Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Jill Ann Petty, 68, went to UPMC Passavant, complaining of left-sided chest pain and shortness of breath. She was admitted to the facility and diagnosed as having suffered an N-STEMI heart attack. She underwent a catheterization and was scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery a few days later. Before she underwent the bypass, UPMC staff had her get out of bed and perform a timed five-meter walk test. After completing the test, Petty went into cardiac arrest and died. She is survived by her son.

Petty’s son, on behalf of her estate, sued UPMC Passavant, alleging professional negligence. The plaintiff asserted that the defendant was vicariously liable for, among other things, the ordering of contraindicated cardiopulmonary rehabilitation for Petty, who was at high risk for an adverse cardiac event.

The parties settled for $450,000.

Citation: Petty v. UPMC Passavant, No. GD-22-001460 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Allegheny Cnty. Feb. 8, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Margaret M. Cooney, Pittsburgh.