Pa. couple wins $3 million malpractice suit

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A suburban Pittsburgh couple has won a $3 million malpractice suit after the woman’s sinus infection was misdiagnosed and turned into a brain abscess.

Lynn and James Flaherty of Bethel Park won the suit this week against doctors Lesley DeGiovanni, John Montini and physician assistant Kellie Egidi. They plan to appeal.

The Flahertys’ attorney said Lynn Flaherty visited their office in 2001, complaining of headaches and nasal discharge.

The doctors were unavailable, and Egidi recommended additional testing and prescribed steroids.

Experts testified that steroids without an antibiotic would mask and exacerbate the infection. She remains unable to regulate her emotions and has difficulty with complex cognitive function.