In a gripping legal battle that highlights the vulnerabilities of elderly care, Tanya Sams has filed a lawsuit against Memorial Hermann Health System, operating as University Place Nursing Center. The complaint was lodged on January 30, 2025, in Harris County District Court, Texas, accusing the nursing facility of negligence leading to the death of her father, Freddie Roberts.
Tanya Sams is pursuing this case both individually and as the representative of her late father's estate. She alleges that during his stay at University Place from March 20 to April 10, 2023, Freddie Roberts suffered severe neglect despite his known medical conditions such as prostate cancer and dementia. The lawsuit claims that Memorial Hermann Health System failed to provide adequate care for Roberts’ complex health needs which included monitoring for pressure ulcers and infections. Sams argues that the facility assured her family they were equipped to handle Roberts' conditions but ultimately failed in their duty of care.
The petition outlines several accusations against the defendants including medical negligence and corporate negligence. It asserts that the facility was understaffed and underfunded deliberately, compromising patient care for financial gain. "Defendants elevated monetary gain over Freddie Roberts' basic needs," states the complaint. Furthermore, it accuses them of failing to provide necessary training to staff and not maintaining accurate clinical records.
Sams seeks damages for physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement experienced by her father before his death, as well as funeral expenses. She also demands punitive damages due to what she describes as gross negligence by the nursing center’s management.
Representing Tanya Sams are attorneys Dawn M. Smith and Tyler M. Robertson from Smith Clinesmith LLP. The case is presided over by Judge Wanda Chambers in Harris County District Court under Case ID 2025-06477.