Grandmother sues psych hospital after tripping

MARSHALL -- When attempting to visit her family at Longview Psychiatric Hospital, grandmother Mary Miller tripped on the pavement and fell. Suing for more than $75,000, Miller claims that inadequate outside lighting and uneven pavement contributed to her clumsiness and caused her to fall.

Miller states these conditions "posed an unreasonable risk of harm."

Miller filed suit against Longview Psychiatric Hospital, Regency Management Company, Acadia Healthcare Properties, and Vermilion Health Systems on Feb. 4 in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas.

The suit states that the defendants were negligent through failing to inspect, maintain, or timely repair the pavement and automatic lights and failing to provide adequate and understandable warnings of unsafe conditions.

The grandmother is seeking more than $75,000 for damages including past and future medical care and expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, court costs and pre and post-judgment interest.

Attorney David E. Dobbs of the Tyler law firm Dobbs and Tittle, P.C. is representing the plaintiff in her allegations.

The plaintiff is demanding a trial by jury.

Currently, the defendants have not responded to the allegations.

In October 2007, the Acadia Pathways Hospital in Longview had its license revoked in an emergency suspension by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

According to an Oct. 18, 2007, story in the Tyler Morning Telegraph, DSHS received a complaint about the facility and conducted an investigation. Allegations ranged from poor staffing to sexual assault and took place over a three-month period.

The facility was closed for 10 days and patients were relocated.

Acadia received no previous violation notices by DSHS.

The hospital had its license reinstated in November 2007.

U.S. District Judge John T. Ward will preside over Miller's case.

Case No.: 2:08cv00042