A Florida resident is suing a local hospital for negligence after suffering severe injuries from a malfunctioning automatic door. Virginia Hardister filed the complaint against Galencare, Inc., doing business as HCA Florida Northside Hospital, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County on July 10, 2024.
According to the lawsuit, Hardister was entering the main entrance of HCA Florida Northside Hospital on April 27, 2024, when the automatic doors unexpectedly closed on her, causing her to fall and shatter her hip. The plaintiff alleges that Galencare Inc. failed to exercise reasonable care in maintaining and operating the automatic doors at their facility located at 6000 49th Street North, St. Petersburg.
The complaint details multiple allegations against Galencare Inc., including failure to adequately warn customers of dangerous conditions, improper maintenance and inspection of the automatic doors, and overall negligence in managing their premises. "The Defendant owed the duty of keeping the business premises free of dangerous conditions which it knew or should have known were present," states Hardister's filing.
Hardister asserts that as a direct result of these failures, she has suffered serious injuries affecting her head, neck, body, hip, back, and limbs. The lawsuit further claims that these injuries have aggravated pre-existing conditions and will lead to ongoing physical and mental pain and suffering. Additionally, Hardister argues that she has lost earnings in the past and will continue to lose future earning capacity due to the permanent nature of her injuries.
In seeking judgment against Galencare Inc., Hardister demands compensation for all damages entitled under law along with costs associated with this action and prejudgment interest on liquidated damages. She also requests a jury trial for all issues presented in her case.
Representing Virginia Hardister is Tony Griffith from Tanney, Griffith & Bresler P.A., based in Clearwater, FL. The case has been assigned Case Number 24-003058-CI.