A tragic case of alleged negligence has been brought to the Harris County District Court, where Russell Stephenson, as the wrongful death beneficiary of Carolyn Stephenson, has filed a complaint against VibraLife of Katy, LLC. The lawsuit was officially filed on May 28, 2024.
The complaint details a harrowing series of events that began on May 19, 2022, when Carolyn Stephenson, a 78-year-old paraplegic woman, was admitted to VibraLife of Katy for continued care following a hospital stay. Tragically, on May 30, 2022, Ms. Stephenson was transferred to an emergency department after showing signs of lethargy and decreased responsiveness. A CT scan revealed that she had suffered an acute subdural hematoma and acute subarachnoid hemorrhage due to falling out of her bed and striking her head the previous day. Despite medical efforts, Ms. Stephenson's condition deteriorated until she succumbed to her injuries on June 9, 2022. Her death certificate lists blunt force head trauma as the cause of death.
Russell Stephenson's lawsuit accuses VibraLife of Katy and its staff of gross negligence in their care for Carolyn Stephenson. The plaintiff asserts that the facility failed to adhere to basic fall safety precautions and did not ensure continuous monitoring by nursing staff or a sitter. This failure allegedly constitutes a breach in the standard duty of care owed to Ms. Stephenson. "Defendant’s management of the care... fell below the accepted standard of care and constituted negligence," reads the complaint.
The plaintiff is seeking monetary relief ranging from $250,000 to $1 million for various damages under Texas' Wrongful Death Statute. These damages include loss of care, maintenance, support services, companionship, society benefits such as love and comfort from Carolyn Stephenson both in the past and future; mental anguish; emotional pain; torment; and suffering experienced by Russell Stephenson due to his mother's untimely death.
In addition to these compensatory damages, Russell Stephenson is also requesting post-judgment interest at the legal rate from the date of judgment and pre-judgment interest as allowed by law. He further seeks reimbursement for court costs and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Russell Stephenson are attorneys Gabe A. Sassin (State Bar Number 24060557) and Tommy R. Hastings (State Bar Number 24031637) from Hastings Law Firm P.C., located at 26503 Oak Ridge Dr., The Woodlands, Texas.
This case is being presided over in Harris County's 295th Judicial District Court under Case ID: 2024-33415.