DCH Tries To Get Lawsuit Filed By Family Of Nurse Tossed Out
The tragic death of Nurse Ada Doss shook the entire Tuscaloosa region, as well as employees of DCH. The hospital has worked to amend its security policy to further protect all employees in the wake of the event. The husband of Ada Doss, along with the personal representative of her estate, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against DCH. Attorneys Paul Patterson and North Patterson of The Patterson Law Firm are representing the family.
The original lawsuit names DCH, The Universal Protection Service, LLC, and Matthew Taylor as defendants. Now comes news that the hospital is trying to get its legal team to seek dismissal of DCH from the lawsuit. The motions were filed today in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court. The plaintiffs are making the claim that Nurse Ada Doss was slain while leaving the hospital and attempting to get into her vehicle in the DCH employee-owned parking lot.
The motion continues with the argument that Doss' death stemmed from "out of and in the course of " her regular employment. This would be the only possibility for the family to recover benefits under Alabama law by filing a workers' compensation claim. In fact, our sources have told us that the hospital system firmly believes that the State of Alabama and the Workers' Compensation Act are the only legal remedies available for the family against DCH.
DCH hospital sent us a statement that, in part, refers to what a valuable member of the DCH family Ada Doss was and calls it a heartbreaking tragedy. It also states that DCH is providing benefits to the Doss family and will continue to do so. The statement also claims that this filing is required as part of the legal process under Alabama law when an employee loses their life at work.
Here is the complete, unedited statement from DCH:
The murder of Ada Doss was a heartbreaking tragedy, and our hearts remain with her husband, her daughters, and all who loved her. Ada was a valued member of the DCH family, and caring for the loved ones she left behind is something we take seriously. DCH is providing benefits to Ada’s family and will continue to support them.
The filing made this week is a step our attorneys are required to take within the legal process. Under Alabama law, when an employee loses their life at work, the provisions of the Alabama Workers’ Compensation Act dictate the support that must be provided to the family. That support is already being provided to Ada’s loved ones. This step does not change our grief, our commitment to Ada’s family, or our focus on the safety of everyone on our campus.
Out of respect for the legal process and the family’s privacy, we will not comment further on pending litigation.
This is a developing story, and we will provide any further updates.
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