A shocking case of alleged medical negligence has surfaced involving a healthcare facility accused of failing to provide adequate care, resulting in severe injuries to a resident. The complaint was filed by Pamela Girdy on behalf of George Lewis against Liberty County Hospital District No. 1, doing business as Misty Willow Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, and Misty Willow Healthcare, Inc., in the Harris County District Court on August 30, 2024.
Pamela Girdy, who is the sister of George Lewis, asserts that her brother suffered significant neglect during his stay at Misty Willow Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center from December 15, 2023, to the present. According to the court documents, George Lewis was admitted with multiple comorbidities including muscle weakness, communication deficits, and chronic atrial fibrillation. Despite being aware of these conditions and assuring the family they could provide appropriate care, the defendants allegedly failed to prevent pressure ulcers, falls, and malnutrition.
The lawsuit details numerous instances where the facility's staff neglected George Lewis’s needs. For example, on December 19, 2023, he experienced an unwitnessed fall. By December 24th of the same year, he had developed a pressure ulcer on his left heel. Subsequent visits by family members revealed further deterioration in his condition; blisters were found on both feet by December 29th without prior notification from the staff. Despite repeated requests for better care and specific interventions like bed rails and daily therapy sessions for Lewis’s conditions, these were either delayed or ignored.
Girdy's petition accuses Misty Willow Healthcare of gross negligence under several legal statutes including Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code Section 74.051 and various provisions under Texas Administrative Code Title 26. The allegations extend to corporate negligence citing failures in proper staffing levels and inadequate training for medical personnel. The plaintiff claims that these systemic issues led directly to her brother's suffering from severe pressure ulcers measuring up to 7.9x6.2 cm by February 10th.
In addition to detailing the physical neglect experienced by George Lewis—such as not being covered with blankets despite requests—the lawsuit also highlights administrative failures like poor communication with family members regarding his health status and lack of timely responses from nursing directors.
The plaintiffs are seeking economic damages exceeding the court's minimal jurisdictional limits along with non-economic damages for pain and suffering endured by George Lewis due to alleged medical malpractice. They also demand pre-judgment interest costs associated with bringing this suit forward as well as punitive damages aimed at deterring similar conduct from healthcare providers in future cases.
Representing Pamela Girdy is Jessica Foster alongside Dawn M Smith from Smith Clinesmith LLP based out of Dallas Texas while the Case ID is: 2024-58360