Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Saint Francis Hospital for Alleged Failure to Treat Respiratory Emergency – October 16, 2025
Isabelle, acting on behalf of her late husband’s Estate, has filed a wrongful death and medical malpractice lawsuit against Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Trinity Health of New England, Asylum Hill Family Medicine Center, and several physicians involved in his care. The lawsuit alleges that the hospital and its providers failed to recognize and treat a rapidly worsening respiratory crisis, leading to two collapses, two cardiac arrests, and ultimately his death.
A Medical Emergency That Required Urgent Intervention
According to the Complaint, Isabelle’s husband arrived at Saint Francis Hospital in early January with severe breathing difficulties, wheezing, and signs of respiratory distress. Hospital staff documented serious concerns but allegedly failed to provide timely non-invasive ventilation—an essential treatment for patients whose lungs cannot effectively remove carbon dioxide.
The lawsuit states that despite clear indicators of respiratory failure and a known history of high-risk lung disease, providers opted for “close monitoring” instead of early intervention. Critical overnight respiratory support was not provided, and hospital staff did not perform follow-up testing that would have revealed his declining condition.
First Collapse and ICU Transfer
The next day, while still hospitalized, he collapsed and struck his head. He went into cardiac arrest shortly afterward. He was resuscitated and transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where he was found to have suffered significant neurological injury due to lack of oxygen. The Complaint alleges that this first collapse resulted directly from untreated respiratory failure that progressed overnight. Amended Complaint Draft
Ongoing Signs of Decline—And Missed Opportunities
While he showed some improvement in the ICU, he continued to struggle with breathing support overnight. The lawsuit alleges that providers repeatedly failed to respond adequately when his mental status changed or when he could not tolerate his respiratory mask. Despite clear signs of decline, follow-up testing was not ordered at critical moments.
Therapy staff and nurses documented worsening lethargy, but the hospital still did not take appropriate action to evaluate whether his respiratory condition was deteriorating again. Amended Complaint Draft
Second Collapse and Wrongful Death Allegations
Later that month, hospital staff found him on the floor of his room after the bed alarm sounded. He was unresponsive and had no pulse. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. The Complaint alleges that this second collapse—like the first—was caused by unrecognized respiratory failure that hospital staff failed to treat. Amended Complaint Draft
Claims of Negligence
The lawsuit alleges numerous breaches of the standard of care, including:
- Failing to initiate timely non-invasive ventilation
- Failing to order necessary follow-up testing when symptoms changed
- Failing to escalate care or obtain specialty consultation
- Failing to monitor for rising carbon dioxide levels
- Failing to ensure fall-prevention measures
- Planning discharge despite worsening mental status
- Inadequate supervision of resident physicians
According to the Complaint, these failures led to preventable respiratory collapse, neurological injury, and wrongful death. Loss-of-consortium claims have also been filed on Isabelle’s behalf. Amended Complaint Draft
Why This Case Matters
Respiratory failure is a medical emergency that requires immediate recognition and action. When hospitals fail to respond quickly, patients can suffer catastrophic harm—even while under inpatient care.
Families place their trust in medical professionals during their most vulnerable moments. When that trust is broken, Connecticut law provides a path to seek accountability, justice, and financial compensation.
If You Believe a Loved One Suffered From Delayed or Improper Medical Care
Medical malpractice can occur when warning signs are missed, when follow-up testing is ignored, or when proper treatment is delayed. If you or your family member experienced:
- Failure to diagnose
- Delayed treatment
- Improper monitoring
- Nursing errors
- Falls in a hospital setting
- Respiratory failure or wrongful death
you may have the right to pursue a legal claim.
Our office investigates cases involving hospitals, physicians, and medical groups throughout Connecticut. We offer confidential consultations and can help determine whether negligence contributed to your or your loved one’s injuries.