Jurors deadlocked in medical malpractice suit involving double amputee
A Fayette County jury failed to reach a verdict in a 2009 medical malpractice suit in which a Brownsville woman sought to hold a doctor accountable for the amputation of her legs.
In order for 26-year-old Shanna Hiles to prevail in the civil suit, 10 out of 12 jurors would have to agree that Dr. Mark Fennema was negligent in his treatment when she arrived at the Uniontown Hospital emergency department on May 23, 2009.
Hiles, represented by attorney Monte J. Rabner, asserted Fennema should have recognized that she was suffering from compartment syndrome, instead diagnosing her with acute alcohol intoxication.
Court documents state Hiles became intoxicated while celebrating her 20th birthday, and that she was taken to Uniontown Hospital the following afternoon after she was found unconscious with her legs folded under her.
Emergency room nurses reportedly noted both Hiles’ legs were red as though they were burned, and that there was a strong odor of urine.
When Fennema examined her, he allegedly determined Hiles was incontinent and the urine likely caused what were perceived as burns on her legs.
Records state Fennema was unable to get a medical history from Hiles due to her level of intoxication. He later opted to have her transferred to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, and documents indicate her condition deteriorated on the way.
Hiles arrived at UPMC at around 10 p.m., and by then physicians determined she needed a bilateral amputation at the knees.