A Palm Beach County nurse who survived a brutal attack by a patient one year ago has filed a lawsuit against the hospital where she worked and its security company, seeking justice and accountability for what her family calls a preventable tragedy.
Leelamma Lal was working at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital on Feb. 18, 2025, when Palm Beach County deputies say Stephen Scantlebury, a patient on a mental health hold, leaped from his hospital bed and beat her nearly to death before fleeing the facility. Deputies arrested him moments later on Southern Boulevard.
WATCH: Attorney says changes at hospital since attack have made little difference
Nurse files lawsuit one year after brutal hospital attack
The rosary Lal was wearing that day broke. It still bears the marks of the violent encounter — much like the woman who wore it…