A recent court filing has brought to light a harrowing incident at a care facility that left a woman with severe injuries. On July 10, 2024, Teresa Black filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against Harbourwood FL OPCO, LLC., Harbourwood FL PROPCO, LLC., Harbourwood Facility, Inc., and Sky Harbor Drive Care, Inc., collectively doing business as Harbourwood Care Center.
According to the complaint, Teresa Black was visiting her husband at Harbourwood Care Center on September 14, 2023. During her visit, employees of the facility were using a "Hoyer Lift" to move her husband from his bed into a reclining wheelchair. Black was standing behind the wheelchair when the lift malfunctioned or was improperly operated by staff. The equipment tilted and fell onto the wheelchair, which then struck Black, causing her to fall and sustain serious injuries.
The complaint alleges that the defendants had an obligation to inspect, maintain, service, and safely operate their medical equipment but failed to do so. Specifically citing negligence in maintaining or operating the Hoyer Lift led to Black's injuries. As a result of this incident, she suffered significant permanent loss of important bodily functions resulting in pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for enjoyment of life, medical expenses for ongoing treatment and care.
Black is seeking judgment for damages against each defendant separately under counts of negligence. She demands compensation for medical expenses incurred and future costs related to her injuries. Additionally, she seeks relief for pain and suffering endured due to this traumatic event.
Representing Teresa Black are attorneys Chase P. Mead and George E. Tragos from Tragos Sartes & Tragos PLLC. The case has been assigned Case Number 24-003051-CI.