Nexion Health at Lancaster, Inc. D/B/A Millbrook Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and Nancy Lawson v. Gurtha Wells, Individually and on Behalf of the Estate of Willie Wells, Steve M. Wells and Tammie J. Wells ( 2016 )

REVERSE and RENDER; and Opinion Filed July 25, 2016.
S In The
Court of Appeals
Fifth District of Texas at Dallas
No. 05-16-00018-CV
NEXION HEALTH AT LANCASTER, INC. D/B/A MILLBROOK HEALTHCARE AND
REHABILITATION CENTER AND NANCY LAWSON, Appellants
V.
GURTHA WELLS, INDIVIDUALLY AND ON BEHALF OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIE
WELLS, DECEASED, STEVE M. WELLS AND TAMMIE J. WELLS, Appellees
On Appeal from the 14th Judicial District Court
Dallas County, Texas
Trial Court Cause No. DC-15-02533
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Before Justices Francis, Fillmore, and Schenck
Opinion by Justice Schenck
This is an interlocutory appeal of the denial of a motion to dismiss appellees’ health care
liability claims for failure to serve expert reports that comply with section 74.351 of the Texas
Civil Practice and Remedies Code filed by appellants Nexion Health at Lancaster, Inc. d/b/a
Millbrook Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center (“Nexion”) and Nexion’s Director of Nursing,
Nancy Lawson, (“Lawson”). TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE ANN. § 74.351 (West Supp. 2015).
Appellants urge that the trial court erred by denying their motion and by failing to award them
attorney’s fees. For the reasons outlined in this opinion, we reverse the trial court’s December
18, 2015 order denying appellants’ motion to dismiss, render judgment dismissing appellees’
claims against appellants with prejudice, and remand this case to the trial court to determine the
reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to be awarded to appellants pursuant to section 74.351(b)(1)
of the civil practice and remedies code. TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE ANN. § 74.351(b)(1);
TEX. R. APP. P. 43.2. Because all issues are settled in law, we issue this memorandum opinion.
TEX. R. APP. P. 47.4.
BACKGROUND
Willie Wells resided at Nexion’s healthcare and rehabilitation facility in Lancaster, Texas
at various times between July and September 2013 after undergoing bowel surgery at University
General Hospital. On September 19, 2013, at an unspecified time, nurse Tracee Rainey
examined Mr. Wells. She noted that Mr. Wells’ abdomen was semi-firm and mildly distended,
and that his bowel sounds were present but sluggish. She contacted medical management for
gastrointestinal concerns and indicated he would have an esophagram in the morning. On
September 20, 2013, Nexion transferred Mr. Wells to University General Hospital with
complaints of stomach pain and gas. He later died from complications arising from a bowel
obstruction.
Gurtha Wells, individually and as the representative of the estate of Willie Wells,
Deceased, Steve M. Wells, and Tammie J. Wells’ (collectively the “Wells”) sued Nexion and
Lawson for negligence related to their care of Mr. Wells. More particularly, Wells alleged
Nexion and Lawson (1) failed to evaluate timely Mr. Wells’ bowel condition, (2) failed to
prevent Mr. Wells from failing on two occasions, and (3) failed to address adequately his
symptoms of bowel dysfunction on September 19, 2013. 1
Prior to the expiration of Wells’ 120 day expert report deadline under section 74.351 of
the civil practice and remedies code, Wells served appellants with the initial expert reports of Dr.
Manuel A. Eskildsen regarding the conduct of Nexion and Lawson. Appellants objected to the
sufficiency of the reports arguing neither report sufficiently linked the alleged breaches of
1
Appellants’ alleged negligence in failing to prevent Mr. Wells’ falls is not included as a causative event of his death.
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Nexion’s and Lawson’s respective standards of care to Mr. Wells’ injuries. After hearing
appellants’ motion, the trial court found the reports were deficient and granted Wells a 30-day
extension to cure the deficiencies. TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE ANN. § 74.351(c). Wells
served two amended expert reports within the allotted time.
Appellants objected to the amended reports as failing to sufficiently set forth a causal link
between their conduct and Mr. Wells’ death, and moved for dismissal of Wells’ claims with
prejudice and requested attorney’s fees and costs. After hearing, the trial court denied
appellants’ motion and appellants timely filed this interlocutory appeal.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
We review a trial court’s denial of a motion to dismiss a health care liability claim based
on the sufficiency of an expert’s report for an abuse of discretion. Van Ness v. ETMC First
Physicians, 461 S.W.3d 140, 142 (Tex. 2015) (per curiam); Nexion Health at Terrell Manor v.
Taylor, 294 S.W.3d 787, 791 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2009, no pet.). A trial court abuses its
discretion if it acts in an arbitrary or unreasonable manner without reference to guiding rules or
principles. Jelinek v. Casas, 328 S.W.3d 526, 539 (Tex. 2010). We must defer to the trial
court’s factual determinations if they are supported by the evidence, but review its legal
determinations de novo. Van Ness, 461 S.W.3d at 142. A trial court has no discretion, however,
in determining what the law is or in applying the law to the established facts. Sanchez v. Martin,
378 S.W.3d 581, 587 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2012, no pet.). With these standards in mind, we turn
to appellants’ issues.
DISCUSSION
In appellants’ first and second issues, appellants argue the trial court abused its discretion
in denying their motion to dismiss because Wells’ expert reports fail to identify a basis for
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requisite causation in that they do not state how appellants’ alleged breaches of the standard of
care caused Mr. Wells’ death.
I. Applicable Law
Chapter 74 of the civil practice and remedies code governs health care liability claims.
Brewster v. Columbia Med. Ctr. of Mckinney Subsidiary, L.P., 269 S.W.3d 314, 316 n.3 (Tex.
App.—Dallas 2008, no pet.). Under that chapter, any person who brings suit asserting a health
care liability claim must, within 120 days of the filing of the defendant’s answer, provide an
expert report for each physician or health care provider against whom a health care liability
claim is asserted. TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE ANN. § 74.351(a). An “expert report” is
defined as a written report that provides a fair summary of the expert’s opinions as of the date of
the report regarding (1) applicable standards of care, (2) the manner in which the care rendered
by the physician or health care provider failed to meet the standards, and (3) the causal
relationship between that failure and the injury, harm, or damages claimed. Id. § 74.351(r)(6). A
report is deficient if it states only the expert’s conclusions about the standard of care, breach of
the standard of care, or causation. See Ortiz v. Patterson, 378 S.W.3d 667, 671 (Tex. App.—
Dallas 2012, no pet.).
A trial court must grant a motion challenging the adequacy of an expert report only if it
appears, after hearing, that the report does not represent an objective good faith effort to comply
with the definition of “expert report” in section 74.351(r)(6). TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE
ANN. § 74.351(l). In determining whether the expert report represents a good faith effort to
comply with the statutory requirements, the court’s inquiry is limited to the four corners of the
report. Sanchez, 378 S.W.3d at 588. A court may not “fill gaps” in an expert report by drawing
inferences or guessing what the expert likely meant or intended. Hollingsworth v. Springs, 353
S.W.3d 506, 513 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2011, no pet.). If a report omits any of the statutory
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elements of section 74.351(r)(6), it cannot be a good faith effort. Am. Transitional Care Ctrs. of
Tex., Inc. v. Palacios, 46 S.W.3d 873, 879 (Tex. 2001). As noted, one of the mandatory
elements of a good faith report is an explanation of the causal relationship between a failure to
meet the applicable standard of care and the injury, harm, or damages claimed.
A causal relationship is established by proof that the negligent act or omission was a
substantial factor in bringing about the harm and that, absent this act or omission, the harm
would not have occurred. Mitchell v. Satyu, 05–14–00479–CV, 2015 WL 3765771, at *4 (Tex.
App.—Dallas June 17, 2015, no pet.) (mem. op.) (citing Costello v. Christus Santa Rosa Health
Care Corp., 141 S.W.3d 245, 249 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2004, no pet.)). An expert report
must explain “to a reasonable degree, how and why the breach [of the standard of care] caused
the injury based on the facts presented.” Jelinek, 328 S.W.3d at 539–40. The report “must
explain the basis of [the expert’s] statements to link his conclusions to the facts.” Bowie Mem’l
Hosp. v. Wright, 79 S.W.3d 48, 52 (Tex. 2002); see also Taylor v. Fossett, 320 S.W.3d 570, 575
(Tex. App.—Dallas 2010, no pet.). An expert’s mere conclusion that “in medical probability”
one event caused another differs little, without an explanation tying the conclusion to the facts,
from an ipse dixit, which the supreme court has consistently criticized. Jelinek, 328 S.W.3d at
539.
II. Application of the Law
The question presented in appellants’ first and second issues is whether Dr. Eskildsen’s
reports provide enough explanation to render his causation opinions adequate; that is, whether
Dr. Eskildsen’s reports supply the “how and why” of a causal relationship between appellants’
purported breaches of the applicable standards of care and Mr. Wells’ death.
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A. Summary of the Facts Reported
Both of Dr. Eskildsen’s reports contain the following summary of facts. On March 23,
2013, Mr. Wells was admitted to University General Hospital due to a history of volvulus, 2
uncontrolled hypertension, bipedal edema, and malnutrition. He was treated and discharged on
April 2, 2013. On July 1, 2013, Mr. Wells was again admitted to University General Hospital,
this time with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. He was diagnosed as having a sigmoid
volvulus with perforation. A resection was performed and Mr. Wells was discharged to Nexion
on July 11, 2013. On July 15, 2013, at the request of Mr. Wells’ wife, Mr. Wells was transported
back to University General Hospital. He was found to be hypotensive, hypovolemic, and had
developed a urinary tract infection. He was treated and transferred back to Nexion on July 19,
2013. On September 10, 2013, Nexion documented Mr. Wells had one fall in the last 30 days
and a total of four falls in the last 90 days. On September 19, 2013, nurse Rainey examined Mr.
Wells. The time of the examination is not noted. Nurse Rainey noted that Mr. Wells’ abdomen
was semi-firm and mildly distended, and his bowel sounds were present but sluggish. She
contacted medical management for gastrointestinal concerns and indicated Mr. Wells would have
an esophagram in the morning. On September 20, 2013, Mr. Wells was transferred back to
University General Hospital by ambulance due to his report of a stomach ache and gas. The time
of transport is not noted. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed
extensive pneumoperitoneum with associated ascites 3 and subcutaneous air. The hospital
admitted Mr. Wells with acute abdomen, sepsis, shock, and hypokalemia. The record and Dr.
Eskildsen’s reports do not indicate whether additional tests were performed after Mr. Wells was
2
A volvulus occurs when part of the large intestine is twisted on itself and the mesentery. The mesentery is a supportive tissue that anchors
the intestines to the back wall of the abdomen. The twisted intestine creates a bowel obstruction that cuts off the blood supply and affects bowel
function. The Medical Center of Plano, http://www.themedicalcenterofplano.com.
3
Ascites is the build-up of fluid in the space between the lining of the abdomen and the abdominal organs. University of Maryland Medical
Center, http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/ascites.
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admitted or how Mr. Wells was treated after admittance. On September 28, 2013, Mr. Wells
died. The noted cause of death was bowel obstruction.
B. Nexion - Standard of Care
Dr. Eskildsen’s report concerning Nexion states Nexion was required to:
1. Properly evaluate Mr. Wells upon his admission into the facility for signs
or symptoms of bowel abnormalities and/or constipation;
2. Institute a system for monitoring Mr. Wells for abdominal pain and
swelling, as well as for constipation;
3. Communicate abnormal findings regarding Mr. Wells’ abdomen to his
physician and family; and
4. Properly treat Mr. Wells if he exhibited signs and symptoms of
constipation, bowel obstruction, or emerging infection.
C. Nexion - Claimed Breaches of the Standard of Care
Dr. Eskildsen states Nexion breached the standards of care by:
1. Failing to evaluate properly Mr. Wells for signs and symptoms of bowel
abnormalities and/or constipation; and
2. Failing to report Mr. Wells’ developing bowel obstruction to his treating
physician or family.
Dr. Eskildsen further elucidated that Nexion’s failure to recognize that Mr. Wells’ symptoms on
September 19, 2013 necessitated immediate evaluation and failure to notify Mr. Wells’ family
and physician on September 19, 2013 were breaches of the standard of care.
D. Nexion - Causation
As to causation, Dr. Eskildsen states:
As a direct result of [Nexion’s] breaches of the above standards of care, I
conclude that Willie Wells’ death on September 28, 2013 was directly caused by a
bowel obstruction that he developed while under the care and supervision of
[Nexion]. More specifically, on September 19, 2013, the facility documented
findings that Mr. Wells’ abdomen was abnormal. This condition went untreated.
As a result of this untreated bowel obstruction, Mr. Wells developed a new
perforation in his bowel at the site of his prior bowel surgery. This new
perforation resulted in fecal peritonitis, which is a leakage of bowel fluid and
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contents directly into his abdomen. By the following day, Mr. Well’s untreated
bowel obstruction and fecal peritonitis had developed into sepsis. Which is an
infection of the blood [sic]. Due to this, Mr. Wells subsequently went into septic
shock, and ultimately died of his bowel obstruction. Thus, based on my
education, training and education as a medical doctor, as well as my review of the
relevant medical records in this case, I have concluded that Mr. Wells’ bowel
obstruction, which he developed while under the care and supervision of [Nexion]
was a substantial contributing factor to his death on September 28, 2013.
(emphasis added). This opinion is much like the opinions in the Ortiz, Jeffers, and Klovenski
cases, in that it identifies the manner of the injury but does not explain how it relates to an
identified breach in the standard of care or state why, but for the claimed breach, the injury or
death would not have resulted.
In Ortiz, the patient sought treatment for respiratory complaints at a medical facility and
died the next day. In the subsequent malpractice lawsuit, the claimants relied on an expert report
that recited, in pertinent part:
Failing to do the appropriate tests, make the correct diagnosis, and recognize
the clinical severity and risks involved in not referring Mr. Ortiz for admission
to a hospital did not meet the standard of care, and contributed to the
premature death of this man. If Mr. Ortiz had received appropriate evaluation
and treatment it is more likely than not that he would have survived this
ordeal.
Ortiz, 378 S.W.3d at 673. In that case, we concluded that the expert failed to explain how
Ortiz’s death resulted from the breaches of the standard of care identified in the report, and
accordingly we concluded that the trial judge properly granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss.
Id. at 674.
In Jeffers, the patient sought treatment for an upper respiratory infection at a hospital and
died the next morning from cardiac arrest. In the subsequent medical malpractice case, the
claimants relied on an expert report that recited, in relevant part:
[Physician’s Assistant] Knightstep failed to timely examine Ms. Jeffers and
appropriately intervene. As such, she failed to appreciate and address Ms.
Jeffers’ clearly deteriorating condition. As a result, Ms. Jeffers’ worsening
hypoxia ultimately led to profoundly inadequate oxygenation and associated
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cardiac arrest and death.
Debra Knightstep, P.A. v. Jeffers, No. 05–12–01067–CV, 2013 WL 3487933, at *3 (Tex. App.—
Dallas July 10, 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.). In that case, we concluded the expert failed to state an
opinion on the causal connection between the breaches of the standards of care and Ms. Jeffers’
death. Id. In doing so, we noted the expert did not state how Knightstep’s failing to physically
examine Jeffers caused her death or how performing appropriate additional testing would have
prevented her death. Id. Accordingly, we reversed the trial court’s order denying Knightstep’s
motion to dismiss and remanded the case for a determination of whether Jeffers should be
granted a 30-day extension to cure deficiencies in the report.
In Klovenski, the patient sought treatment from Dr. Kapoor, her primary care physician,
for a lump on her thigh. Dr. Kapoor failed to discover the lump was cancerous. Another
physician diagnosed Klovenski with cancer four months later. Klovenski died a year and two
months later. In the subsequent medical malpractice case, the claimants relied on an expert
report that recited, in relevant part:
I find Dr. Kapoor’s failure to timely diagnose the cancer in the left thigh of his
patient Margaret Klovenski of [sic] a four month period of time . . . directly
resulted in the spread of this beyond therapeutic (surgical, radiation, and
chemotheraphy, as provided) control, leading to Mrs. Klovenski’s ultimate
debilitating and painful death, none of which, it is probable, would have occurred
had Dr. Kapoor initially diagnosed the cancer in his patient’s leg successfully.
Kapoor v. Estate of Klovenski, No. 14–09–00963–CV, 2010 WL 3721866, at *4 (Tex. App.—
Houston [14th Dist.] Sept. 23, 2010 no pet.) (mem. op.). In that case, the Houston court of
appeals concluded the expert failed to connect her conclusion to any specific facts regarding
whether Klovenski’s type of cancer was treatable, either before or after its eventual diagnosis.
Id. at *5. The court further concluded that the expert’s opinion required the court to infer that (1)
different, more effective treatment would have been available for Klovenski’s unidentified type
of cancer three months earlier, or (2) earlier treatment would have been more likely to improve
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Klovenski’s prognosis. The court recognized that such inferences are not permitted. Id. (citing
Wright, 79 S.W.3d at 53.
In this case, Dr. Eskildsen states that had Nexion notified Mr. Wells’ family and
physician on September 19, 2013, Mr. Wells would have been evaluated in a hospital setting,
which would have allowed Mr. Wells to receive intravenous fluids, bowel rest, and if necessary
resection of the obstructed bowel. Dr. Eskildsen does not state that had Mr. Wells been
evaluated in a hospital setting on September 19, 2013, his bowel would have been resected, or
opine that a specific identified intervention on September 19, 2013 would have prevented Mr.
Wells’ bowel obstruction causing his death. Instead, Dr. Eskildsen merely concludes, had Mr.
Wells been evaluated in a hospital setting on September 19, 2013, he would not have developed
a severe bowel obstruction, perforation, infection, and sepsis and would not have died. Dr.
Eskildsen fails to explain why evaluation and treatment on September 20, 2013 were insufficient
or how evaluation on September 19, 2013 would have remedied the situation or led to a different
outcome for Mr. Wells. We may not fill the gap and infer how evaluation and some potential
treatment on September 19, 2013 would have remedied the situation or would have led to a
better outcome for Mr. Wells. See Jeffers, 2013 WL 3487933, at *4. Like the causation
opinions in Ortiz, Jeffers, and Klovenski, we conclude Dr. Eskildsen’s causation opinion
concerning Nexion is conclusory.
E. Lawson - Standard of Care
Dr. Eskildsen’s report concerning Lawson states that Lawson was required to ensure:
1. Nexion’s nursing program and staff met Mr. Wells medical needs; and
2. Mr. Wells was provided proper medical care and treatment.
F. Lawson - Breach of the Standard of Care
Dr. Eskildsen states Lawson breached the standard of care by:
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1. Individually failing to properly evaluate Mr. Wells for signs and
symptoms of bowel abnormalities and/or constipation and clearly
documenting those evaluations; and
2. Failing to ensure that the facility’s nursing staff properly evaluated Mr.
Wells for signs and symptoms of bowel abnormalities.
G. Lawson - Causation
As to a causal connection between Lawson’s alleged breaches of the standards of care
and Mr. Wells’ death, Dr. Eskildsen reiterates his causation opinion concerning Nexion. For the
reasons stated supra, Dr. Eskildsen’s causation opinion concerning Lawson is conclusory.
We additionally note that Wells’ claims against Lawson are based solely on her alleged
individual negligence. Lawson did not examine Mr. Wells on September 19, 2013 and was not
involved in the decision to transfer Mr. Wells to the hospital. Dr. Eskildsen indicates Lawson
signed a Minimum Data Set, a standardized assessment tool of health status, for Mr. Wells on
July 29, 2013. Dr. Eskildsen does not indicate what that assessment revealed and does not
causally connect Lawson’s assessment of Mr. Wells on July 29, 2013 to his death on September
28, 2013.
As to Lawson’s administrative duties, Dr. Eskildsen was required to link Lawson’s
alleged failed management responsibilities to Mr. Wells’ death. Dr. Eskildsen does link any
alleged administrative negligence to Mr. Wells’ death. See Hollingsworth, 353 S.W.3d at 518–
19 (alleged breaches of hospital administrators not causally linked to injury sustained).
We conclude that Dr. Eskildsen’s reports concerning Nexion and Lawson fail to provide
a fair summary of the causal relationship between Nexion’s and Lawson’s purported failures to
meet the applicable standards of care and Mr. Well’s death. See TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE
ANN. § 74.351(r)(6). Because Wells’ expert reports omit the statutory element of causation, they
do not fulfill the good faith effort requirement. Consequently, the trial court abused its discretion
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in denying appellants’ motion to dismiss Wells’ claims against them. We sustain appellants’
first and second issues.
C. Attorney’s Fees Under Section 74.351
In their third issue, appellants argue the trial court erred in failing to award appellants’
attorney’s fees because Dr. Eskildsen’s reports failed to satisfy section 74.351 of the civil
practice and remedies code. TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE ANN. § 74.351. Section 74.351(b)(1)
mandates that the trial court award the health care provider reasonable attorney’s fees and costs
of court if the claimant fails to serve an expert report that complies with section 74.351. Id.
§ 74.351(b)(1). Because we conclude Wells failed to serve expert reports that comply with
section 74.351, we sustain appellants’ third issue.
CONCLUSION
We reverse the trial court’s order denying appellants’ motion to dismiss, render judgment
dismissing appellees’ claims against appellants with prejudice, and remand this case to the trial
court to determine the reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to be awarded to appellants pursuant
to section 74.351(b)(1) of the civil practice and remedies code.
/DAVID J. SCHENCK/
DAVID J. SCHENCK
160018F.P05
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S
Court of Appeals
Fifth District of Texas at Dallas
JUDGMENT
NEXION HEALTH AT LANCASTER, On Appeal from the 14th Judicial District
INC. D/B/A MILLBROOK HEALTHCARE Court, Dallas County, Texas
AND REHABILITATION CENTER AND Trial Court Cause No. DC-15-02533.
NANCY LAWSON, Appellants Opinion delivered by Justice Schenck.
Justices Francis and Fillmore participating.
No. 05-16-00018-CV V.
GURTHA WELLS, INDIVIDUALLY AND
ON BEHALF OF THE ESTATE OF
WILLIE WELLS, DECEASED, STEVE M.
WELLS AND TAMMIE J. WELLS,
Appellees
In accordance with this Court’s opinion of this date, the trial court’s order denying
appellants NEXION HEALTH AT LANCASTER, INC. D/B/A MILLBROOK HEALTHCARE
AND REHABILITATION CENTER AND NANCY LAWSON’s motion to dismiss is
REVERSED and judgment is RENDERED that appellees’ claims against appellants are
dismissed with prejudice. The case is remanded to the trial court to determine the reasonable
attorney’s fees and costs to be awarded to appellants pursuant to section 74.351(b)(1) of the civil
practice and remedies code.
It is ORDERED that appellants NEXION HEALTH AT LANCASTER, INC. D/B/A
MILLBROOK HEALTHCARE AND REHABILITATION CENTER AND NANCY LAWSON
recover their costs of this appeal from appellees GURTHA WELLS, INDIVIDUALLY AND
ON BEHALF OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIE WELLS, DECEASED, STEVE M. WELLS AND
TAMMIE J. WELLS.
Judgment entered July 25, 2016.
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