Family of women killed outside Natividad Medical Center file civil suit
The families of two women killed last year after being struck by a car outside Natividad Medical Center have filed a wrongful death lawsuit.
(To read the entire complaint, click here.)
Cynthia Lane, 57, had just been released from the emergency room on Nov. 20, 2013 and began walking to the intersection of East Laurel Drive and Constitution Boulevard.
Linda Rascon Williams, 24, a security guard at the hospital, followed Lane out because she’d left her backpack behind.
When Lane fell onto the ground in the middle of East Laurel Drive, Williams went to her aid. That’s when police say a car driven by Francisco Miranda ran over both women, killing them.
Miranda is being held in Monterey County Jail and faces trial on murder charges for the women’s deaths. He’s due in court next week on those charges.
Williams’ mother and Lane’s four children have filed a suit in Monterey County Superior Court against Miranda, the hospital, hospital employees and the county.
The suit accuses of the hospital and staff of negligence, arguing that they released Lane before they should have. They say that if Lane had not been released when she had, she wouldn’t have gotten hit. Neither would Williams, the plaintiffs allege.
Attorney James Pocrass, who represents the plaintiffs, alleges that Lane was not discharged by a doctor, but rather, by a nurse. That’s according to medical records his firm obtained, Pocrass told NewsChannel 5.
Pocrass said the records also show that Lane’s blood was never taken to determine what was in her system, therefore she was released too soon. He said she was found lying on a street in Salinas, heavily intoxicated, and was brought to Natividad. She was delusional and unable to stand, he said.
An attorney for Monterey County said they would not be commenting on specific medical records at this time.
“We continue to extend our sympathies to the families involved in this tragedy,” Charles McKee said. ” We look forward to helping resolve any issues related to the county and this tragedy.”
The plaintiffs argue that the women’s deaths have deprived them of their love and care, as well as caused financial losses for the respective families.
The suit also names Miranda and his mother, who owned the car her son was driving.
The suit seeks unlimited damages, including punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and funeral costs, among others.
A case management conference is set for March 2015.
