CLEARWATER — A wife and husband are suing Clearwater behavioral health facility operators, alleging negligence led to the wife falling in the bathroom.
Mandy Roxanne Ortiz and Fernando Jose Ortiz filed a complaint Jan. 29 in Pinellas County Circuit Court against Windmoor Healthcare of Clearwater and Windmoor Healthcare of Pinellas Park Inc., alleging failure to maintain and keep the bathrooms and showers in a reasonably safe condition.
According to the complaint, on Sept. 15, 2015, Mandy Ortiz voluntarily admitted herself to the defendants' behavior health facility in Clearwater to receive mental health care and counseling. While attempting to exit the shower, the suit says, Ortiz slipped on water that had leaked and/or spilled onto the bathroom floor and fell onto her right arm, wrist and side, resulting in permanent injuries.
Fernando Jose Ortiz says he suffered the loss of comfort, society and companionship of his wife. The plaintiffs allege the defendants failed to install non-siip tiles, grips and handrails and failed to provide shower mats, a shower chair, or any other fall-prevention mechanisms or devices.
The Ortizes seek trial by jury, damages in excess of $15,000, plus court costs and interest. They are represented by attorney Dane C. Heptner of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes in St. Petersburg.
Pinellas County Circuit Court case number 19-646-CI