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Family Sues, Says Woman Died Months After Medics Dropped Her

PITTSBURGH,None — Family members have filed a lawsuit against an emergency response company claiming a woman died because she was dropped by paramedics.

The lawsuit claims employees of Rostraver-West Newton Emergency Services were negligent when transporting Ann Yetsconish, 85.

Yetsconish, of Belle Vernon, was being taken from her home to the Mon Valley Hospital in March 2010 when the family said ambulance workers dropped her as they carried her down the steps.

"They tried to roll her face forward down the front steps. one of the guys stumbled. She didn't fall out of the wheelchair, she slid out," said Yetsconish's daughter Nancy Fonner.

Yetsconish originally called 911 because of a low heart-rate, said her daughter, but ended up with broken bones and a spinal cord injury that Fonner said led to her death nine months later.

"I want somebody to have to tell me why they thought that was OK to take my mother face forward down a flight of stairs," Fonner said.

Fonner's attorney said they are seeking cash damages but also would hope that this lawsuit would prevent something similar from happening again.

"You bet it will change things. I mean, the whole thing was done improperly and incorrectly. It was irreprehensible," said the family's attorney Herman Bigi.

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