A lawsuit has been filed in Harris County, Texas, accusing a healthcare facility of negligence leading to the tragic death of a resident. On October 2, 2024, German Portorreal, representing the estate of his deceased mother Juana Mederos, lodged a complaint against HMG Park Manor of CyFair, LLC and Park Manor of CyFair. The complaint was filed in the District Court of Harris County.
The case revolves around the alleged negligent care provided by Park Manor of CyFair to Juana Mederos during her stay at their facility. According to the petition, Ms. Mederos was admitted to Park Manor on June 21, 2023, following a stroke that left her cognitively impaired and dependent on skilled nursing care for her daily needs. The plaintiff claims that despite being aware of Ms. Mederos' condition and her stage 4 sacral pressure sore identified on August 9, 2023, the staff failed to provide adequate care which led to her hospitalization on November 14, 2023. At Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, she was diagnosed with severe pressure injuries causing destructive bony changes compatible with osteomyelitis.
Tragically, Ms. Mederos passed away on January 21, 2024. Her death certificate cited "sepsis from sacral osteomyelitis" as a contributing factor to her demise. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants failed in their duty to monitor and care for Ms. Mederos adequately, resulting in her untimely death due to sepsis from untreated pressure sores.
Portorreal accuses the defendants of gross negligence and wanton disregard for his mother's health and safety by failing to adhere to standard medical procedures necessary for preventing such injuries and infections. The plaintiff's legal team argues that these failures were not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of neglectful behavior by the facility’s staff.
In terms of relief sought from the court, Portorreal is demanding monetary compensation exceeding $250,000 but not more than $1 million for damages including loss of companionship and society with his mother, mental anguish suffered due to her passing, as well as medical expenses incurred before her death. Additionally, he seeks exemplary damages due to what he describes as malicious conduct by the defendants.
Representing German Portorreal are attorneys David W. Crowe and D.G. Majors from Crowe Arnold & Majors LLP based in Dallas. The case is presided over by Judge Marilyn Burgess under Case ID: 2024-67966.