Medical staffing company sued after patient attacks employee

NEW ORLEANS - A medical staff employee has filed a lawsuit claiming she was severely injured when she was attacked by a patient who had a history of attacking employees.

Vonda Granger filed suit against Integra Care Medical Staffing, Emeritus Corp., Emeritus Corp. of Washington, ABC Insurance Co. and XYZ Co. on July 11 in Tangipahoa Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on Aug. 15.

Granger claims she was dispensing medications to an Emeritus Corp. of Washington’s resident at its Mandeville location on July 25, 2012, when the patient began to attack Granger. The patient hit her in the back with a lamp, punched and knocked her down and then kicked her, the suit claims. Granger also claims the patient had exhibited violent tendencies prior to this assault by attacking other employees.

The defendants are accused of negligence for failing to take proper precautions with violent and/or dangerous residents, failing to notify and/or make persons aware or warn of the violent and/or dangerous nature of residents, and for failing to provide adequate protection to third parties. The defendants are also accused of negligence for failing to notify and/or make employees aware or warn of the violent and/or dangerous nature of residents and for failing to provide adequate protection to employees.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, aggravation of medical conditions, extreme pain and suffering, interest, and court costs.

Granger is represented by Kenneth J. Dupaty Law Firm in Donaldsonville. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:13-cv-05449