Scissors Attack Leads to Lawsuit over Hospital Security

Lawsuit accuses hospital and its security team of "gross recklessness”

By Dan Hounsell


While cybersecurity attracts much of the security-related attention in healthcare facilities these days, managers also must keep their eye on more traditional threats to the health and safety of patients and staff.

A former nursing student at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, N.Y., who was stabbed in the neck during a rampage by a scissors-wielding patient last year is suing the medical facility in state Supreme Court, claiming negligence, according to the Albany Times Union.

Cassidy Taranto, who filed the legal action against Ellis Hospital and its security, contends the two failed to act to prevent the patient from attacking a technician and using scissors to stab Taranto and two nurses. All survived. Taranto suffered serious and permanent injuries, as well as psychological trauma, because of the hospital's alleged failure to act, stated the lawsuit.

The suit accused the hospital and its security team of "gross recklessness and/or intentional, wanton, or malicious conduct aimed at the public.”



May 25, 2021


Topic Area: Security


Recent Posts

How Retail Design Can Improve the Healthcare Patient Experience

Healthcare facilities can adapt retail design principles to improve patient comfort, streamline check-in and reuse existing spaces.


Jefferson Health Breaks Ground on Lehigh Valley Hospital—Coopersburg

It is expected to open in late 2027.


Encompass Health Plans Second Small-Format Rehabilitation Hospital

The hospital is expected to open in 2028.


Rethinking How Healthcare Facilities Fund Construction Projects

Rising costs and competing priorities are driving healthcare organizations to explore new financing arrangements and construction strategies.


Winners Named for the 15th Annual Healthcare Design Awards

All winners will be honored and the Best of Competition and Transformation and Innovation Award recipients will be announced during a celebration on November 12.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.