Gary Beltz has filed a lawsuit against CSL Baytown, LLC and Sonida Senior Living, Inc., accusing them of negligence leading to the death of his mother, Mary Beltz. The complaint was filed in Harris County District Court on February 7, 2025. Gary Beltz is acting individually and on behalf of the estate of his deceased mother.
The lawsuit stems from events that transpired at The Waterford at Baytown, an assisted living facility operated by the defendants. Mary Beltz was admitted to this facility on August 31, 2023. She had a medical history that included hypertension and hyperlipidemia and was identified as a high fall risk due to recent injuries from a fall. Despite this knowledge, the defendants allegedly failed to provide necessary assistance for her ambulation and transfers. This neglect resulted in several falls, culminating in a severe fall on May 6, 2024, which fractured her right femur. Unfortunately, Mary Beltz did not recover from this injury and passed away on August 11, 2024.
The plaintiff claims that the defendants' actions constitute negligence under Texas law. Specific allegations include failing to assist with ambulation and transfers, not providing adequate fall prevention measures, failing to transfer Mary Beltz to a higher level of care when needed, and not properly monitoring or treating her condition following her falls. Furthermore, it is alleged that there were failures in staffing practices and supervision which contributed to these lapses in care.
In addition to negligence claims, Gary Beltz accuses the defendants of gross negligence. He argues that they were aware of the extreme risks posed by their inadequate care but continued with conscious indifference towards these risks. This gross negligence claim highlights the defendants' failure to act despite knowing about Mary Beltz's numerous falls and their potential for harm.
Gary Beltz seeks damages under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code sections related to survival actions and wrongful death benefits. He requests compensation for pecuniary losses, loss of companionship and society, mental anguish, exemplary damages for gross negligence, loss of inheritance, as well as costs associated with medical expenses incurred before Mary’s death.
Representing Gary Beltz are attorneys Andrew J. Skemp and Joy Barrientes from Lanicek Law Firm PC based in San Antonio. The case has been assigned Case ID: CAUSE NO., presided over by Judge Marilyn Burgess in Harris County District Court.