A tragic case involving alleged medical negligence has emerged, drawing attention to the standards of care in healthcare facilities. On August 14, 2024, Michael C. Curley filed a complaint in the Harris County District Court against Memorial Hermann Health System and Health Quest EMS, L.L.C., seeking justice for the death of his father, Michael A. Curley.
The lawsuit claims that on February 4, 2023, Michael A. Curley was admitted to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital due to back injuries from a fall at home. At the time of admission, he was receiving supplemental oxygen treatment continuously for three months prior. The hospital determined that Mr. Curley needed an internal transfer to Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center for a back brace preparation. This transfer was handled by Health Quest EMS.
Upon arrival at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, Mr. Curley was left without his necessary supplemental oxygen and unattended in a hallway for five to six hours before being found unresponsive on the hospital floor. Despite efforts to intubate him and provide ICU care, Mr. Curley succumbed to hypoxia and PEA arrest on February 12, 2023.
Michael C. Curley's complaint alleges gross negligence on the part of both Memorial Hermann Health System and Health Quest EMS. The plaintiff asserts that these entities failed in their duty of care by not providing continuous supplemental oxygen as required and leaving Mr. Curley unattended for an extended period.
"MEMORIAL HERMANN breached its duty by failing to follow the standard of care for a hospital," states the complaint, further alleging that this breach directly contributed to Mr. Curley's avoidable death.
The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $1 million for physical pain, mental anguish, medical expenses incurred before death, funeral expenses, and exemplary damages due to gross negligence.
Representing Michael C. Curley are attorneys Thomas W. Pirtle (Texas Bar No. 16038610), Buffy K. Martines (Texas Bar No. 24030311), and Cameron T. Maki (Texas Bar No. 24115370) from Laminack, Pirtle & Martines law firm.
The case is presided over by Judge Adiliani Solis under Case ID: 2024-52978 in the Harris County District Court.