ROSEVILLE, Calif. (CN) - Kaiser failed to properly maintain an examination chair that collapsed, causing a patient serious injuries, he claims in a Placer County Superior Court complaint.

Ralph Dana was at a Kaiser hospital on May 17, 2013, when the examination chair he was sitting on suddenly gave way, causing him to hit the ground and sustain injuries.

“Plaintiff was at Kaiser Permanente Roseville facility and was instructed by a nurse to get into an examination chair,” according to the complaint. “At the moment he got into the chair, it started to collapse around and on top of him.”

Dana says hospital staff should have taken steps to properly maintain the chair to prevent it from breaking.

“Defendants were negligent in that they knew or should have known the chair was a hazard, and they have an obligation to regularly inspect and properly repair, and maintain chairs intended for patient use,” the complaint states. “As a direct and proximate result of defendants’ negligence, plaintiff was caused to sustain injuries and damages.”

Dana sued the Permanente Medical Group, Inc.; Kaiser Foundation Hospitals; Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.; and Kaiser Permanente Insurance Corporation for general negligence. He seeks general and compensatory damages for lost wages and earnings, and hospital and medical expenses.

Dana is represented by Louis Beary of the Scranton Law Firm, in Concord, Calif.