Mother had severe ulcer before wrongful death at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, son claims

An Ocala man is suing a local hospital, alleging that negligence and neglect during his mother’s hospital stay led to the development of a severe pressure ulcer that ultimately contributed to her wrongful death.

Courtney James, acting as the personal representative of the Estate of his late mother, Annie Morgan, filed the complaint against Marion Community Hospital, Inc. d/b/a HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, in the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Marion County on Friday, December 5.

According to the complaint, Morgan was admitted to HCA Florida Ocala (1431 SW 1st Ave) on or around January 3, 2025, with no skin impairments or breakdown.

During her time at the hospital, her condition allegedly deteriorated. Morgan became dependent on staff for assistance to be repositioned and to offload pressure, as she was unable to move herself in bed or a chair.

The lawsuit alleges that despite this high need for care, Morgan was “neglected” and developed a “significant hospital acquired pressure ulcer (HAPU) on her sacrum,” which the complaint calls a “never event” in healthcare. “Never events” in healthcare are serious, identifiable, and preventable medical errors that should “never” happen. They generally lead to severe patient harm or death.

As a result of the alleged neglect and injuries, Morgan required extensive wound care that caused additional pain. These hospital-acquired injuries “plagued” Morgan until her death on or around September 1.

The complaint cites multiple counts and accuses HCA Ocala, through its employees and agents, of failing to administer healthcare in accordance with the prevailing professional standard of care.

Specifically, the suit accuses the hospital of failing to identify Morgan’s risk for skin breakdown, failing to develop and implement an appropriate plan of care to prevent skin breakdown, failing to timely obtain wound care, and failing to recognize, prevent, and appropriately react to Morgan’s risk of infection.

As a direct and proximate result of the defendant’s alleged negligence, the plaintiffs are seeking all recoverable damages for her wrongful death.

These damages include mental pain and suffering, loss of services, society, comfort, and support, and expenses for medical and funeral bills. The estate is also seeking damages for Morgan’s pain and suffering and loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life from the time of injury until her death.

James is seeking in excess of $50,000, exclusive of interest and costs. He is demanding a trial by jury.