A harrowing case of alleged medical negligence has emerged from Harris County, Texas, as a plaintiff accuses a healthcare provider and a physician of severe oversight. On October 24, 2024, Sabrina Nicholson filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County against Sun Houston, LLC doing business as Sun Behavioral Houston, and Dr. Bachir Debba. The lawsuit seeks to hold these defendants accountable for personal injuries sustained by Nicholson while under their care.
According to the petition filed by Nicholson's attorney, Michael S. Tilton of Tilton & Tilton LLP, the events leading to this legal action occurred on October 27, 2022. Nicholson was admitted to Sun Behavioral Houston for treatment of post-partum psychosis with suicidal ideations under the care of Dr. Debba. During her stay at the facility, she alleges that she was left unsupervised for an extended period, which allowed her to push out a window from her second-story room and fall, resulting in severe injuries.
Nicholson's complaint accuses Sun Behavioral Houston and Dr. Debba of negligence on multiple fronts. It is claimed that they failed to adhere to acceptable standards of care by not providing adequate staffing or properly training their staff. Additionally, they allegedly did not monitor or ensure Nicholson's safety adequately and failed to respond appropriately during an emergency situation. These lapses are said to have created dangerous conditions on the premises that directly led to Nicholson's injuries.
The plaintiff asserts that these failures constitute breaches of the standard of care expected from healthcare providers in similar circumstances. As per the doctrine of respondeat superior, Sun Behavioral Houston is also held vicariously liable for the negligent acts and omissions of its employees and agents involved in Nicholson's care.
Nicholson is seeking damages exceeding $1 million for physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of earnings capacity both past and future, as well as ongoing medical expenses related to her injuries. The petition requests exemplary damages alongside actual and consequential damages permitted by law.
Representing Nicholson is attorney Michael S. Tilton from Tilton & Tilton LLP based in Houston. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-74256 in the 270th Judicial District Court with Judge Rhonda Momon presiding over initial filings.