Automatic door closed on patient, resulting in death — $375,000 settlement

Type of action: Wrongful death

Injuries alleged: Brain hemorrhage caused by blunt force trauma

Name of judge or mediator: Judge James C. Hawks (Ret.)

Date resolved: 9/7/2022

Special damages: $46,000

Bennett

Verdict or settlement: Settlement

Amount: $375,000

Attorney for plaintiff (and city): Carlton F. Bennett, Virginia Beach

Description of case: Jane Doe, age 78, presented for treatment at a healthcare facility. As she was leaving the facility after the treatment was completed, she fell near the door that exited from the clinical area to the lobby of the facility. Doe’s family sued the healthcare facility for negligence, alleging that an automatic door closed on Doe, knocking her to the ground. The plaintiffs further alleged that a staff member should have held the door open so that Doe could get through the doorway before it started to close. The facility denied all allegations of negligence. As a result of the fall, Doe struck her head on the floor, which resulted in a fatal brain bleed. Doe died three days later at the hospital from blunt force trauma to her head. Hospital and medical bills totaled $46,000. Doe is survived by her son and daughter. The case was successfully mediated with Retired Judge James C. Hawks of the McCammon Group. Settlement was in the amount of $375,000.

Carlton F. Bennett, plaintiff’s counsel, provided case information.