Overview
- Attorney Karen Terry filed a negligence suit naming HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, HCA Healthcare, and Allied Universal Security, seeking a jury trial and damages exceeding $50,000.
- The complaint alleges inadequate security despite prior violent incidents, claiming the hospital’s contract with its security provider lacked sufficient staffing, armed coverage, and other safeguards.
- The filing asserts the patient was under Florida’s Baker Act as a danger to self or others and should have been transferred to a psychiatric facility before the attack.
- HCA responded that safety is a priority, noted post-incident security enhancements, and referenced two regulatory reviews that reported no deficiencies in hospital protocols.
- Leelamma Lal remains unable to work after extensive hospitalization and rehabilitation, while the accused, Stephen Scantlebury, faces an ongoing case with psychiatric evaluations following charges of attempted second-degree murder while evidencing prejudice.