HOUSTON — HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake is facing a suit alleging a patient suffered from improper medical care which led to falls, infections, overmedication and other neglect.
Jessica Criss, individually and as a representative of the Estate of Norma Mae Fittsgill filed a complaint Oct. 12 in Harris County District Court against CHCA Clear Lake PL doing business as HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake alleging negligence.
According to Criss' complaint, Norma Fittsgill suffered from breast cancer and stroke and was admitted to HCA Clearlake on Aug. 5, 2019. She claims that on Aug. 6, 2019, Fittsgill underwent surgery to remove the mass in her brain and remained at HCA Clearlake.
Criss further claims that while at Clearlake, the staff told family members the floor Fittsgill was on was severely understaffed and that Fittsgill was not given proper toileting and continence care and laid around for hours in urine and feces.
The plaintiff claims Fittsgill also developed a bladder infection, pressure ulcers a staph infection, was overmedicated with sedatives, withheld pain medications due to the staffing shortages and suffered numerous falls. She alleges Fittsgill finally had to be transferred to another hospital due to the HCA Clearlake's failure to provide appropriate levels of medical care.
Criss seeks monetary relief, interest and all other just relief. She is represented by Terry James of The Terry James Law Firm in Dallas.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-66815