HOUSTON – A state district lawsuit faults the Memorial Hermann Health System for a male patient’s accident in the shower.
Amos Hymes initiated the litigation on Sept. 7 in the Harris County 61st District Court, claiming the bench in the shower stall of his room at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital broke beneath him on Apr. 15, 2017.
At the time of the incident in question, Hymes was discharged after being treated for a sickle cell anemia attack. His nurse gave him permission to take a shower before going home, the suit says.
“While taking a shower, Mr. Hymes sat down on the bench installed in the shower stall,” court documents explain. “The bench was bolted to the wall, but while Mr. Hymes was seated on it, the legs came unbolted, the bench fell forward, and Mr. Hymes was thrown to the hard tile floor.”
The plaintiff reportedly suffered injuries to his right shoulder and right hip.
According to the original petition, Memorial Hermann neglected in its responsibility of “ensuring that the shower benches were properly installed and could sustain the weight of individuals who used the benches."
It also failed to warn Hymes not to use the bench, the suit says.
Consequently, the complainant seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.
He is represented by Andrew J. Cobos and Chris Bell of the law firm Bell, Rose & Cobos in Houston.
Harris County 61st District Court Case No. 2018-60918