Christus employee accused of knocking woman down with electric door

Orange residents Donna Mitchell has filed suit against Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth in Beaumont, alleging a hospital employee knocked her down by opening an electric door.

The suit was filed Jan. 23 in Jefferson County District Court. Donna Mitchell's husband, Carey, is also a plaintiff.

According to the suit, on Aug. 20, 2011, Mitchell sought treatment at St. Elizabeth emergency room for an injury to her elbow. The suit states she was instructed to walk to the X-ray department with a hospital employee.

“The employee failed to warn the plaintiff of the hospital electric door; he activated the door and it swung into plaintiff, knocking her down and fracturing her pelvis,” the suit states.

“As a result of the accident, plaintiff sustained serious injury and several months of medical care, including surgery.”

The suit alleges the hospital employee violated the standard of care by failing to warn the patient of the electric door.

Mitchell is suing for her past and present mental anguish and medical expenses. Her husband is suing for loss of companionship.

Attorney David Dies of the Orange law firm Dies & Parkhurst represents the plaintiffs.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. D193-847