Jury Awarded $5.25 Million in Wrongful Death Case Against Jefferson Hospital
Table of Contents
Overview
In July 2025, a Pennsylvania jury awarded $5.25 million to the family of Darlene Jury. The case involved her death following a routine bronchoscopy in 2021. Her son, Steven Jury, filed the lawsuit as administrator of her estate. He accused Jefferson Hospital of negligence and wrongful death. The jury found the hospital responsible but cleared the physicians involved.
Procedure and Decline
Dr. Christian Kyung performed the bronchoscopy at Jefferson Hospital on August 18, 2021. He reported no visible complications during the procedure. Darlene’s oxygen levels dropped afterward. Nurses recorded her saturation at 90% on nasal cannula before discharge. That evening, she complained of chest pain and used oxygen at home. Her family found her dead the next morning.
Autopsy and Cause of Death
Medical examiners performed an autopsy. They found a laceration in her right lung. The injury caused hemorrhagic shock. They linked the damage directly to the bronchoscopy.
Lawsuit and Claims
Steven Jury claimed the hospital failed to monitor Darlene after the procedure. He argued staff ignored warning signs. He also said they violated discharge policies. His attorneys pointed to her respiratory history as a risk factor. They believed better care would have prevented her death.
Defense Arguments
The doctors involved denied wrongdoing. They said the procedure followed standard guidelines. They also noted the complication was extremely rare. Their attorneys stressed the lack of documented precedent. Despite this, the jury sided only against the hospital.
Jury Decision
Jurors deliberated for seven hours over two days. They held Jefferson Hospital liable. They found no fault with the physicians or affiliated medical groups. The court awarded the full amount to the Jury family.
Response and Impact
The family’s attorney said they hoped the verdict would improve patient safety. Allegheny Health Network declined to comment. The case highlighted the risks of premature discharge. It also underscored the need for careful post-op monitoring—especially in patients with complex lung conditions.
Details were originally shared by PAULA REED WARD via TribLive: