Hypothermic patient case settled

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has settled a lawsuit brought by the family of a dementia patient who died after wandering onto the roof of a Pittsburgh hospital in subfreezing temperatures.

Attorney Robert Peirce III announced the settlement Thursday on behalf of the family of 89-year-old Rose Lee Diggs. UPMC spokesman Paul Wood confirmed the settlement, but neither he nor Peirce would discuss details citing a confidentiality agreement.

Diggs died of hypothermia on Dec. 3, 2008 after wandering from her 12th floor room through a fire door, up some steps and through a door to the roof wearing only a gown and slippers.

Diggs was found on the roof about 8 a.m., about 15 hours after she was last seen in her room.

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