A shocking incident involving a municipal service has led to a lawsuit that could have significant implications for public safety and accountability. On August 29, 2024, Thomas Hopkins filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, against the City of Houston.
The lawsuit arises from an incident on January 23, 2024, when Hopkins slid down in his shower and was unable to get up. He called for a "lift assist," which was responded to by Houston Firehouse Station Number 101 in Kingwood, Texas. According to the complaint, members of the Houston Fire Department attempted to lift Hopkins using a bed sheet obtained from his residence. Tragically, they dropped him during the process, causing him to break his right femur and injure his back. As a result of these injuries, Hopkins was transported to Kingwood Hospital where he spent three days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and an additional three weeks before being transferred to Deerbrook Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. Hopkins claims he has spent at least 100 days in rehabilitation since the incident.
Hopkins' complaint accuses the City of Houston of negligence on several fronts. The plaintiff alleges that the city’s employees failed in their duty to use ordinary care while assisting him. Specifically, they are accused of using inappropriate equipment, failing to maintain equipment properly, and not receiving adequate training on how to use personal property safely. Each of these actions or omissions is cited as direct causes of Hopkins' injuries.
In terms of damages sought, Hopkins is asking for monetary relief exceeding $250,000. He lists several categories of damages including physical pain (both past and future), mental anguish (both past and future), disfigurement (both past and future), as well as medical expenses incurred both previously and anticipated in the future.
The case is being handled by attorneys Mark Thiessen and Michael Pita from Thiessen Law Firm. The case ID is 2024-57785 and it has been assigned to Judge Talitha McCarty in the 295th Judicial District Court.