Scissors Attack Leads to Lawsuit over Hospital Security

Lawsuit accuses hospital and its security team of "gross recklessness”

By Dan Hounsell


While cybersecurity attracts much of the security-related attention in healthcare facilities these days, managers also must keep their eye on more traditional threats to the health and safety of patients and staff.

A former nursing student at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, N.Y., who was stabbed in the neck during a rampage by a scissors-wielding patient last year is suing the medical facility in state Supreme Court, claiming negligence, according to the Albany Times Union.

Cassidy Taranto, who filed the legal action against Ellis Hospital and its security, contends the two failed to act to prevent the patient from attacking a technician and using scissors to stab Taranto and two nurses. All survived. Taranto suffered serious and permanent injuries, as well as psychological trauma, because of the hospital's alleged failure to act, stated the lawsuit.

The suit accused the hospital and its security team of "gross recklessness and/or intentional, wanton, or malicious conduct aimed at the public.”



May 25, 2021


Topic Area: Security


Recent Posts

How Efficiency Checklists Help Hospitals Save Energy, Water and Money

Keith Edgerton explains how a simple, systematic tool can help healthcare facilities identify savings, support sustainability goals and reinvest in long-term decarbonization.


Designing with Heart: Seen Health Center Blends Cultural Warmth and Clinical Care

Case study: The Alhambra-based facility uses Wilsonart Woodgrains to create a space where comfort, tradition and durability come together for an elevated senior care experience.


Rutgers Health and University Hospital Breaks Ground on Campus Expansion

The groundbreaking follows the long-awaited demolition of administrative offices built in the 1970s.


What to Consider When Modernizing Healthcare Facilities

While there has been a call to preserve old buildings, healthcare facilities need to weigh the options of patient care.


Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital to Build New Tower

The tower is expected to be completed in 2030.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.