JOHNSTOWN - The family of a retired Altoona railroad worker has filed a federal lawsuit against Blair County's Valley View Home because they claim he died of a bed sore that never healed despite repeated attempts at treatment by the county home staff.
Alfred L. Pellegrino, who lived at 2019 Third Ave., was admitted to the county home in July 2009, suffering from Pick's disease, a neurological disorder that eventually leads to death, attorney Robert F. Daley of Pittsburgh said.
The family knew that there would not be a positive outcome because of the disease, but Daley said the death "just didn't have to be the way it was."
The lawsuit filed last week in U.S. District Court stated that the Valley View resident suffered from sores that required surgery to treat, and Pellegrino died from kidney failure caused by congestive heart failure due to an infected wound.
Pellegrino "suffered pain, distress and death as a result of Valley View's poor care and treatment that allowed him to suffer harm," according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit asks damages for pain, suffering, anxiety and other conditions stemming from the treatment for the bed sores. It also requests payment of hospital, medical, surgical and nursing expenses associated with Pellegrino's care.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Virginia L. Pellegrino, his wife and administratrix of his estate.
Valley View Home is owned by Blair County but is operated by Affinity Health Services of Indiana. Valley View Administrator Chris Dear, an Affinity employee, said he could not comment on pending litigation.
Pellegrino, 69, a Vietnam veteran, entered Valley View with no skin problems. He was able to walk with a wheeled walker and was able to communicate his needs to the staff. He was determined to be at low risk for the development of pressure sores, the lawsuit stated.
It is charged that Valley View failed to initiate steps to prevent the development of pressure ulcers.
By October 2009, skin problems appeared, and between October 2009, and January 2010, Pellegrino "repeatedly" was taken to the wound clinic at Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Hospital Campus, it is charged.
The family had him transferred to the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home in February, but his wounds never healed and he died May 7, 2010, court papers indicate.
Blair County Commissioner Diane Meling, the county commissioner who oversees the home's operation, did not know about the lawsuit but said she was aware that communication was taking place between Pellegrino's attorneys and county officials, an indication a lawsuit was a possibility.
The Valley View Home has 240 beds, the second largest in Blair County, and is one of 10 Blair County skilled care nursing homes.
Mirror Staff Writer Phil Ray is at 946-7468.
