A shocking incident at a prominent healthcare facility has led to a lawsuit that could have significant repercussions for the institution involved. On June 3, 2024, Kenneth Rodriguez and Juana Rodriguez filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against Stanford Health Care. The plaintiffs allege that they sustained severe injuries due to negligence and unsafe conditions on the premises.
According to the court documents, Kenneth and Juana Rodriguez were visiting the Stanford Cancer Center in San Jose on June 20, 2022. While waiting for a family member who was receiving treatment at the center, they decided to sit at a table attached to chairs. Unbeknownst to them, these chairs were not properly affixed to the ground. As they sat down, both the table and chairs tilted backward, causing them to fall onto the pavement. In their attempt to prevent further injury by grabbing onto the table, they sustained severe bodily harm.
The plaintiffs argue that Stanford Health Care failed in its duty of care by not ensuring that the premises were safe for public use. "Defendants negligently and carelessly owned, developed, operated, managed, designed, inspected, serviced, repaired, and maintained the premises," reads one part of the complaint. This failure allegedly created dangerous conditions that led directly to their injuries.
The lawsuit lists two primary causes of action: general negligence and premises liability. Under general negligence, it is claimed that Stanford Health Care had an obligation to keep their facilities reasonably safe but failed to do so. The plaintiffs assert that this breach of duty was a substantial factor in causing their injuries and damages.
Under premises liability, Kenneth and Juana Rodriguez claim that as owners or occupiers of land open to patrons like themselves, Stanford Health Care had a duty to exercise ordinary care for their safety. The plaintiffs believe that Stanford Health Care failed in this responsibility by not adequately monitoring or maintaining areas such as tables and chairs in seating areas.
The Rodriguezes are seeking several forms of relief from the court. They are asking for general damages for pain and suffering as well as compensation for past and future medical expenses related to their injuries. Additionally, they seek reimbursement for loss of earnings and earning capacity due to their inability to work following the incident.
Representing Kenneth and Juana Rodriguez are attorneys Daniel Setareh and Randall Baker from Setareh Law APLC. The case is being reviewed under Case ID 24CV440429 by Judge J. Nguyen.