Dallas Hospital Settles Neglect Lawsuit with Family of Congresswoman

Family of Late Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson Reaches Deal with Baylor Scott & White Over Neglect Allegations

The family of the late Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson has reached a deal with Baylor Scott & White Hospital, alleging the congresswoman's death was caused by neglect during her stay at their rehabilitation facility. The hospital chain has created the Eddie Bernice Johnson Lives Foundation, a nonprofit to support causes important to the former congresswoman, as part of the agreement.

It’s an excellent resolution considering the caps in Texas... it will allow the family to do good in the congresswoman's name. - Les Weisbrod, family attorney

The family and their attorney, Les Weisbrod, had threatened to sue, accusing the hospital of failing to tend to Johnson's wounds post-back surgery, leading to a severe bone infection that caused her death on New Year's Eve, according to her death certificate.

Weisbrod has used Johnson's case to draw attention to Texas' medical malpractice cap of $250,000, pledging to seek an increase to $500,000 in the next legislative session.

Allegations against Baylor, Scott & White includeclaims that Johnson was found by her son lying in her own urine and feces, and that her surgical wounds became infected with organisms related to feces, leading to her infection and death.

Is this how you would like your mother treated? - Kirk Johnson, son of Rep. Johnson, to the hospital CEO

Baylor Scott & White issued a statement calling Johnson "a friend and champion," and saying it was their "priority to help her life's work live on." The family's foundation will support women's rights, stable families, STEM education, and peace initiatives.