A Texas resident is suing a prominent cancer center for negligence after suffering injuries from a defective armchair. Sidney Roach filed the complaint against MD Anderson Services Corporation, doing business as MD Anderson Cancer Center, and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Harris County District Court on August 22, 2024.
According to the court documents, Roach was waiting for his wife at the MD Anderson Cancer Center on August 25, 2022, when he sat on an armchair that was allegedly defective. As he attempted to get up, the right side of the chair gave way, causing him to fall back and injure his right leg, knee, foot, and lower back. Roach claims that the defendants were negligent in maintaining the armchair and failed to provide a safe environment for visitors.
Roach's petition details several allegations against both entities. He asserts that MD Anderson Cancer Center and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center are liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior for the actions and omissions of their employees. Specifically, Roach accuses them of negligence in hiring and retaining staff who failed to maintain the armchair properly. He also alleges negligence in training and supervising these employees.
"Defendants owed an independent duty to exercise ordinary care in the operation of armchairs for patrons at the waiting area," states Roach's petition. He further claims that both entities failed to inspect or repair hazards associated with the armchair and did not warn visitors about its dangerous condition. Roach believes these failures directly led to his injuries.
The plaintiff is seeking monetary relief between $200,000 and $1 million for physical pain, mental anguish, medical expenses, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, consequential damages, and punitive damages. Additionally, he seeks pre-judgment and post-judgment interest as allowed by law.
Representing Sidney Roach are attorneys Christopher J. Davila (State Bar No. 24095459) and Jesus G. Davila (State Bar No. 05455270) from The Davila Law Firm based in Houston, Texas. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-55891 in Harris County District Court.