The family of a recently deceased University of Connecticut dental student is suing Bridgeport Hospital for wrongful death after he died while being virtually monitored using telehealth, a rising digital technology that uses video calls, phone consultations and remote monitoring.
Conor Hylton, a student at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, passed away on Aug. 15, 2024 while receiving care at the Bridgeport Hospital Milford Campus ICU. His family filed a wrongful death lawsuit questioning the hospital staffing, reliability and the growing use of telehealth.
Telehealth rapidly expanded during the COVID-19 global pandemic. While telehealth was designed to support hospital staffing, some argue that it contributes to delayed responses and lack of hands-on care, especially in high-risk cases.
On Aug. 14, 2024, Hylton was admitted with symptoms of severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. He was then diagnosed with pancreatitis, dehydration, metabolic acidosis and alcohol withdrawal and was classified as a high-risk patient. According to state reports, Hylton’s condition was declining as soon as he arrived at the emergency room. , Hylton’s condition was declining as soon as he arrived at the emergency room. , Hylton’s condition was declining as soon as he arrived at the emergency room.
The lawsuit claims that Hylton did not receive the consistent, hands-on care he should have received during the time he spent hospitalized. Once he was transferred to the ICU, his treatment was dictated by hospital staff relying on a physician who virtually monitored him.
In the complaint, the family specifically highlights Yale New Haven Health, Northeast Medical Group and Bridgeport Hospital, Milford Campus.
“The state DPH investigation uncovered an incomprehensible level of incompetence at Milford Hospital ICU,” Joey T. Faxon, the family lawyer, said to WFSB Radio. “It’s alarming to think in a supposedly intensive care setting: Where is the doctor? Where are the nurses?”
The complaint claims that an attending physician did not examine Hylton in the ICU before his cardiac arrest. The remote physician had ordered emergency intubation, after which the on-site physician saw signs of internal bleeding. Hours later, Hylton passed away. The lawsuit further highlights that his death was confirmed by the telehealth physician.