Four Under Investigation After 35-Year-Old Woman Dies Following Hospital Discharge

The Trani Prosecutor's Office has opened a manslaughter investigation following the sudden death of 35-year-old Valentina Filannino, who passed away hours after being discharged from the emergency department at Dimiccoli Hospital in Barletta. Authorities have placed four individuals under investigation as they work to determine accountability in the tragedy.

The sequence of events began on the evening of October 29, when Filannino sought medical attention at the hospital because she was suffering from severe pain in her leg, which was visibly swollen and discolored. After undergoing medical consultations and examinations, healthcare staff decided to discharge her with a prescription for home therapy.

However, her return home quickly turned into a medical crisis. Shortly after arriving back, she experienced a severe and sudden health emergency. Emergency services were immediately called, and paramedics rushed her back to the hospital, where she was admitted to the intensive care unit. Despite medical efforts, she passed away shortly afterward.

According to reports detailing the initial medical visit, a pulmonary thromboembolism had been detected during a CT scan, yet she was still released with home treatment instructions despite her pain and reported requests to be hospitalized. She ultimately died approximately 22 hours after her initial visit to the emergency room.

The formal investigation was launched following a criminal complaint filed with the Carabinieri by the victim's mother. The Trani Prosecutor's Office issued an official statement confirming that investigators are actively working to piece together the exact sequence of events and ascertain the true cause of death.

As part of the ongoing inquiry, prosecutors will soon formally assign an independent medical expert to perform an autopsy and conduct comprehensive forensic examinations. The findings from these medical legal tests will be evaluated alongside existing investigative evidence to establish whether any medical negligence contributed to the fatal outcome.