CNN has reported that a shooting occurred inside the Methodist Dallas Medical Center located at 1441 N Beckley Ave, Dallas, TX 75203.
At approximately 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2022, two employees were killed at the Dallas hospital. The shooting suspect, 30-year-old Nestor Hernandez, was shot as well after being confronted by a responding officer. Hernandez was is being treated for his injuries at another hospital after being stabilized. He was just released in October 2021 and out on parole for aggravated robbery. Despite having an active ankle monitor, Hernandez was granted permission to be at the hospital while his significant other gave birth. The shooting occurred while he was inside the “mother/baby” unit, prompting additional security.
Attorney contributor Anjali Nigam is an experienced shooting victim lawyer in Texas. Anjali often represents shooting victims or their families in civil lawsuits. Recently he shared some information regarding the legal options available for the surviving family of victims fatally shot at a hospital.
"Hospitals have a responsibility to make sure their patients and staff are safe. It is important to keep preventative actions that limit risk. This can include hiring security personnel, check-in policies, and monitored cameras. Insufficient security and other negligent acts can result in patients or staff getting hurt."
"Law enforcement will conduct a criminal investigation when people are injured or killed at a hospital. The victim's family may not get the financial justice they deserve or need following the tragic event, but this will often lead to charges and sentencing for the perpetrators. It is possible for a third party to be accountable in cases of negligence. If the authorities or hospital were aware of the suspect's violent history but failed to increase security measures, this is even more true. In many cases of security neglect, victims and their families may have grounds for a lawsuit and may be entitled to financial compensation. A shooting victim lawyer can help identify the responsible parties for the victims and their families, helping them get the justice they rightfully deserve."