By Walter F. Roche Jr.

Published: Monday, February 1, 2010

The family of the late Pittsburgh Steelers star Dwight White has filed a malpractice and wrongful death lawsuit against UPMC and its top neurosurgeon, Dr. Joseph C. Maroon.

In the 18-page complaint filed today in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court, White's widow, Karen, and his daughter, Stacey, charged that doctors and other staff failed to properly diagnose and treat White when he suffered a pulmonary embolism following routine back surgery.

Family attorney Arthur L. Schwarzwaelder said White's treatment was "a sad story of missed opportunities resulting in an entirely preventable death."

White, who had been a patient of Maroon's for at least 11 years, underwent surgery for a herniated disc on May 13, 2008 at UPMC Presbyterian in Oakland , according to the suit.

White, who died on June 6 at age 58, was part of the Steelers' famed Steel Curtain defense and was nicknamed "Mad Dog." He retired in 1980 and became a financial consultant.

UPMC officials said last night that they had just learned about the lawsuit and had no comment.

In addition to Maroon and UPMC, the suit names as defendants Drs. Matt El-Kadi and Jigme Sethi and Tri State Neurological Associates.

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