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

Sustainability as a Baseline in Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals can balance costs, build resilience and learn from global models for sustainable design to further their green goals.


Penobscot Valley Hospital Reports Data Security Incident

It immediately implemented its incident response procedures, took steps to secure systems and hired third-party forensic specialists to assist with an investigation.


Ballad Health Acquires Land for Future Unicoi County Hospital

The new hospital is expected to feature an emergency department, 10 inpatient beds and outpatient services.


Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety 

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities rely on much more than doctors and nurses to keep patients safe.


Brookdale Senior Living Announces Acquisition of the Brookdale Galleria Community

The 244-unit independent living and assisted living community is located directly adjacent to The Galleria shopping and entertainment complex.


 
 


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.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.