GALVESTON - The family of the late Jimmy Ritchey has filed a lawsuit against the operators of a League City nursing home where he reportedly sustained fatal injuries more than two years ago, recent court documents say.
The lawsuit, filed May 17 in Galveston County District Court, blames Pearland Convalescent Center Inc., Pearland Convalescent Center, Windsong Village, Windsong Village Convalescent Center Inc., Texas Gulf Rehab Inc., Barcelo Skilled Nursing Facilities, Picasso Health Services Ltd. and Picasso Management LLC for Ritchey's passing at Baywind Village.
Ritchey was admitted at the defendants' facility on Dec. 3, 2010, after he was confined at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital in Houston for shortness of breath.
According to the original petition, it was "well documented" that the decedent presented a fall risk and required fall prevention care, but he fell about five times between his first day and Dec. 15, 2010.
He complained of right hip pain following two falls on Dec. 14, 2010, and was taken to the hospital.
He succumbed to complications related to a right hip fracture on Dec. 18, 2010, the suit says.
His family faults the respondents for:
- Failing to ensure a safe environment;
- Failing to institute and implement preventative measures;
- Failing to implement new modalities;
- Failing to implement policies and procedures addressing care for patients deemed fall risks; and
- Failing to educate and enforce such policies and procedures.
Consequently, Ritchey's estate seeks at least $200,000 in damages.
Attorney Randall O. Sorrels of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend in Houston is representing the complainants, and Galveston County 212th District Court Judge Susan Criss is presiding over the litigation.
Case No. 13-CV-675