Food tray puddle causes slip at hospital, Christus sued

While visiting a patient at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, Anita Brice slipped in a puddle of water allegedly left by a leaky food tray, twisting her ankle. She was rushed to the emergency room and then sent a bill for her treatment.

Outraged, Brice filed a personal injury lawsuit against the hospital with the Jefferson County District Court on May 15. Court assignment is pending.

According to the petition, Brice was visiting individuals in the defendant's hospital on Oct. 17, 2006. "When she came out of a room, (Brice) slipped and fell on a puddle of water and twisted her ankle and hit her knee."

The suit says the pool of water was caused by a leaky food tray.

"(Christus) knew of the condition because employees informed hospital staff about the leaking food tray...the dangerous condition was not taken care of," resulting in plaintiff's injuries.

An orthopaedic surgeon saw Brice lying in the hallway. She was seated in a wheelchair and rushed to the ER for treatment, the suit said. "Plaintiff was treated for these injuries by defendant and then (Christus) had the audacity to bill plaintiff."

Brice claims Christus was negligent for allowing the dangerous condition to exist.

She is suing for her "disabling injuries," physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement and medical expenses, in addition to exemplary damages and court costs.

Brice is represented by Wyatt Snider, attorney for the Beaumont Snider and Byrd law firm.

Case No. E179-312