The father of a 25-year-old pharmacy resident who died in a hospital shooting filed a wrongful death lawsuit accusing the facility and its security company of negligence in handling the situation. The complaint said they could have prevented her death by taking appropriate action before and during the shooting.
The lawsuit was filed in Cook County Circuit Court against Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Trinity Health Inc. and SDI Security Inc. The complaint also named the administrator to the gunman’s estate as a defendant.
Dayna Less and two others were killed in a November 2018 shooting incident at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Less was shot multiple times in the arm, chest and back. The two other victims were policeman Samuel Jimenez and emergency room doctor Tamara O’Neal.
Authorities identified the gunman as Juan Lopez, O’Neal’s ex-fiancé. He eventually killed himself after becoming wounded in a gun battle with police officers who arrived at the scene.
The lawsuit accused the defendants of neglecting to implement “even the most basic and simple safety and security measures.” According to the complaint, the hospital and security firm failed to issue a warning about the active shooter or to lock down the facility. In addition, security video showed Lopez in the hospital lobby area for around an hour and a half prior to the shooting. No member of hospital staff confronted him to question his behavior.
Whether it is a wrongful death case involving negligent security or another type of premises liability incident, the lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg are experienced in holding liable parties accountable. Contact us today to learn how we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.