ROCKVILLE, Md. (CN) - A 73-year-old Kaiser patient, a known fall risk, was not protected from falling, and when he fell out of bed, it was not disclosed or treated, his lawsuit claims.

Vasef Jenabi sued Kaiser Foundation Hospitals doing business as Gaithersburg Medical Center, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc. and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. for medical negligence in Montgomery County, Maryland, Circuit Court.

Vasef Jenabi, 73, was admitted to Gaithersburg Medical Center for dizziness and unsteady gait, according to the suit. His prior medical history included both high and low blood pressure, diabetes, enlarged prostate and low potassium levels. 

Despite his risk for falls, nothing was done to protect him from falling, “such as TAG or pressure alarms, wedge cushions, keeping bed in the lowest position or any other standard fall prevention measures,” according to the suit. 

In the morning after his admission, Jenabi woke up in intense pain on his left side and was shaking uncontrollably, the action states. A neurologist was called to evaluate him for stroke because he was disoriented, but he was not told he had fallen during the night. Because his blood pressure was elevated, he was transferred to Holy Cross Hospital. 

An x-ray revealed that he had broken his left arm and leg. “There is no documentation in the Gaithersburg Medical Center records of Mr. Jenabi suffering a fall during the night, or being evaluated,” the action states.

As a result of the negligence, Jenabi had “horrible pain, anguish and suffering, incurred extensive medical bills for treatment and had a significant and precipitous decline in his health,” the suit claims.

Jenabi seeks monetary damages plus interest and legal costs. He is represented by Joseph Musso of Aschcraft & Gerel, LLP in Alexandria, Virginia.