Man shot in neck last year files medical malpractice suit against Geisinger

Posted On:   21 March 2018

Wilkes-Barre, US – 31st January, 2018: A Bethlehem man shot in the neck in Hanover Township last year has sued the hospital system that treated him, alleging negligence.

Norman Lynch was shot in the neck early Feb. 28, records show, and was transported to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township.

A lawsuit filed Wednesday in Luzerne County Court argues that Geisinger is responsible for a significant injury Lynch sustained in the wake of the shooting.

Lynch’s lawsuit, filed by attorneys Andrew S. Youman, David J. Caputo and David M. Schwardron from the firm Youman and Caputo, says hospital staff should have been aware of Lynch’s increased risk of forming pressure ulcers.

Diagnosed as a paraplegic from the chest down, Lynch was unable to adequately move himself, and the lawsuit suggests Lynch was not moved enough by hospital staff to prevent the formation of a pressure ulcer, which he was diagnosed with near the end of March.

Lynch says through his attorneys that the ulcer allowed for severe infections, including MRSA, to culture in the wound, which led to a period of prolonged hospitalization.

A Geisinger spokesperson said the health system was unable to comment on the lawsuit because it had not yet received it. But an investigation would begin once it is received, according to the spokesperson.

Lynch is seeking upwards of $50,000 in damages.

Source: http://www.timesleader.com/news/691107/man-shot-in-neck-last-year-files-medical-malpractice-suit-against-geisinger