,
2 the ho~pital policy, but aB far oa did you have any
3 ~~parato ruloa that. the nuraoa followed on tho orthopedic
4 floor? Oid you havo any documunta?
!l A No.
14
15
16
17
to follow?
A
Q
A
Q
A
falls.
Q
falla?
..
You have policie~ for patient~ at risk for
MR. WOLFGANG: Are thoae polioies state
THE WITNESS: I don' t. know tho t.
MR. WOLFGANG: Okay. I think the question waa
21 -- did you aay atate regulations?
10 Yes.
11 No.
18 regulated?
19
20
22
23
MR. DeVERE: Yeah, I aaked atate rogulationa.
THE WITNESS: I don't know that.
24 BY MR. DeVERE:
25
Q
Now, the~e polioie~ for patient a at risk fo~
VIRGINIA 8. IRWIN,
l'll'lintitt'
Va.
I IN 'l'lIl!: COUa'l' 01' COMMON PLEAS
I ClJMllI>:lll,MIP COUWI'Y / I'I!;NtHlYLVANIA
I
I NO, 95-4099 CIVIL
I
I CIVIL ACTION - LAW
I
t
I JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
HOLY SPIRI'l' 1I0SPI'l'AL OF '1'1I~;
SISTERS 01' CIIRIS'I'IAN cIIAln'I'V,
t/a 1I0LY SPIRI'l' 1I0SPI'l'AL/
Defendnnt.
PLAINTIFf' B SEOOND REQUES'I' fOR PRODUOTION or
/mmlMfJNl'JL.I1lijL.1linl1gTI9t1._11I n f)g'!'fJl1~'lL.JUll'Jllintll
TOI HOLY spun'l' 1I0SpI'1'AL OF 'I'IIE SIS'l'Elw
OF CIIRIS'I'IAN CIIARI'I'V, tl n HOLY SPUU'I' 1I0Sl'ITAL
-- and --
Jayson R. Wolfgang, Euqui~o
Metto, Evnns & Woodside
3401 North Front stroot
P.o. llox 5950
lIarrisburg, PA 17110-0950
Counsel for Dofendnnt
Pursuant to Ponnsylvania RUlo of civil Prooedure 4009, you are
.
horeby requestod to produce for inspection and copying at the
Offices of Plaintiff's counsel, Metzgor, WickerSham, Knauss & Erb,
3211 North Fron~ stroot, P.O, Box 5300, lIarrisburg, PA 17110-0300,
or at such other location as mny be mutually agreod upon by counsel
not later than thirty (30) days aftor service of these Requests,
the fOllowing documenta,
In liou of the formal scheduled
production, copies of ill requested documents, properly identified
by request, may bo forwarded to Plnintiff's counsel nt the above
address within thirty (30) days after sorvico of thoso Requests.
You are also hereby roquostod to pormit entry by Plaintiff and
her counsel upon the property dosignatod below for inspection and
photographing on mnttors relovant to Plaintiff's claims in this
lIot 1011 l'lllralHlllt t.o I'll, II, C ,I', /'10, ~ l)l)~J, '1'110 lnapoot lon lIhOl.lld ho
uohodl.llod wlthln tlllrty (30) dllya OR ruqulrud by r~nnaylYQnln RUlo
at civil Proooduro 4009,
DEI"INI'l'l.QNl1
Tho word "documont" or "doouments" as used in the within
Request includes, without limitlltion or exoeption, the originl'll and
oopies of tho following itemst (Whether printed or recorded or
reproduoed by any other mechonioal procoBs/ or written or produoed
by hand). Agroementa, comilwnications, correspondenoe, telegrams,
memoranda, summar ies or records of porsona 1 conversations or plans /
drawings / sketches, maps / sUl1\1nariell or records of meetings or
oonferences, summarioo or reports of investigations or
negotiations, opinions or reports of consultants, drafts, letters,
any marginal comments appearing on any document, and writings of
every kind. This dofinition shnl1 olso be deemed to include any
machlne-produced document, whether from a computer or not, notes
and reoords of hny oral communication and recordings (tape/ disk,
or other) of oral communicntions.
The word "communication" as used in tho within Request shall
mean any transmission of information by oral, written, pictorial,
or otherwise perceptible means/ including, but not limited to/
telephone conversations, letters, telegrams, and personal
oonversations.
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IN '1'111'; COUII'l' OF ClINNON I'I.I';AH
CUNIlEllI.ANIl COUN'I'Y, I'I';NNHYI.VANI A
NO. ~5-'IU~~ CIVIL
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____t______________________________
PMECI1'1\ TO o 1':'1''1' I. E, IlIHCONTINUE
Mil ENIl ANIl 10HUE Clm'l'll'lCATE
@ oE'l"l'LEMENT
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METZGER. WICKERISH..M. KN"'USS & ERB, P.C.
AnoAHn.., L.w
JIm NO'UH rAo,." 5"ul1'
P. O. Box 5300
HA.""t'lu"o. Pr:HNIYLVA.NI. 1'1110-0300