The sudden death of a 72-year-old man which occurred last September 11th at the Lamezia Terme hospital is being examined by the Prosecutor’s Office which has opened an investigation file. This was reported in a note by the family’s lawyer, Rosario Perri, after having presented the complaint to the Prosecutor’s Office asking to shed light on the circumstances that preceded the death. The deputy prosecutor – it was announced – ordered the validation of the seizure of the patient’s medical records. The investigation file is currently open against unknown persons and hypothesizes the crimes of manslaughter and culpable liability for death in a healthcare setting.
The man’s clinical story began in early September. After an initial discharge from the emergency room following a fall – explains the lawyer – he was hospitalized again on 3 September due to a serious drop in blood pressure. Transferred to sub-intensive care, the 72-year-old’s clinical picture seemed reassuring, so much so that on 10 September the doctors – according to the lawyer – reassured his family by predicting imminent resignation. On September 11, however, the situation worsened. After the family was informed of a fever linked to a suspected infection, the man’s condition worsened within a few hours, leading to his death.
In the complaint, the family asks to shed light on the conduct of the healthcare personnel, hypothesizing, among other things, a series of alleged negligences which include a nosocomial infection and the failure to activate timely life-saving protocols. The investigation is subject to maximum confidentiality and the 72-year-old’s relatives are now awaiting the autopsy, a step that will prove fundamental to clarify the causes of death and ascertain any responsibilities.