Lezlea Ross v. St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital
459 S.W.3d 617
Tex. App.2013Background
- Ross slips and falls in the lobby of St. Luke’s Hospital after visiting a patient.
- She sues the Hospital and Aramark Management Services.
- Hospital moves to dismiss under Section 74.351 after Williams, asserting HCLC.
- Trial court granted dismissal, deeming Ross’s claims as HCLCs and awarded $1,000 in costs.
- Ross appeals the interlocutory order, arguing the claim isn’t an HCLC under the Act.
- Court affirms the dismissal, holding the claim is an HCLC under Williams and stare decisis.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is Ross’s slip-and-fall claim an HCLC under Chapter 74? | Ross argues not an HCLC. | Hospital argues it is an HCLC under Williams. | Yes; claim is an HCLC. |
Key Cases Cited
- Texas West Oaks Hospital, LP v. Williams, 371 S.W.3d 171 (Tex. 2012) (establishes HCLC includes safety-related claims unrelated to patient care)
- Lubbock Cnty., Tex. v. Trammell’s Lubbock Bail Bonds, 80 S.W.3d 580 (Tex. 2002) (limits judicial modification of precedent; stare decisis governs)