In a shocking case of alleged medical negligence, a Florida couple has taken legal action against a local hospital for what they claim was a severe oversight during a routine medical procedure. On November 18, 2025, Shawn Pell and his spouse Christina Pell filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, accusing the Trustees of Mease Hospital, Inc., doing business as Mease Dunedin Hospital, of vicarious negligence.
The Pells’ lawsuit centers around an incident that occurred on January 12, 2023, when Shawn Pell was admitted to Mease Dunedin Hospital for treatment of a right foot infection. According to the complaint, during a blood draw conducted by hospital phlebotomist Luljeta Zyberaj on January 13, 2023, a tourniquet was left on Mr. Pell’s right forearm. The complaint alleges that this oversight went unnoticed until later that morning when nurse Victoria Tingley documented edema in Mr. Pell’s upper right hand but failed to mention the tourniquet. Infectious disease physician Dr. Lalit Kalra noted in his progress report that Mr. Pell experienced pain in his right hand and reported the issue to nursing staff.
The plaintiffs argue that the hospital is vicariously liable for the actions of its employees and claim that Mease Dunedin Hospital breached professional standards by failing to remove the tourniquet promptly and not adequately assessing or documenting Mr. Pell’s condition. As stated in their complaint: “Defendant MEASE negligently breached the prevailing professional standard of care…in its care and treatment of Plaintiff.” They further assert that these failures resulted in significant harm to Mr. Pell, including bodily injury, disability, pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, and increased medical expenses.
Christina Pell also claims damages for loss of companionship and consortium due to her husband’s injuries. The Pells are seeking damages exceeding $50,000 plus costs and interest from Mease Dunedin Hospital.
Represented by attorney Mark H. Perenich from Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes P.A., located at Clearwater, FL., the plaintiffs have demanded a jury trial to resolve their claims against Mease Dunedin Hospital (Case Number: 25-006506-CI). The filing underscores ongoing concerns about patient safety and accountability within healthcare institutions.
Source: 25006506CI_Shawn_Pell_v_Trustees_of_Mease_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
