the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center v. Verba Klingsick, Diana Klingsick and Jana Carrasco, Individually and on Behalf of the Estate of William R. Kingsick ( 2015 )

ACCEPTED
05-15-00246-CV
FIFTH COURT OF APPEALS
DALLAS, TEXAS
4/30/2015 4:26:18 PM
LISA MATZ
CLERK
NO. 05-15-00246-CV
FILED IN
5th COURT OF APPEALS
In the Fifth Court of Appeals DALLAS, TEXAS
4/30/2015 4:26:18 PM
Dallas, Texas LISA MATZ
Clerk
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,
Appellant,
vs.
Verba Klingsick, Diana Klingsick and Jana Carrasco, Individually and on
Behalf of the Estate of William R. Klingsick, Deceased,
Appellees.
On Appeal from the 95TH Judicial District of Dallas County, Texas
Trial Court Cause No. DC-12-07946
The Honorable Ken Molberg, Judge Presiding
APPELLANT’S BRIEF
KEN PAXTON JASON WARNER
Attorney General of Texas Assistant Attorney General
State Bar No.: 24028112
CHARLES E. ROY Tort Litigation Division, MC 030
First Assistant Attorney General P.O. Box 12548, Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711-2548
JAMES E. DAVIS (512) 463-2197
Deputy Attorney General for Civil FAX: (512) 457-4430
Litigation jason.warner@texasattorneygeneral.gov
Counsel for Appellant
KARA KENNEDY
Chief, Tort Litigation Division
ORAL ARGUMENT REQUESTED
IDENTITY OF PARTIES & COUNSEL
Appellant certifies that the following is a complete list of the parties, attorneys,
and any other person who has any interest in the outcome of this lawsuit:
Presiding trial judge: Honorable Ken Molberg
Judge, 95th District Court
George L. Allen, Sr. Court Bldg.
600 Commerce Street, Box 640
6th Floor New Tower
Dallas, TX 75202
214.653.6609 – phone
Appellant: The University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center
Attorney of Record: Jason Warner
Assistant Attorney General
State Bar No. 24028112
Tort Litigation Division, MC 030
P.O. Box 12548, Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711-2548
(512) 463-2197
FAX: (512) 457-4430
jason.warner@texasattorneygeneral.gov
Appellees: Verba Klingsick, Diana Klingsick and Jana
Carrasco, Individually and on Behalf of the
Estate of William R. Klingsick, Deceased
Attorney of Record: Andrew B. Sommerman
SOMMERMAN & QUESADA, L.L.P.
3811 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Suite 1400
Dallas, TX 75219-4461
214.720.0720 - phone
214.720.0184 - fax
State Bar No. 18842150
andrew@textrial.com
ii
Other Parties To The Underlying
Suit, But Not A Party To This
Appeal:
Southwest Transplant Alliance
Attorney of Record: Gary Lykins
THE BERRY FIRM, P.L.L.C.
1412 Main Street, Suite 2300
Dallas, TX 75202
214.915.9806 – direct no.
214.752.8250 – fax
State Bar No. 12715600
lykins@berryfirm.com
Vitrolife, Inc.
Attorney of Record: Tim Ryan
SCHELL COOLEY LLP
15455 Dallas Parkway, Suite 550
Addison, TX 75001
(214) 665-2005 – phone
(214) 754-0060 – Fax
State Bar No. 17483600
tryan@schellcooley.com
iii
REQUEST FOR ORAL ARGUMENT
Pursuant to rules 39.1 and 39.7 of the Texas Rules of Appellate
Procedure, Appellant hereby requests oral argument in this case.
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
IDENTITY OF PARTIES & COUNSEL ................................................................. ii
REQUEST FOR ORAL ARGUMENT ................................................................... iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...........................................................................................v
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES................................................................................... vii
STATEMENT OF THE CASE ............................................................................... xii
STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION...................................................................... xiv
ISSUES PRESENTED.............................................................................................xv
APPELLANT’S BRIEF .............................................................................................1
STATEMENT OF FACTS ........................................................................................2
A. Introduction .....................................................................................................2
B. Organs and Medication Provided by STA....................................................... 3
C. STA Solely Responsible to Preservation Solution Mixing and
Preparation .......................................................................................................3
D. Mr. Klingsick’s Transplant .............................................................................. 5
E. Preservation Solution Questioned ................................................................... 6
F. STA Acknowledgement of the Breach of the Standard of Care ...................10
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT ......................................................................12
ARGUMENT ...........................................................................................................13
A. Standard of Review & Sovereign Immunity ................................................13
v
ISSUE I: DID THE TRIAL COURT COMMIT REVERSIBLE ERROR IN DENYING
UTSWMC’S PLEA TO THE JURISDICTION WHEN APPELLEES DID
NOT GIVE UTSWMC FORMAL NOTICE OF THEIR CLAIMS AND
UTSWMC DID NOT HAVE ACTUAL NOTICE OF THEIR CLAIMS
WITHIN SIX MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF INCIDENT? ............................. 16
A. Quick Answer ...............................................................................................16
B. The Statute: TTCA Notice Requirement for a Waiver of Sovereign
Immunity .......................................................................................................16
C. The Texas Supreme Court & Actual Notice .................................................17
D. McQueen Opinion & Actual Notice in Health Care Liability Cases ............ 20
E. UTSWMC Did Not Have the Required “Subjective Signal” ........................21
F. Conclusion ....................................................................................................24
ISSUE II: DID THE TRIAL COURT COMMIT REVERSIBLE ERROR IN DENYING
UTSWMC’S PLEA TO THE JURISDICTION WHEN NO TANGIBLE
PERSONAL PROPERTY WAS NEGLIGENTLY USED BY ITS
EMPLOYEES DURING THE ALLEGED NEGLIGENT MEDICAL
TREATMENT IN QUESTION? .................................................................25
A. Quick Answer ..........................................................................................25
B. TTCA §101.021’s Waiver of Sovereign Immunity Requirements ......... 25
C. Appellees’ Negligent Use Allegations Concerning Mr. Klingsick’s
Lung Transplant .......................................................................................26
D. The TTCA Waiver of Immunity Requires a Negligent Use of
Tangible Personal Property .....................................................................28
E. Appellees’ True Allegations Fail to Assert a Waiver of Sovereign
Immunity .................................................................................................32
F. Conclusion ...............................................................................................33
PRAYER .................................................................................................................33
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE .......................................................................35
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ......................................................................... 35, 36
APPENDIX .............................................................................................................37
vi
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
CASES PAGE
Arnold v. Univ. of Texas Southwestern Med. Ctr.,
279 S.W.3d 464 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2009, no pet.). ..................................... 29-31
Bourne v. Nueces County Hosp. Dist.,
749 W.W.2d 630 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 1988,
writ denied). ..........................................................................................................18
Cathey v. Booth,
900 S.W.2d 339 (Tex. 1995). ........................................................................ 18, 24
City of Corsicana v. Stewart,
249 S.W.3d 412 (Tex. 2008) ......................................................................... 26, 41
City of Dallas v. Carbajal,
324 S.W.3d 537 (Tex. 2010) ................................................................... 19, 24, 29
City of Garland v. Rivera,
146 S.W.3d 334 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2004, no pet.). ...........................................31
City of Houston v. Harris,
192 S.W.3d 167 (Tex. App.– Houston [14th Dist.] 2006, no pet.) .......................26
City of North Richland Hills v. Friend,
370 S.W.3d 369 (Tex. 2012) ................................................................................14
Colquitt v. Brazoria County,
324 S.W.3d 539 (Tex. 2010). ...............................................................................17
County of Cameron v. Brown,
80 S.W.3d 549 (Tex.2002) ...................................................................................14
Dallas Area Rapid Trans. v. Edwards,
171 S.W.3d 584 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2005, pet. denied) .....................................30
vii
Dallas Area Rapid Transit v. Whitley,
104 S.W.3d 540 (Tex. 2003). ........................................................................ 26, 30
Dallas Cty. MHMR v. Bossley,
968 S.W.2d 339 (Tex. 1998) ................................................................................26
Dung Ngoc Huynh v. Washington,
339 S.W.3d 309 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2011, no pet.). .................................... 14, 15
El Paso MHMR v. Crissman,
241 S.W.3d 582 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2007, no pet.) ..........................................30
Franka v. Velasquez,
332 S.W.3d 367 (Tex. 2011) ......................................................................... 14, 15
Gipson v. City of Dallas,
247 S.W.3d 465 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008, pet. denied) .....................................29
Griffin v. Hawn,
341 S.W.2d 151 (Tex. 1960) ................................................................................13
Harris County v. Cabazos,
177 S.W.3d 105 (Tex. App.-- Houston [1st Dist.] 2005, no pet.) ........................14
Hosner v. DeYoung,
1 Tex. 764 (1847) .................................................................................................13
Kamel v. Univ. of Texas Health Sci. Ctr. at Houston,
333 S.W.3d 676 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2010, pet. denied) .................30
Kerrville State Hospital v. Clark,
923 S.W. 2d. 582 (Tex. 1996) ....................................................................... 29, 30
Mission C.I.S.D. v. Garcia,
253 S.W.3d 653 (Tex. 2008) ......................................................................... 14, 15
Putthoff v. Ancrum,
934 S.W.2d 164 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1996, writ denied) .............................17
viii
Redden v. Denton Cty,
335 S.W.3d 743 (Tex. App.– Fort Worth 2011, no pet. h.) .......................... 14, 30
San Antonio State Hosp. v. Cowan,
128 S.W.3d 244 (Tex. 2004). ...............................................................................28
Somervell County Healthcare Authority v. Sanders,
169 S.W.3d 724 (Tex. App. - Waco 2006, no pet.)..............................................30
State v. Tennison,
509 S.W.2d 560 (Tex. 1974) ................................................................................26
Streetman v. Univ. of Tex. Health Sci. Ctr. at San Antonio,
952 S.W.2d 53 (Tex.App.-- San Antonio 1997, writ denied) ..............................17
Tex. Dep’t of Criminal Justice v. Simons,
140 S.W.3d 338 (Tex. 2004). ....................................................................... 18, 24
Tex. Dept. of Public Safety v. Petta,
44 S.W.3d 575 (Tex. 2001) ..................................................................................14
Tex. Dept. of Trans. v. Lueck,
290 S.W.3d 876 (Tex. 2009) ......................................................................... 13, 15
Tex. Dept. of Transp. v. Jones,
8 S.W.3d 636 (Tex. 1999). ...................................................................................14
Texas A&M Univ. v. Bishop,
156 S.W.3d 580 (Tex. 2005) ................................................................................30
Texas A&M Univ. v. Koseoglu,
233 S.W.3d 835 (Tex. 2007) ................................................................................14
Texas Dep't of Criminal Justice v. Miller,
51 S.W.3d 583 (Tex. 2001). .................................................................... 15, 28, 29
ix
Texas Dept. of Crim. Just. v. Hawkins,
169 S.W.3d 529 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2005, no pet.) ..................................... 30, 31
Texas Dept. of Parks & Wildlife v. Miranda,
133 S.W.3d 217 (Tex. 2004) ......................................................................... 13, 14
Texas Dept. of Transp. v. Able,
35 S.W.3d 608 (Tex. 2000) ..................................................................................26
Texas Tech Health Sci. Ctr. v. Ward,
280 S.W.3d 345 (Tex. App.– Amarillo 2008, pet. denied). .................................29
Timmons v. Univ. Med. Ctr.,
331 S.W.3d 840 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 2011, no pet.) ........................................17
TNRCC v. IT-Davy,
74 S.W.3d 849 (Tex. 2002) ..................................................................................13
Univ. of Tex. Health Sci. Ctr. v. Schroeder,
190 S.W.3d 102 (Tex. App.-- Houston [1st Dist.] 2005, no pet.) ........................30
Univ. of Texas Health Sci. Ctr. at Houston v. McQueen,
431 S.W.750 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2014, no pet.) ................... 20, 24
Univ. of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Ctr. v. King,
329 S.W.3d 876 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2010) ........................... 29, 30
Univ. of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston v. Tatum,
389 S.W.3d 457 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2012, no pet. ........................30
Univ. of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston v. York,
871 S.W.2d 175 (Tex. 1994) ................................................................................28
Univ. of Texas Medical Branch v. Kai Huo Qi,
402 S.W.3d 374 (Tex. App.-- Houston [14th Dist.] 2013, no pet.) .............. 29, 30
Univ. of Texas Southwestern Med. Ctr. v. Arancibia,
324 S.W.3d 544 (Tex. 2010) ................................................................................19
x
Univ. of Texas Southwestern Med. Ctr. v. Loutzenhiser,
140 S.W.3d 351 & FN 5 (Tex. 2004) ...................................................................15
STATUTES
Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem Code §51.014(a)(8). ......................................................... xiv
Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann §§ 101.001(2) & 101.021 ................................28
Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. §§ 101.021 & 101.022 ...................................26
Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 101.101. ......................................................... 15, 17
Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem.Code § 101.001(3)(A); .......................................................15
Tex. Educ. Code Ann. §§ 65.02(a)(7) & 74.101 (West 2014) ................................15
Tex. Govt. Code Ann. §311.034 .............................................................................17
xi
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
Nature of the Case: This is a health care liability suit brought under the
Wrongful Death Statute, Chapter 71(a), the Texas
Survival Statute, Chapter 71(b), the Medical
Liability Act, Chapter 74, and the Texas Tort
Claims Act, Chapter 101, of the Texas Civil
Practice and Remedies Code. William R. Klingsick
underwent a lung transplant surgery at UTSWMC
on or about July 23, 2010, and died two days later
as a result of complications from the transplant. The
procurement and implantation of donor lungs into
Mr. Klingsick were done by Southwest Transplant
Alliance (STA) and a faculty cardiothoracic
surgeon at The University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center (UTSWMC). Appellees Klingsick
complain of negligent healthcare and treatment
provided by UTSWMC in connection with the
preservation solution that was mixed and provided
by STA and used for the transportation of the lungs
implanted in Mr. Klingsick. UTSWMC filed a plea
to the jurisdiction, asserting Appellees failed to
provide timely notice of their claims under
§101.101 and that no use of tangible personal
property caused injury to Appellees under §101.021
of the TTCA. As a result, their suit was barred as
there is no waiver of sovereign immunity, depriving
the trial court of subject-matter jurisdiction. The
trial court denied the plea.
Parties in the Trial Court: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical
Center, Appellant, was the Defendant in the trial
court. The Klingsicks, Appellees, were the
Plaintiffs. (CR1518-30).
Trial Court: The 95th Judicial District Court of Dallas County,
Texas, The Honorable Ken Molberg, Presiding
Judge. (CR 1301).
xii
Trial Court Disposition: An Order denying UTSWMC’s plea to the
jurisdiction was entered on March 1, 2015 (CR
2459-60)(App. A).
Abbreviations: Throughout this Brief, the original Clerk’s Record
will be cited as “CR,” and the Reporter’s Record
from the hearing of February 13, 2015 will be cited
as “RR.” Where applicable, documents located in
the Appendix will be cited to the record and the
appendix as “App.”
xiii
STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION
This Court has jurisdiction over this appeal pursuant to Section 51.014(a)(8)
of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, which provides an interlocutory
appeal from an order of a district court that denies a plea to the jurisdiction filed by
a governmental unit. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem Code §51.014(a)(8) (West 2015)(App.
B). This appeal is further accelerated pursuant to the Texas Rules of Appellate
Procedure. Tex. R. App. P. 28.1.
xiv
ISSUES PRESENTED
ISSUE I: DID THE TRIAL COURT COMMIT REVERSIBLE ERROR IN DENYING
UTSWMC’S PLEA TO THE JURISDICTION WHEN APPELLEES DID NOT GIVE
UTSWMC FORMAL NOTICE OF THEIR CLAIMS AND UTSWMC DID NOT
HAVE ACTUAL NOTICE OF THEIR CLAIMS WITHIN SIX MONTHS FROM THE
DATE OF INCIDENT?
ISSUE II: DID THE TRIAL COURT COMMIT REVERSIBLE ERROR IN DENYING
UTSWMC’S PLEA TO THE JURISDICTION WHEN NO TANGIBLE PERSONAL
PROPERTY WAS NEGLIGENTLY USED BY ITS EMPLOYEES DURING THE
ALLEGED NEGLIGENT MEDICAL TREATMENT IN QUESTION?
xv
NO. 05-15-00246-CV
In the Fifth Court of Appeals
Dallas, Texas
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,
Appellant,
vs.
Verba Klingsick, Diana Klingsick and Jana Carrasco, Individually and on
Behalf of the Estate of William R. Klingsick, Deceased,
Appellees.
On Appeal from the 95TH Judicial District of Dallas County, Texas
Trial Court Cause No. DC-12-07946
The Honorable Ken Molberg, Judge Presiding
APPELLANT’S BRIEF
TO THE HONORABLE FIFTH COURT OF APPEALS:
Pursuant to Rule 38.1 of the Texas rules of Appellant Procedure, Appellant
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (“UTSWMC”), in the above
styled and numbered appeal, files this Appellant’s Brief and would respectfully show
that the Court should reverse the order denying Appellant’s Plea to the Jurisdiction
and render judgment dismissing the case against Appellant for lack of subject matter
jurisdiction.
1
STATEMENT OF FACTS
A. Introduction
On July 23, 2010, William Klingsick underwent a bilateral lung transplant
surgery at UTSWMC and died two days later due to complications from the
attempted transplant. (CR 2226-32, 2234). Dr. Matthias Peltz, a faculty cardio-
thoracic surgeon on UTSWMC, removed the lungs from the donor and participated
in the implantation procedure of Mr. Klingsick. (CR 2226-2232, 2239). Mr.
Klingsick suffered several different complications during the surgery, including
graft dysfunction problems and/or reperfusion injuries, which can develop in up to
25 percent of lung transplant patients. (CR 2276-77). Appellees allege that these
injuries were caused by the pH level of the fluid used to preserve the donor lungs
during transportation was not maintained optimally. (CR 1518-30). This allegedly
resulted in damage to the donor lungs that led to injuries and the death of Mr.
Klingsick. (CR 1518-30). They also allege that UTSWMC had actual notice of their
claims within the six (6) months of the implantation surgery through the alleged
knowledge Dr. Peltz had in January 2011 concerning how STA mixed the lung
preservation solution at a subsequent lung procurement. (CR 1518-30; RR 17-25,
41).
2
B. Organs and Medication Provided by STA
UTSWMC contracted with STA, an organ procurement organization, to
provide organ procurement services for transplant candidates. (CR 642-54). Within
the contract, UTSWMC and STA agreed that “Southwest Transplant Alliance will
provide qualified medical personnel with specialized training in
transplantation…and organ recovery and preservation, to perform organ
procurement services.” (CR 646). UTSWMC and STA further agreed that
“Southwest Transplant Alliance will provide medications, supplies, or devices for
the medical evaluation…and management of the cadaveric donor.” (CR 646, 1155-
56).
Dr. Marlon Levy, Medical Director of STA, testified that pursuant to the
Transplant Agreement, STA was responsible for bringing and preparing all organ
transport solutions used for organ procurement. (CR1128). Dr. Levy additionally
testified that it was reasonable for UTSWMC and its employees to rely on STA
employees to prepare all organ transport solutions at the donor procurement hospital.
(CR 1396).
C. STA Solely Responsible to Preservation Solution Mixing and Preparation
James Cutler was the CEO of STA at the time of the lung procurement and
transplant made the basis of this lawsuit. (CR 1396). The testimony of Mr. Cutler
3
establishes, in relevant part, the Organ Recovery Department of STA was in charge
of mixing transplant solutions and the direct person responsible for such was
Tammie Peterson, Director of Organ Recovery. (CR 1379). His testimony also
established that the individuals who actually did the mixing of preservation solutions
are the surgical coordinators that worked under Tammie Peterson. (CR 1379 – 80).
Tammie Peterson was the person who was in charge of making sure the surgical
coordinators were mixing the preservation solution correctly. (CR 1381). As Mr.
Cutler also described in his testimony:
In this instance a policy was in place and the concentration of Tham
changed. We didn't catch that change in concentration and as a result
we made a mistake and didn't change our policy and retrain our staff to
the administration of the changed dosage and our organization
admitted, you know, we made a mistake in that regard.
(CR 1382). Mr. Cutler also testified, “the dose [of THAM] changed one time. We
[STA] didn't catch that change. We [at STA] didn’t incorporate that change into our
policy and procedure and because we didn’t, we made a mistake.” (CR 1382). Mr.
Cutler also testified that “[b]ecause when informed of the change in the dosage,
Tammie Peterson did not make the appropriate changes in the policy and practice.”
(CR 1389).
In his deposition testimony, Mr. Cutler additionally acknowledged that STA
“takes responsibility for having missed the initial notification of the dosage
4
concentration and not incorporating that” into STA’s policy. (CR 1420). He also
acknowledged that STA regrets that “a mistake was made,” that “it wasn’t caught
before [patients] got their transplant,” and that “it could have been caught and it
wasn’t caught.” (CR 1421). Mr. Cutler’s testimony also describes that it was the
STA’s responsibility to make sure it had a correct policy and procedure. (CR 1394
– 95). Mr. Cutler likewise testified that employees of STA that mixed the solution
in the field were instructed and trained by STA to follow STA’s specific policies and
procedures and not the package inserts contained with the containers of the solutions.
(CR 1434 – 35).
D. Mr. Klingsick’s Transplant
On or about July 23, 2010, Tina Reynolds, STA surgical coordinator, in
conformance with the terms of the transplant agreement between STA and
UTSWMC, traveled to the lung donor site to transport and prepare the lung
preservation solution for the lungs that were implanted in Mr. Klingsick. (CR 1729,
1897 – 98, 1902). Tina Reynolds testified she did not follow the instructions on the
bottle of THAM or the bag of Perfadex to mix the solutions. (CR 1897-98, 1908-
10). Instead, Ms. Reynolds testified she mixed the preservation solution according
to STA’s protocol for this lung procurement and transplant. (CR 1897-98, 1908-10).
She testified she prepared the transport solution to flush the lungs according to
5
STA’s policy and flushed the lungs with the solution. (CR 1897 – 98, 1908, 1910,
1914).
Dr. Matthias Peltz, a faculty cardiothoracic surgeon at UTSWMC, was both
the procuring surgeon involved in retrieving the donor lungs and the surgeon that
participated in implanting the lungs into Mr. Klingsick. (CR 2239, 2269).
Importantly, he did not mix the lung preservation fluid in question. (CR 2274, 974-
75; Exh. O, Pg. 150:6 – 153:18; Exh. P, Pg. 329:15 – 330:4; 331:22 – 332:2). During
Mr. Klingsick’s surgery on July 23, 2010, the implanted lungs were procured and
transported in the preservation solution mixed and prepared by STA. (CR763).
Complications developed during the procedure and the preserved lungs could not be
properly implanted into Mr. Klingsick. (CR 765 – 68, 839). He subsequently died
from complications from this surgery on July 25, 2010. (CR 839, 2234). Dr. Peltz
testified that he did not know at the time of Mr. Klingsick’s surgery that there were
any issues with the pH level of the preservation fluid that Ms. Reynolds mixed and
prepared to transport the donor lungs. (CR 2274 – 75, 1900 – 01).
E. Preservation Solution Questioned
On January 10, 2011, while performing a lung transplant for Baylor Medical
Center and one of its patients, Dr. Peltz testified he decided to test the pH level of
some residual preservation fluid using a blood-gas analyzer after that patient’s
6
transplantation. (CR 2249 - 50). He testified his concern was that the preservation
solution may have been too acidic, having a pH level below the optimal range for
lung preservation, because the metabolism of the lungs produces more acid over
time. (CR 2251-52). After the test was done, Dr. Peltz testified the blood-gas
analyzer at Baylor Medical Center returned an out-of range result, meaning that the
device could not register the pH level of the sample. (CR 2251). Dr. Peltz testified
he was not sure how the blood-gas analyzer was calibrated and chalked up the out-
of-range reading as possibly being too low (too acidic), below the optimal pH level
of 7.4, not above. (CR 2251 - 52). He testified that the out-of-range reading was not
indicative of anything wrong. (CR 2252). And although he later mentioned this
reading in passing to his colleagues at UTSWMC, he testified that the out-of-range
result did not motivate him to pursue the matter further as “[t]here was no reason to
believe there was anything incorrect about the way the preservation solution was
made.” (CR 2252). His testimony was he had no reason to believe that there was
anything wrong with the preservation solution being used or how it was mixed and
prepared by STA. (CR 2252, 2276).
On or about January 25, 2011, Dr. Peltz went on a lung procurement for a
patient on behalf of UTSWMC. (CR 691 – 94, 973, 2257). He testified that upon
return and during the transplant of the lungs on January 26, 2011, he decided to send
7
a sample of the preservation solution to the hospital lab to test the pH level of the
solution. (CR 973 – 74, 2239 – 2256). The result of that test indicated the pH level
to be 8.7, which was alkalotic, or higher, than the optimal level of 7.4. (CR 973 –
75, CR 2413 – 15).
The following day on January 27, 2011, Dr. Peltz testified that he went on
another lung procurement for another patient at Baylor Medical Center and while
removing the donor lungs, he observed the STA surgical coordinator mixing and
preparing the Perfadex and THAM. (CR 978). He testified that he observed the STA
employee mixing the Perfadex with a bottle THAM that was smaller than he had
seen in the past. (CR 978). Dr. Peltz asked to see the bottle and pointed out to the
STA employee that the manufacturer’s instructions directed that 0.3 ml of THAM
be mixed into each liter of Perfadex. (CR 2260). The STA employee informed Dr.
Peltz that he had been trained and instructed by STA to add 9.5 ml of THAM to each
bag of Perfadex. (CR 691 – 94, 2260). Dr. Peltz testified he informed the STA
employee that he should follow the manufacturer’s instructions instead of the
instructions provided by STA and proceeded with the lung procurement. (CR 978).
After his completion of the lung transplant on January 27, 2011, Dr. Peltz
notified Tammie Peterson, the STA Director of Organ Recovery, of his discovery
that the preservation solution mixture was being improperly prepared by STA
8
employees and suggested that STA follow the manufacturer’s instructions. (CR 691
– 94, 1101 – 03, 2263). Dr. Peltz also asked STA how long it had been using bottles
of THAM with instructions that 0.3 ml rather than 9.5 ml be mixed with the
Perfadex. (CR 691 – 94, 1101 – 03, 2263). Dr. Levy, STA’s Medical Director,
confirmed in his testimony that on January 27, 2011, STA was informed by
UTSWMC that STA staff were incorrectly mixing the lung preservation solution
during a lung procurement procedure. (CR 1155).
On January 28, 2011, Janel Tedesco, the UTSWMC Administrative
Transplant Director, emailed STA CEO Jim Cutler requesting that the mixing error
be “addressed in a formal fashion at STA for performance improvement.” (CR 1104
- 05). On February 17, 2011, STA completed an investigation and acknowledged a
mixing error. (CR 673 – 89, 875). At this time, UTSWMC did not know that Mr.
Klingsick was a patient that could have been affected by the mixing error. (CR 673
- 89).
On July 13, 2011, almost six months after UTSWMC requested an
investigation, STA informed UTSWMC that it had confirmed that the wrong amount
of THAM was mixed by STA for 22 of 31 transplant recipients from October 2009
to February 2011. (CR 660 – 61, 673 – 77, 681 - 85). As Mr. Klingsick’s lung
procurement and transplant occurred during the dates provide by STA, UTSWMC
9
subsequently identified him as a patient who was possibly affected by STA’s
preservation solution mixing error. (CR 696 - 97). On or about June 12, 2012,
Appellees Klingsick sent their first written notice of any claim of liability to
UTSWMC. (CR 699 - 702).
F. STA Acknowledgement of the Breach of the Standard of Care
For lung procurements and transplants done by STA between October 2009
and February 2011, which included Mr. Klingsick’s lung transplant, former STA
CEO Cutler specifically testified that STA took responsibility for having the
incorrect dosage in the preservation solution for the lungs received by Mr.
Cummings and for failing to find this error. (CR 1421). Patricia Niles, the current
President and CEO of STA, also acknowledged that STA breached the standard of
care in over-buffering the Perfadex, that STA personnel were improperly mixing
preservation fluid, that there are allegations that such error caused injury and death
to the affected lung transplant recipients, and that at all times relevant to the issues
in this case, STA did not notify UTSWMC of the dosage change. (CR 1747 – 51,
1758, 1777 – 79, 1781). These acknowledgements were reaffirmed by the testimony
of other key STA officials. (CR 1824, 1827 – 28, 1831, 2098 – 99, 2103, 2108,
2152).
10
In addition, Dr. Levy testified that the incorrect mixing of transplant fluid was
a result of STA employees following STA policy. (CR 1134 – 35, 1137 – 38, 1141,
1157). Dr. Levy explained that STA’s faulty policy gave rise to the lawsuit,
testifying:
192
11 Q. (By Mr. Giberson) Do you agree that all of these lawsuits
12 arise from a single occurrence – STA’s routine and
13 repetitive adherence to their faulty (not updated)
14 written policy and protocol? Do you agree with that
15 or not?
16 MR. LYKINS: Objection, form.
17 A. See, I think the root cause was the policy
18 wasn’t changed when it should have been.
19 Q. Okay.
20 A. And - -
21 MR. LYKINS: You’ve answered his
22 question. Wait for a question.
23 Q. I want to see if you agree with this
24 statement: There is no evidence that at any time of
25 any of the transplants made the basis of these
193
1 lawsuits such individuals who actually mixed the
2 solutions for the transplants in question did so in a
3 manner other than consistent with the then existing
4 STA written policy and protocol.
5 Do you agree with that?
6 MR. LYKINS: Objection, form.
7 Subject to that, you may answer.
8 A. I do agree
9 Q. Would you agree with the statement that STA
10 personnel, who actually mixed the solution used with
11 organ recovery, were trained to and did follow the
12 then existing written STA policy and protocol
11
13 regarding how much THAM to mix with Perfadex? Do you
14 agree with that?
15 A. I do agree.
(CR 1160). Accordingly, based on the undisputed testimony of STA officials, STA
is the one who was solely responsible for preservation solution mixing error that
occurred in the lung procurement for Mr. Klingsick.
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT
In this appeal, the trial court erred in denying UTSWMC’s Plea to the
Jurisdiction based on sovereign immunity. Under the TTCA, Appellees are required
to give notice of their claims within six (6) months of the date of the incident in
question for there to be a waiver of UTSWMC’s immunity. Additionally under the
TTCA, the limited waiver only applies to claims that involve some negligent use of
tangible personal property by a UTSWMC employee.
In the case of Mr. Klingsick’s lung transplant, Appellees did not give formal
notice of their claims within six (6) months of his transplant procedure on July 23,
2010. During the six months after this procedure, UTSWMC also did not have the
subjective awareness of fault to provide it actual notice of Appellees’ claims. In
addition, the only tangible personal property alleged to have caused harm to Mr.
Klingsick and Appellees was the lung preservation solution used to transport his
donor lungs, which was not mixed or prepared by a UTSWMC employee. That
12
solution was mixed and prepared by a STA employee.
Consequently, Appellees claims do not waive UTSWMC’s sovereign
immunity under the TTCA. This failure deprived the trial court of subject-matter
jurisdiction, requiring it to dismiss Appellees’ suit in its entirety as UTSWMC’s Plea
to the Jurisdiction requested. As a result, the trial court’s order denying UTSWMC’s
plea should be reversed and judgment should be rendered in UTSWMC’s favor.
ARGUMENT
A. Standard of Review & Sovereign Immunity
It is a fundamental rule of Texas law that the State of Texas, its governmental
units, and its officers may not be sued without the express consent of the Texas
legislature. Tex. Dept. of Trans. v. Lueck, 290 S.W.3d 876, 880 (Tex. 2009); Texas
Dept. of Parks & Wildlife v. Miranda, 133 S.W.3d 217, 224 (Tex. 2004); TNRCC v.
IT-Davy, 74 S.W.3d 849, 853-54 (Tex. 2002); Griffin v. Hawn, 341 S.W.2d 151
(Tex. 1960); Hosner v. DeYoung, 1 Tex. 764 (1847). A trial court’s jurisdiction is
conferred by the Constitution and the statutes and a trial court without jurisdiction
cannot render a valid judgment. Miranda, 133 S.W.3d at 226. Whether a trial court
had subject-matter jurisdiction is a question of law and on appeal is reviewed under
the de novo standard. See id. at 228; IT-Davy, 74 S.W.3d at 855. These are long-
standing, well-established principles of Texas law.
13
A lack of a waiver of a State governmental unit’s sovereign immunity deprives
a trial court of subject-matter jurisdiction. Miranda, 133 S.W.3d at 225-26; Tex.
Dept. of Transp. v. Jones, 8 S.W.3d 636, 639 (Tex. 1999). At the trial court, it is the
plaintiff’s burden to prove there is a waiver of sovereign immunity. Miranda, 133
S.W.3d at 226; County of Cameron v. Brown, 80 S.W.3d 549, 555 (Tex.2002). If a
plaintiff’s allegations and the jurisdictional evidence negate subject-matter
jurisdiction, the trial court must dismiss the suit. Texas A&M Univ. v. Koseoglu, 233
S.W.3d 835, 840 (Tex. 2007); Miranda, 133 S.W.3d at 226; County of Cameron v.
Brown, 80 S.W.3d 549, 556–57 (Tex.2002); see also City of North Richland Hills v.
Friend, 370 S.W.3d 369, 373 (Tex. 2012); Tex. Dept. of Pub. Safety v. Petta, 44
S.W.3d 575, 577 & 580 (Tex. 2001); Harris County v. Cabazos, 177 S.W.3d 105,
111–12 (Tex. App.-- Houston [1st Dist.] 2005, no pet.)(enlarging the scope of the
waiver of sovereign immunity under the TTCA through artful pleading is not
permitted).
Concerning tort actions and actions under the common law, the State of Texas,
even if it has committed tortious acts, is immune from suit unless it gives its consent
to be sued. Miranda, 133 S.W.3d at 224; see also Franka v. Velasquez, 332 S.W.3d
367, 369 (Tex. 2011); Mission C.I.S.D. v. Garcia, 253 S.W.3d 653, 659 (Tex. 2008);
see also Dung Ngoc Huynh v. Washington, 339 S.W.3d 309, 311 (Tex. App.—Dallas
14
2011, no pet.). Governmental units of the State, such as Appellant UTSWMC, enjoy
the protection afforded by this sovereign immunity. Lueck, 290 S.W.3d at 880; Univ.
of Texas Southwestern Med. Ctr. v. Loutzenhiser, 140 S.W.3d 351, 353-54 & FN 5
(Tex. 2004)(acknowledging that UTSWMC is a State governmental unit under the
TTCA). 1 The Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA) is the only statute that provides a
potential waiver of this immunity and is applicable in limited circumstances, subject
to further limitations, exclusions, and exceptions. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann.
§§ 101.001 et seq. (West 2015). This Court must look to the terms of the TTCA to
determine the scope of the waiver and then consider the particular facts of the case
to determine whether it comes within that scope. Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice v.
Miller, 51 S.W.3d 583, 586-87 (Tex. 2001). And unless and until the Legislature
states otherwise, there are absolutely no other waivers of sovereign immunity which
can arise against a State agency for tort causes of action. Franka, 332 S.W.3d at 369;
Garcia, 253 S.W.3d at 659; Washington, 339 S.W.3d at 311.
In this case, Appellees fail to meet the requirements for waiver under TTCA
§§ 101.101 (notice) and 101.021 (use of tangible personal property). The true
allegations of Appellees and the evidence clearly negates a waiver of Appellant
1
See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem.Code § 101.001(3)(A); Tex. Educ. Code Ann. §§ 65.02(a)(7) &
74.101 (West 2014)(App. C, D & E)(UTSWMC is a component of the University of Texas System
and under the control and management of the Board of Regents).
15
UTSWMC’s sovereign immunity.
ISSUE I: DID THE TRIAL COURT COMMIT REVERSIBLE ERROR IN DENYING
UTSWMC’S PLEA TO THE JURISDICTION WHEN APPELLEES DID NOT
GIVE UTSWMC FORMAL NOTICE OF THEIR CLAIMS AND UTSWMC
DID NOT HAVE ACTUAL NOTICE OF THEIR CLAIMS WITHIN SIX MONTHS
FROM THE DATE OF INCIDENT?
A. Quick Answer
Yes. In this case, Appellees did not give formal notice of their claims within
six (6) months of his transplant procedure on July 23, 2010. In addition, during the
six months after Mr. Klingsick’s procedure, UTSWMC did not have the subjective
awareness of fault required to provide it with actual notice of Appellees’ claims.
Accordingly, the trial court should have dismissed Appellees’ suit against
UTSWMC.
B. The Statute: TTCA Notice Requirement for a Waiver of Sovereign
Immunity
The Notice of Claim provision in the TTCA provides in its entirety:
(a) A governmental unit is entitled to receive notice of a claim
against it under this chapter not later than six (6) months after
the day the incident giving rise to the claim occurred. The
notice must reasonably describe:
(1) The damage or injury claims;
(2) The time and place of the incident; and
(3) The incident.
(b) A city’s charter and ordinance provisions requiring notice within
a charter period permitted by law are ratified and approved.
16
(c) The notice requirements provided or ratified and approved by
Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply if the governmental unit has
actual notice that death has occurred, that the claimant has
received some injury, or that the claimant’s property has been
damaged.
Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 101.101 (West 2015)(emphasis added)(App. F). This
notice requirement is jurisdictional and without compliance, UTSWMC’s sovereign
immunity is not waived. Tex. Govt. Code Ann. §311.034 (West 2015) (“Statutory
prerequisites to a suit, including the provision of notice, are jurisdictional
requirements in all suits against a governmental entity.”)(App. G); Colquitt v.
Brazoria County, 324 S.W.3d 539, 542-43 (Tex. 2010).
In this case, it is undisputed that Appellees did not provide written notice of
their claim within six (6) months of Mr. Klingsick’s lung transplant procedure and
they asserted before the trial court that they are relying on the actual notice of claim
portion of the TTCA. 2 (RR 17-25, 41; CR699 - 702, Klingsick’s Notice of Claim
Letter, dated June 12, 2012, Exh. P). However, Appellees’ assertion that UTSWMC
had actual knowledge is negated by the evidence in this case.
C. The Texas Supreme Court & Actual Notice
Concerning actual notice under §101.101(c), the Texas Supreme Court has
2
The discovery rule does not apply to claims under the TTCA Timmons v. Univ. Med. Ctr., 331
S.W.3d 840, 848 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 2011, no pet.); Streetman v. Univ. of Tex. Health Sci. Ctr.
at San Antonio, 952 S.W.2d 53, 55–56 (Tex.App.-- San Antonio 1997, writ denied); Putthoff v.
Ancrum, 934 S.W.2d 164, 174 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1996, writ denied).
17
issued three (3) landmark opinions which pertain to the TTCA’s notice of claim’s
actual notice provision and are pertinent to this case. The first landmark case is
Cathey v. Booth, 900 S.W.2d 339, 341 (Tex. 1995). The Cathey court held that actual
notice exists only when the governmental unit, within six (6) months of the act upon
which the claim is based, has knowledge of (1) the death or injury, (2) its alleged
fault producing or contributing to death or injury, and (3) the names and
addresses of all persons involved. Cathey, 900 S.W.2d at 341 (emphasis
added)(approving of Bourne v. Nueces County Hosp. Dist., 749 W.W.2d 630, 632-
33 (Tex. App.—Corpus Christi 1988, writ denied)). In Cathey, the Supreme Court
held that medical records that merely report the event or procedures on a patient of
the complained of event, fails to adequately convey to the hospital its possible
culpability for any injury to the plaintiff. Cathey, 900 S.W.2d at 342.
The second landmark Supreme Court case is Tex. Dep’t of Criminal Justice v.
Simons, 140 S.W.3d 338 (Tex. 2004). The Simons court held:
[W]e hold that actual notice under section 101.101(c) requires that a
governmental unit have knowledge of the information it is entitled to
be given under section 101.101(a) and a subjective awareness that its
fault produced or contributed to the claimed injury.
Simons, 140 S.W.3d at 348 (emphasis added). The Simons court clarified that the
notice of claim provision “includes subjective awareness of its fault, as ultimately
alleged by the claimant, in producing or contributing to the claimed injury.” See id.
18
at 347. Merely investigating an event is insufficient to provide actual notice of a
claim. See id. at 348; see also Univ. of Texas Southwestern Med. Ctr. v. Arancibia,
324 S.W.3d 544, 549-550 (Tex. 2010)(evidence and knowledge of a “bad result,” in
and of itself, is not enough for subjective awareness of fault).
The third landmark Supreme Court case is City of Dallas v. Carbajal, 324
S.W.3d 537 (Tex. 2010). In Carbajal, the Supreme Court held that a “police report”
on an improperly blocked roadway, “did not provide the City with subjective
awareness of fault because it did not even imply, let alone expressly state, that the
City was at fault.” Id. at 539. In this case, the Dallas Police report in question
reported that the plaintiff had stated that she saw barricades, but none were blocking
her way into the freeway. See id. at 538. As a result, the police report stated plaintiff
drove onto the unblocked freeway and into an excavated gap of the road. See id. The
police report also contained the officer’s observation that there were no barricades
blocking the freeway entrance. See id. Additionally, the report did not indicate who
was responsible for the missing barricades or rule out “the possibility that a private
contractor or another governmental entity (such as the county or state) could have
been responsible for” the missing barricades. Id. at 539. Accordingly, the Carbajal
court held that pursuant to its decision in Simmons, the City of Dallas did not have
the specific subjective awareness of fault required for actual notice because the
19
police report did not indicate that the City was at fault. See id.
D. McQueen Opinion & Actual Notice in Health Care Liability Cases
Since Carbajal, the Houston Court of Appeals in health care liability cases
has also found that the health care provider must have subjective awareness of its
specific fault beyond the medical records or a “bad result.” Univ. of Texas Health
Sci. Ctr. at Houston v. McQueen, 431 S.W.750, 761 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th
Dist.] 2014, no pet.). As the McQueen court stated, for there to be actual notice to
the governmental unit:
[T]here must exist something in the circumstances to provide a
subjective signal to the governmental unit within the six-month
period that there might be a claim… There must be something more
than the mere fact of a “bad result,” even one that perhaps a prudent
person or physician would have investigated.
McQueen, 431 S.W.3d at 761 (emphasis added). This case is on-point with
Appellees Klingsick’s suit.
In McQueen, the evidence consisted of medical records and a UTHSCH
physician’s note in a progress report of a “‘bowel injury during hysterectomy’ that
would delay [plaintiff’s] recovery.” Id. at 760. After the procedure in question, risk
management was not notified, no supervising physician was given a “heads up”
about the incident, and no UTHSCH review or investigation was done, “much less
one leading to any assessment by UTHSCH that any particular error, even if
20
‘technical,’ probably had occurred or that any portion of Teresa’s care ‘contributed’
to her injury.” Id. Additionally, no review concerning the “standard of care”
occurred during the six months after the procedure. See id. With regard to the
testimony of the UTHSCH physician who provided the care in question, she
acknowledged “that the most likely possible cause of [plaintiff’s] bowel injury was
a thermal injury from the cautery tools, although she did not see or note any direct
contact of any tool to [plaintiff’s] bowel or any coupling between tools.” Id. She
testified that she did not see this injury during the procedure and “that if she had
noted a bowel injury during the hysterectomy, she would have documented it and
called in general surgery to evaluate the bowel.” Id. The physician also testified that
she “would not change anything she did during the procedure,” and that “she did not
believe that her use of any of the cautery tools fell below the standard of care.” Id.
As a result, the Houston Court of Appeals ruled that this evidence did not show that
UTHSCH had a “subjective signal” of fault within the six month notice period and
there was no waiver of UTHSCH’s sovereign immunity under the TTCA. See id. at
761 & 762.
E. UTSWMC Did Not Have the Required “Subjective Signal”
In the case before the Court, the trial court denied UTSWMC’s plea to the
jurisdiction based on Appellees’ assertion that within six (6) months of Mr.
21
Klingsick’s surgery, a UTSWMC employee had the requisite subjective awareness
of its fault. (CR 2459-60)(RR 17-25, 41). The trial court’s ruling, however,
completely ignores the evidence in the record.
Appellees’ claims against UTSWMC arise from Mr. Klingsick’s lung
transplant procedure that occurred on July 23, 2010. Hence, at the latest, UTSWMC
was entitled to notice of Appellees’ claims under the TTCA on or before January 23,
2011. The evidence shows that the first time UTSWMC knew that Mr. Klingsick
was one of the patients whose transplanted lungs had been transported in the
improperly mixed STA preservation solution was on July 13, 2011. (CR 660 – 61,
673 – 89). This occurred when STA informed UTSWMC of the date ranges of the
transplant patients affected. (CR 660 – 61, 681 - 85). Prior to this date, UTSWMC
could not identify Mr. Klingsick as an affected patient and did not have any
knowledge that Mr. Klingsick’s transplanted lungs were preserved in the improperly
mixed and prepared solution. (CR 673 - 77).
But, in attempt to confer jurisdiction on the trial court, Appellees argued at
the trial court that the knowledge Dr. Peltz had of an inconclusive result of a blood-
gas analyzer test of the STA preservation solution on January 10, 2011, while
performing a lung transplant procedure at Baylor Medical Center for a Baylor
Medical Center patient, gave UTSWMC subjective awareness of its fault within the
22
six (6) month notice period. This incident failed to provide UTSWMC with actual
notice of the Klingsicks’ claims for multiple reasons.
At deposition, Dr. Peltz testified the January 10, 2011, he performed the lung
procurement and transplant for Baylor Medical Center on a Baylor patient, not for
or at UTSWMC or on a UTSWMC patient. (CR 2250). He testified that after that
transplant, although the blood-gas analyzer returned an out-of-range reading for the
sample of preservation solution he tested, his concern was that the preservation
solution may have been too acidic, having a pH level below the optimal range
because the metabolism of the lungs produces more acid over time, not above, as
was later determined to be the problem. (CR 2251 - 52). He testified that he did not
know how the blood-gas analyzer was calibrated and therefore the out-of-range
reading was not indicative of anything specifically wrong. (CR 2252 - 55). Although
he later mentioned this reading to his colleagues at UTSWMC in passing, Dr. Peltz
testified this result did not motivate him to pursue the matter any further as “[t]here
was no reason to believe there was anything incorrect about the way the preservation
solution was made.” (CR 2252). He testified he subjectively had no reason to believe
that there was anything wrong with the preservation solution or how it was mixed
and prepared by STA at that time. (CR 2252, 2276). Additionally, all of the
undisputed testimony in the record conclusively established that the preservation
23
solution in question was mixed and prepared by a STA employee, not by Dr. Peltz
or any other UTSWMC employee. (CR 974 – 75, 1897 – 98, 1902, 2274).
Consequently, all of this evidence conclusively negates Appellees’ allegation
that UTSWMC had the subjective awareness of fault necessary to meet the
requirements for actual notice delineated by the Texas Supreme Court and the
McQueen opinion. Carbajal, 324 S.W.3d at 539; Simons, 140 S.W.3d at 348;
Cathey, 900 S.W.2d at 341; McQueen, 431 S.W.3d at 761. The knowledge that Dr.
Peltz had on or before January 23, 2011, does not equate to a “subjective signal” of
fault on behalf of UTSWMC as a matter of law. McQueen, 431 S.W.3d at 761 &
762.
F. Conclusion
Based on the evidence in this case, Appellees failed to provide UTSWMC
with notice of their claims as required by Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 101.101.
This failure prevents a waiver of UTSWMC’s sovereign immunity and deprived the
trial court of subject-matter jurisdiction. Simons, 140 S.W.3d at 348; Cathey, 900
S.W.2d at 341; McQueen, 431 S.W.3d at 761 & 762. Therefore, the trial court should
have dismissed Appellees’ suit against UTSWMC and this Court should reverse and
render judgment in UTSWCM’s favor. See id.
24
ISSSUE II: DID THE TRIAL COURT COMMIT REVERSIBLE ERROR IN DENYING
UTSWMC’S PLEA TO THE JURISDICTION WHEN NO TANGIBLE
PERSONAL PROPERTY WAS NEGLIGENTLY USED BY ITS EMPLOYEES
DURING THE ALLEGED NEGLIGENT MEDICAL TREATMENT IN
QUESTION?
A. Quick Answer
Yes. Appellees cannot show that any UTSWMC employees negligently used
any tangible personal property that caused injury to Mr. Klingsick. The true culprit
in this case, the improper mixing and preparing of the lung preservation solution for
Mr. Klingsick’s donor lungs was completed by STA’s employees, not UTSWMC’s.
In addition, the other allegations made by Appellees fail to assert a true use of
tangible personal property caused injury to Mr. Klingsick. As a result, there is no
applicable waiver of sovereign under the TTCA that allows Appellees to maintain
their suit against UTSWMC and the trial court should have dismissed their claims
in their entirety.
B. TTCA §101.021’s Waiver of Sovereign Immunity Requirements
Under the TTCA, the Texas Legislature and Supreme Court have made clear
that the waiver of immunity applies in only three (3) specific scenarios where
damages are proximately caused by:
1) the operation or use of a motor driven vehicle or equipment;
2) a condition or use of tangible property; or
3) premises defects.
25
Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. §§ 101.021 & 101.022 (West 2015)(App. H &
I); City of Corsicana v. Stewart, 249 S.W.3d 412, 413 (Tex. 2008); Texas Dept. of
Transp. v. Able, 35 S.W.3d 608, 611 (Tex. 2000); Dallas Cty. MHMR v. Bossley,
968 S.W.2d 339, 343 (Tex. 1998). At the trial court, it is the plaintiff’s burden to
establish the TTCA waives sovereign immunity. Dallas Area Rapid Transit v.
Whitley, 104 S.W.3d 540, 542 (Tex. 2003).
In a suit brought under the TTCA, a claimant can only proceed under one
theory of liability for recovery. Miranda, 133 S.W.3d at 233 (citing State v.
Tennison, 509 S.W.2d 560, 562 (Tex. 1974))(the TTCA does not create two separate
grounds of liability); City of Houston v. Harris, 192 S.W.3d 167, 174 (Tex. App.–
Houston [14th Dist.] 2006, no pet.). In this case, based on Appellees’ allegations and
the jurisdictional evidence, they could only proceed under a use of tangible personal
property theory, which the evidence does not establish as actionable. (CR 1520 - 24).
C. Appellees’ Negligent Use Allegations Concerning Mr. Klingsick’s Lung
Transplant
Appellees alleged that employees of UTSWMC, “negligently used or misused
the tangible personal property, including but not limited to the improperly mixed
fluid used to transport the lungs that were ultimately transplanted into William
Klingsick and the lungs themselves that were implanted into Mr. Klingsick.” (CR
26
1523 - 24). More specifically, they alleged the negligence included the following:
a. failing to preserve and/or maintain organs viable for William
Klingsick as an organ transplant recipient;
b. failing to check the pH level of the organ transporting fluid before
performing the operation at issue;
c. failing to provide a healthy and viable organ to William Klingsick as
an organ transplant recipient;
d. negligently instructing Southwest Transplant Alliance how to use the
transplant solution;
e. negligently instructing Southwest Transplant Alliance on how to use
the lungs in question;
f. failing to follow appropriate surgery procedures;
g. failing to properly train and supervise its staff;
h. allowing untrained and/or unqualified staff to care and treat William
Klingsick;
i. failing to maintain proper written procedures governing transplanted
organs;
j. instructing Southwest Transplant Alliance to erroneously mix
Perfadex; and
k. negligently using the lungs and/or transplant solution in question.
(CR 1522 - 23). Appellees allege these acts or omissions of negligence proximately
caused injuries and damages to them and Mr. Klingsick. (CR 1523 - 24). In
summary, their claims focus on allegations of a misuse of the lungs, failure to take
action, negligent hiring, training and supervising, misuse of information and
27
negligent medical judgment.
The conclusive evidence established in the record above demonstrates all
actions and omissions concerning the mixing and preparing of the lung preservation
solution were done by a STA employee, and not that of UTSWMC. As a result,
allegations concerning the lungs do not legally apply to UTSWMC. And all of the
other alleged acts or omissions did not involve a use of tangible personal property.
D. The TTCA Waiver of Immunity Requires a Negligent Use of
Tangible Personal Property
Section 101.021(2) waives immunity for a use of personal property only if the
governmental unit, through its employee(s), is itself the user. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem.
Code Ann §§ 101.001(2) & 101.021; San Antonio State Hosp. v. Cowan, 128 S.W.3d
244, 246 (Tex. 2004). “Use” means “to put or bring into action or service; to employ
for or apply to a given purpose.” Id. Texas Dep't of Criminal Justice v. Miller, 51
S.W.3d 583, 587 (Tex. 2001). Concerning proximate causation, the using of the
tangible personal property must have actually caused the injury or death, mere
involvement of the tangible property is not enouogh. Miller, 51 S.W.3d at 588; see
also Cowan, 128 S.W.3d at 245-46; Univ. of Texas Med. Branch v. York, 871 S.W.2d
175, 178 n. 5 (Tex. 1994). And concerning health care liability claims, the Texas
Supreme Court stated in Miller:
28
There cannot be a waiver of sovereign immunity in every case in which
medical treatment is provided by a public facility. Doctors in state
medical facilities use some form of tangible personal property nearly
every time they treat a patient. If there is waiver in all those cases, the
waiver of immunity is virtually unrestricted, which is not what the
Legislature intended.
Miller, 51 S.W.3d at 587 (citing Kerrville State Hospital v. Clark, 923 S.W. 2d. 582,
586 (Tex. 1996)). Accordingly, a negligent use of tangible personal property is
required to waive sovereign immunity. See id.
As a result of this negligent use of tangible personal property requirement
under the TTCA, allegations that assert a non-use or use of intangible property do
not properly assert a waiver of immunity. Allegations and evidence of a misuse of
information do not waive sovereign immunity. Univ. of Texas Medical Branch at
Galveston v. York, 871 S.W.2d 175, 178 (Tex. 1994); Univ. of Texas Medical Branch
v. Kai Huo Qi, 402 S.W.3d 374, 388 (Tex. App.-- Houston [14th Dist.] 2013, no
pet.); Univ. of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Ctr. v. King, 329 S.W.3d 876, 880 (Tex.
App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2010); Arnold v. Univ. of Texas Southwestern Med. Ctr.,
279 S.W.3d 464, 469 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2009, no pet.)(citing Gipson v. City of
Dallas, 247 S.W.3d 465, 471 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008, pet. denied)); Texas Tech
Health Sci. Ctr. v. Ward, 280 S.W.3d 345, 356 (Tex. App.– Amarillo 2008, pet.
denied)(all holding that misuse of medical information is not a use of property under
the TTCA). Allegations and evidence of negligent judgment, errors in medical
29
judgment in assessing medical conditions, failure to act, failure to follow accepted
medical treatment practices of the standard of care, or a failure to do a proper medical
investigation also do not fall under the TTCA waiver. Clark, 923 S.W.2d at 584; Qi,
402 S.W.3d at 388; King, 329 S.W.3d at 880-81; Univ. of Texas Medical Branch at
Galveston v. Tatum, 389 S.W.3d 457, 462 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2012, no
pet.); Kamel v. Univ. of Texas Health Sci. Ctr. at Houston, 333 S.W.3d 676, 686
(Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2010, pet. denied); Arnold, 279 S.W.3d at 468-69;
Redden v. Denton Cty, 335 S.W.3d 743, 751 (Tex. App.– Fort Worth 2011, no pet.
h.); Somervell County Healthcare Authority v. Sanders, 169 S.W.3d 724, 727 - 28
(Tex. App.-- Waco 2006, no pet.)(all holding that claims of negligence in judgment,
human error, failure to act, follow proper medical procedure or investigate do not
assert a use of tangible personal property). And allegations and evidence of negligent
hiring, training and supervising do not fall under the applicable waiver of sovereign
immunity. Texas A&M Univ. v. Bishop, 156 S.W.3d 580, 583 (Tex. 2005); Whitley,
104 S.W.3d at 543; Kamel, 333 S.W.3d at 686; King, 329 S.W.3d at 881; El Paso
MHMR v. Crissman, 241 S.W.3d 582 (Tex. App.—El Paso 2007, no pet.)(citing
Petta, 44 S.W.3d at 581); Univ. of Tex. Health Sci. Ctr. v. Schroeder, 190 S.W.3d
102 (Tex. App.-- Houston [1st Dist.] 2005, no pet.); Dallas Area Rapid Trans. v.
Edwards, 171 S.W.3d 584, 587-88 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2005, pet. denied); Texas
30
Dept. of Crim. Just. v. Hawkins, 169 S.W.3d 529, 533 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2005, no
pet.); City of Garland v. Rivera, 146 S.W.3d 334, 338-39 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2004,
no pet.)(all holding that claims of negligent hiring, training and supervising do not
properly assert a use of tangible personal property under the TTCA).
The opinion that is instructive to this case is Arnold. Arnold v. Univ. of Texas
Southwestern Med. Ctr., 279 S.W.3d 464, 468-69 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2009, no pet.).
In Arnold, the plaintiff sued UTSWMC for one of its physician’s alleged negligence
in performing a breast augmentation procedure. See id. at 468. Plaintiff’s allegations
in that case included a failure to do a proper pre-surgery investigation, respond to
post-surgery concerns, failure to document the proper size of the replacement
implants needed, and the use of the larger implants “deformed her breasts,” causing
injury to her. See id. 468-470. Upon closer review, the Court found that plaintiff’s
allegations were truly of errors in judgment (miscalculation or misdiagnosis) and a
misuse of information. See id. As a result, the Court stated:
[b]ecause the true substance of the Arnolds’ pleadings is that [the
UTSWMC surgeon] miscalculated or misdiagnosed the necessary size
of replacement breast implants, the fact that the pleadings also identify
a piece of tangible personal property used during the procedure does
not affect our decision that this is not a claim for the negligent use of
tangible personal property.
Id. Accordingly, unless Appellees Klingsick could prove an employee of UTSWMC
negligently used tangible personal property concerning Mr. Klingsick’s lung
31
transplant, the TTCA waiver of sovereign immunity does not apply. The true
allegations of Appellees and the evidence in the record fail to implicate the TTCA’s
waiver.
E. Appellees’ True Allegations Fail to Assert a Waiver of Sovereign
Immunity
Upon review of the gravamen of Appellees’ allegations and evidence, their
claims focus on the negligent mixing and preparing of the lung preservation solution
and the failures to investigate, discover or prevent this mistake. (CR 1523 - 24; P’s
Pet. 13.01-13.02). Along those lines, Appellees’ list of failures in not discovering
the improper mixing and preparation of the solution, or taking other action, aim
directly at UTSWMC’s failure in hiring, training and supervising its employees as
well as a failure to act, misuse of information and negligent medical judgment. All
of these allegations fail as a matter of law.
This case truly focuses on the negligent preparation of lung preservation
solution, which UTSWMC did not mix or prepare. It is undisputed the preservation
solution in question for Mr. Klingsick’s lung transplant was mixed and prepared
solely by STA employees. Accordingly, all of Appellees’ allegations concerning the
lung preservation solution fail as a matter of law.
Turning to the remaining allegations made by Appellees against UTSWMC,
the failure to act and failure to properly hire, train and supervise its employees, these
32
claims also fail as a matter of law. Additionally, the other allegations that assert a
failure to act, misuse of information and negligent medical judgment also fail. The
numerous cases cited above from the Texas Supreme Court and the Courts of
Appeals has clearly established such allegations do not implicate the TTCA’s limited
waiver of sovereign immunity and are barred as a matter of law.
F. Conclusion
Based on the allegations and the evidence in the record, Appellees did not
prove the limited waiver of sovereign immunity under the TTCA applies to their
health liability claims against UTSWMC. No alleged negligent use of tangible
personal property by UTSWMC’s employees caused injury to Mr. Klingsick or
Appellees. This failure deprived the trial court of subject-matter jurisdiction. As a
result, the trial court committed error when it did not grant UTSWMC’s Plea to the
Jurisdiction on these same grounds. This Court should reverse the trial court’s denial
of the Plea and render judgment in favor of UTSWMC, dismissing Appellees’ case
in its entirety.
PRAYER
WHEREFORE, for the reasons stated above, Appellant UNIVERSITY OF
TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER prays that this Court reverse the
trial courts denial of its Plea to the Jurisdiction and render judgment that Appellees’
33
suit be dismissed in its entirety. Appellant further prays for such other and further
relief, both at law and in equity, to which it may show itself justly entitled.
Respectfully submitted,
KEN PAXTON
Attorney General of Texas
CHARLES E. ROY
First Assistant Attorney General
JAMES E. DAVIS
Deputy Attorney General for Civil Litigation
KARA L. KENNEDY
Chief, Tort Litigation Division
/s/ Jason Warner
JASON WARNER
Assistant Attorney General
State Bar No. 24028112
Tort Litigation Division, MC-030
P.O. Box 12548, Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711-2548
(512) 463-2197
FAX: (512) 457-4430
Jason.warner@texasattorneygeneral.gov
Counsel for Appellant
34
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
I hereby certify that this Appellant’s Brief contains 7,484 computer generated
words, as calculated by Microsoft Word 2013, in accordance with Tex. R. App.
P. 9.4.
/s/ Jason Warner
JASON WARNER
Assistant Attorney General
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I do hereby certify compliance with Tex. R. Civ. P. 21. A true and correct
copy of the foregoing instrument has been served on all counsel, by electronic
transmission to the electronic mail address on file with the electronic filing manager
Rule 21a(1). If a party has not designated an electronic mail address with the
electronic filing manager, the party was served a true and correct copy of the
foregoing instrument in person, by mail, by commercial delivery service by fax or
by email, or by such other manner as the Court in its discretion may direct. Rule
21a(2). Service was made on all parties as provided on April 30, 2015.
Andrew B. Sommerman
SOMMERMAN & QUESADA, L.L.P.
3811 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Suite 1400
Dallas, TX 75219-4461
214.720.0720 - phone
214.720.0184 - fax
State Bar No. 18842150
andrew@textrial.com
Attorney for Appellees
35
Gary Lykins
THE BERRY FIRM, P.L.L.C.
1412 Main Street, Suite 2300
Dallas, TX 75202
214.915.9806 – direct no.
214.752.8250 – fax
State Bar No. 12715600
lykins@berryfirm.com
Attorney for Non-Party Southwest Transplant Alliance
Tim Ryan
SCHELL COOLEY LLP
15455 Dallas Parkway, Suite 550
Addison, TX 75001
(214) 665-2005 – phone
(214) 754-0060 – Fax
State Bar No. 17483600
tryan@schellcooley.com
Attorney for Non-Party Vitrolife, Inc.
/s/ Jason Warner
JASON WARNER
Assistant Attorney General
36
APPENDIX
TAB
Trial Court’s Order denying Appellant’s Plea to the Jurisdiction,
dated March 1, 2015.................................................................................................. A
TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE §51.014(a)(8) ......................................................... B
TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE §101.001(3)(a) ....................................................... C
TEX. EDUC. CODE §65.02(a)(7) ................................................................................ D
TEX. EDUC. CODE §74.101 ..................................................................................... E
TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE §101.101 ................................................................. F
TEX. GOVT. CODE §311.034 .................................................................................... G
TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE §101.021 ................................................................. H
TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE §101.022................................................................... I
37
APPENDIX “A”
4fhD
000562
DC-12-07946
VERBA KLINGSICK, DIANA KLINGSICK § IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF
AND JANA CARRASCO, INDIVIDUALLY §
AND ON BEHALF OF THE ESTATE OF §
WILLIAM R. KLINGSICK, DECEASED §
Plaintiffs, §
§
vs. § DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS
§
SOUTiiWESTTRANSPLANT ALLIANCE, §
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS §
SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER, §
and VITROLIFE, INC. §
Defendants. § 95tb JUDICIAL DISTRICT
ORDER ON PLAINTIFFS' MOTION FOR SANCTIONS AGAINST THE UNIVERSITY
OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER AND DEFENDANT'S PLEA TO
THE JURISDICTION, MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE, AND MOTION TO
TftANSFER PLAINTIFFS' MOTION FOR SANCTIONS
On Friday, February 13, 2013 the Court heard the following motions and plea:
(1) Plaintiffs' Motion to Enforce Order and for Sanctions Against Defendant the University of
Texas Southwestern Medical Center; (2) Defendant the University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center's Objections to Filing and Emergency Motion to Transfer Plaintiff's [sic] Motion
to Enforce Order and for Sanctions to Consolidated Case; (3) Defendant the University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center's Motion for Continuance of Plaintiffs' Motion to Enforce Order
and for Sanctions; and (4) the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center's Plea to the
Jurisdiction. The Court has heard argument by counsel and read the motions and briefs in support
of the parties' positions.
The Court therefore ORDERS, ADJUDGES, and DECREES the following:
1. Plaintiff's Motion to Enforce Order and for Sanctions against Defendant the University of
Texas Southwestern Medical Center is CARRIED WITH THE CASE;
2. Defendant the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center's Objections to Filing
and Emergency Motion to Transfer Plaintiff's [sic] Motion to Enforce Order and for
Sanctions to Consolidated Case is DENIED;
3. Defendant the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center's Motion for
Continuance of Plaintiffs' Motion to Enforce Order and for Sanctions is DENIED; and
ORDER ON PLAINTIFFS' MOTION FOR SANCTIONS AND RELATED DEFENSE MOTIONS AND
DEFENDANT'S PLEA TO THE JURISDICTION PAGEi
APPENDIX "A"
4. the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center's Plea to the Jurisdiction is
DENIED.
SIGNED this t .;t th day of II'\ h ,A,,,,, , 2015.
\
JUDGE PRESID~
ORDER ON PLAINTIFFS' MOTION FOR SANCTIONS AND RELATED DEFENSE MOTIONS AND
DEFENDANT'S PLEA TO THE JURISDICTION PAGE2
APPENDIX “B”
V.T.C.A., Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 51.014 Page 1
Effective: September 1, 2011
Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated Currentness
Civil Practice and Remedies Code (Refs & Annos)
Title 2. Trial, Judgment, and Appeal
Subtitle D. Appeals
Chapter 51. Appeals
Subchapter B. Appeals from County or District Court
§ 51.014. Appeal from Interlocutory Order
(a) A person may appeal from an interlocutory order of a district court, county court at law, or county court that:
(1) appoints a receiver or trustee;
(2) overrules a motion to vacate an order that appoints a receiver or trustee;
(3) certifies or refuses to certify a class in a suit brought under Rule 42 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure;
(4) grants or refuses a temporary injunction or grants or overrules a motion to dissolve a temporary injunction as
provided by Chapter 65;
(5) denies a motion for summary judgment that is based on an assertion of immunity by an individual who is an
officer or employee of the state or a political subdivision of the state;
(6) denies a motion for summary judgment that is based in whole or in part upon a claim against or defense by a
member of the electronic or print media, acting in such capacity, or a person whose communication appears in or is
published by the electronic or print media, arising under the free speech or free press clause of the First Amendment
to the United States Constitution, or Article I, Section 8, of the Texas Constitution, or Chapter 73;
(7) grants or denies the special appearance of a defendant under Rule 120a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, except
in a suit brought under the Family Code;
(8) grants or denies a plea to the jurisdiction by a governmental unit as that term is defined in Section 101.001;
(9) denies all or part of the relief sought by a motion under Section 74. 351(b), except that an appeal may not be
taken from an order granting an extension under Section 74.351;
(10) grants relief sought by a motion under Section 74.351(l); or
(11) denies a motion to dismiss filed under Section 90.007.
(b) An interlocutory appeal under Subsection (a), other than an appeal under Subsection (a)(4), stays the com-
APPENDIX "B"
© 2012 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
V.T.C.A., Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 51.014 Page 2
mencement of a trial in the trial court pending resolution of the appeal. An interlocutory appeal under Subsection
(a)(3), (5), or (8) also stays all other proceedings in the trial court pending resolution of that appeal.
(c) A denial of a motion for summary judgment, special appearance, or plea to the jurisdiction described by Subsection
(a)(5), (7), or (8) is not subject to the automatic stay under Subsection (b) unless the motion, special appearance, or
plea to the jurisdiction is filed and requested for submission or hearing before the trial court not later than the later of:
(1) a date set by the trial court in a scheduling order entered under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure; or
(2) the 180th day after the date the defendant files:
(A) the original answer;
(B) the first other responsive pleading to the plaintiff's petition; or
(C) if the plaintiff files an amended pleading that alleges a new cause of action against the defendant and the
defendant is able to raise a defense to the new cause of action under Subsection (a)(5), (7), or (8), the responsive
pleading that raises that defense.
(d) On a party's motion or on its own initiative, a trial court in a civil action may, by written order, permit an appeal
from an order that is not otherwise appealable if:
(1) the order to be appealed involves a controlling question of law as to which there is a substantial ground for
difference of opinion; and
(2) an immediate appeal from the order may materially advance the ultimate termination of the litigation.
(d-1) Subsection (d) does not apply to an action brought under the Family Code.
(e) An appeal under Subsection (d) does not stay proceedings in the trial court unless:
(1) the parties agree to a stay; or
(2) the trial or appellate court orders a stay of the proceedings pending appeal.
(f) An appellate court may accept an appeal permitted by Subsection (d) if the appealing party, not later than the 15th
day after the date the trial court signs the order to be appealed, files in the court of appeals having appellate jurisdiction
over the action an application for interlocutory appeal explaining why an appeal is warranted under Subsection (d). If
the court of appeals accepts the appeal, the appeal is governed by the procedures in the Texas Rules of Appellate
Procedure for pursuing an accelerated appeal. The date the court of appeals enters the order accepting the appeal starts
the time applicable to filing the notice of appeal.
CREDIT(S)
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 167, § 3.10, eff. Sept. 1,
1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 915, § 1, eff. June 14, 1989; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 855, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts
1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1296, § 1, eff. June 20, 1997; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1389, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003,
78th Leg., ch. 204, § 1.03, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 97, § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2005; Acts 2005, 79th Leg.,
ch. 1051, §§ 1, 2, eff. June 18, 2005; Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., ch. 203 (H.B. 274), § 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 2011.
© 2012 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
V.T.C.A., Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 51.014 Page 3
Current through the end of the 2011 Regular Session and First Called Session of the 82nd Legislature
(c) 2012 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
END OF DOCUMENT
© 2012 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
APPENDIX “C”
V.T.C.A., Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 101.001 Page 1
Effective:[See Text Amendments]
Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated Currentness
Civil Practice and Remedies Code (Refs & Annos)
Title 5. Governmental Liability
Chapter 101. Tort Claims (Refs & Annos)
Subchapter A. General Provisions
§ 101.001. Definitions
In this chapter:
(1) “Emergency service organization” means a volunteer fire department, rescue squad, or an emergency medical
services provider that is:
(A) operated by its members; and
(B) exempt from state taxes by being listed as an exempt organization under Section 151.310 or 171.083, Tax
Code.
(2) “Employee” means a person, including an officer or agent, who is in the paid service of a governmental unit
by competent authority, but does not include an independent contractor, an agent or employee of an independent
contractor, or a person who performs tasks the details of which the governmental unit does not have the legal right
to control.
(3) “Governmental unit” means:
(A) this state and all the several agencies of government that collectively constitute the government of this state,
including other agencies bearing different designations, and all departments, bureaus, boards, commissions, of-
fices, agencies, councils, and courts;
(B) a political subdivision of this state, including any city, county, school district, junior college district, levee
improvement district, drainage district, irrigation district, water improvement district, water control and im-
provement district, water control and preservation district, freshwater supply district, navigation district, con-
servation and reclamation district, soil conservation district, communication district, public health district, and
river authority;
(C) an emergency service organization; and
(D) any other institution, agency, or organ of government the status and authority of which are derived from the
Constitution of Texas or from laws passed by the legislature under the constitution.
(4) “Motor-driven equipment” does not include:
APPENDIX "C"
© 2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
V.T.C.A., Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 101.001 Page 2
(A) equipment used in connection with the operation of floodgates or water release equipment by river authori-
ties created under the laws of this state; or
(B) medical equipment, such as iron lungs, located in hospitals.
(5) “Scope of employment” means the performance for a governmental unit of the duties of an employee's office
or employment and includes being in or about the performance of a task lawfully assigned to an employee by
competent authority.
(6) “State government” means an agency, board, commission, department, or office, other than a district or au-
thority created under Article XVI, Section 59, of the Texas Constitution, that:
(A) was created by the constitution or a statute of this state; and
(B) has statewide jurisdiction.
CREDIT(S)
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 693, § 1, eff. June 19,
1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 476, § 1, eff. Aug. 26, 1991; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 827, § 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1995;
Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 968, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Current through the end of the 2009 Regular and First Called Sessions of the 81st Legislature
(c) 2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
END OF DOCUMENT
© 2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
APPENDIX “D”
§ 65.02. Organization, TX EDUC § 65.02
V.T.C.A., Education Code § 65.02
§ 65.02. Organization
Effective: September 1, 2013
Currentness
(a) The University of Texas System is composed of the following institutions and entities:
(1) The University of Texas at Arlington, including:
(A) The University of Texas Institute of Urban Studies at Arlington; and
(B) The University of Texas School of Nursing at Arlington;
(2) The University of Texas at Austin, including:
(A) The University of Texas Marine Science Institute;
(B) The University of Texas McDonald Observatory at Mount Locke; and
(C) The University of Texas School of Nursing at Austin;
(3) The University of Texas at Dallas;
(4) The University of Texas at El Paso, including The University of Texas School of Nursing at El Paso;
(5) The University of Texas of the Permian Basin;
(6) The University of Texas at San Antonio, including the University of Texas Institute of Texan Cultures at San Antonio;
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
APPENDIX "D"
§ 65.02. Organization, TX EDUC § 65.02
(7) The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, including:
(A) The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas;
(B) The University of Texas Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Dallas; and
(C) The University of Texas Southwestern Allied Health Sciences School at Dallas;
(8) The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, including:
(A) The University of Texas Medical School at Galveston;
(B) The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Galveston;
(C) The University of Texas School of Allied Health Sciences at Galveston;
(D) The University of Texas Marine Biomedical Institute at Galveston;
(E) The University of Texas Hospitals at Galveston; and
(F) The University of Texas School of Nursing at Galveston;
(9) The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, including:
(A) The University of Texas Medical School at Houston;
(B) The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston;
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 2
§ 65.02. Organization, TX EDUC § 65.02
(C) The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston;
(D) The University of Texas School of Health Information Sciences at Houston;
(E) The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston;
(F) The University of Texas Speech and Hearing Institute at Houston; and
(G) The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston;
(10) The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, including:
(A) The University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio;
(B) The University of Texas Dental School at San Antonio;
(C) The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at San Antonio;
(D) The University of Texas School of Allied Health Sciences at San Antonio; and
(E) The University of Texas School of Nursing at San Antonio;
(11) The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, including:
(A) The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Hospital;
(B) The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Tumor Institute; and
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 3
§ 65.02. Organization, TX EDUC § 65.02
(C) The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Science Park; and
(12) The University of Texas Health Science Center--South Texas, including The University of Texas Medical
School--South Texas, if established under Subchapter N1, Chapter 74.
(b) The University of Texas System shall also be composed of such other institutions and entities as from time to time may be
assigned by specific legislative act to the governance, control, jurisdiction, or management of The University of Texas
System.
Credits
Added by Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 1186, ch. 435, § 1, eff. Aug. 27, 1973. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 644, § 2,
eff. June 14, 1989; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 325, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2009, 81st Leg., ch. 1341, § 5, eff. June 19,
2009; Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., ch. 179 (H.B. 1844), § 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2013.
Notes of Decisions (6)
Footnotes
1
V.T.C.A., Education Code § 74.751 et seq.
V. T. C. A., Education Code § 65.02, TX EDUC § 65.02
Current through the end of the 2013 Third Called Session of the 83rd Legislature
End of Document © 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 4
APPENDIX “E”
§ 74.101. Component Institution, TX EDUC § 74.101
V.T.C.A., Education Code § 74.101
§ 74.101. Component Institution
Effective: September 1, 2013
Currentness
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is a component institution of The University of Texas System under
the management and control of the board of regents of The University of Texas System.
Credits
Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 3182, ch. 1024, art. 1, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1971. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 644, § 9, eff.
June 14, 1989; Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., ch. 179 (H.B. 1844), § 11, eff. Sept. 1, 2013.
V. T. C. A., Education Code § 74.101, TX EDUC § 74.101
Current through the end of the 2013 Third Called Session of the 83rd Legislature
End of Document © 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
APPENDIX "E"
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
APPENDIX “F”
§ 101.101. Notice, TX CIV PRAC & REM § 101.101
V.T.C.A., Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 101.101
§ 101.101. Notice
Currentness
(a) A governmental unit is entitled to receive notice of a claim against it under this chapter not later than six months after the
day that the incident giving rise to the claim occurred. The notice must reasonably describe:
(1) the damage or injury claimed;
(2) the time and place of the incident; and
(3) the incident.
(b) A city’s charter and ordinance provisions requiring notice within a charter period permitted by law are ratified and
approved.
(c) The notice requirements provided or ratified and approved by Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply if the governmental
unit has actual notice that death has occurred, that the claimant has received some injury, or that the claimant’s property has
been damaged.
Credits
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Notes of Decisions (301)
V. T. C. A., Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 101.101, TX CIV PRAC & REM § 101.101
Current through the end of the 2013 Third Called Session of the 83rd Legislature
End of Document © 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.
APPENDIX "F"
© 2015 Thomson Reuters. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. 1
APPENDIX “G”
V.T.C.A., Government Code § 311.034 Page 1
Effective: September 1, 2005
Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated Currentness
Government Code (Refs & Annos)
Title 3. Legislative Branch (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle B. Legislation
Chapter 311. Code Construction Act (Refs & Annos)
Subchapter C. Construction of Statutes (Refs & Annos)
§ 311.034. Waiver of Sovereign Immunity
In order to preserve the legislature's interest in managing state fiscal matters through the appropriations process, a
statute shall not be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity unless the waiver is effected by clear and unambig-
uous language. In a statute, the use of “person,” as defined by Section 311.005 to include governmental entities,
does not indicate legislative intent to waive sovereign immunity unless the context of the statute indicates no other
reasonable construction. Statutory prerequisites to a suit, including the provision of notice, are jurisdictional re-
quirements in all suits against a governmental entity.
CREDIT(S)
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1158, § 8, eff. June 15, 2001. Amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 1150, § 1,
eff. Sept. 1, 2005.
Current through the end of the 2011 Regular Session and First Called Session of the 82nd Legislature
(c) 2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
END OF DOCUMENT
APPENDIX "G"
© 2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
APPENDIX “H”
V.T.C.A., Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 101.021 Page 1
Effective:[See Text Amendments]
Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated Currentness
Civil Practice and Remedies Code (Refs & Annos)
Title 5. Governmental Liability
Chapter 101. Tort Claims (Refs & Annos)
Subchapter B. Tort Liability of Governmental Units (Refs & Annos)
§ 101.021. Governmental Liability
A governmental unit in the state is liable for:
(1) property damage, personal injury, and death proximately caused by the wrongful act or omission or the negli-
gence of an employee acting within his scope of employment if:
(A) the property damage, personal injury, or death arises from the operation or use of a motor-driven vehicle or
motor-driven equipment; and
(B) the employee would be personally liable to the claimant according to Texas law; and
(2) personal injury and death so caused by a condition or use of tangible personal or real property if the govern-
mental unit would, were it a private person, be liable to the claimant according to Texas law.
CREDIT(S)
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Current through the end of the 2009 Regular and First Called Sessions of the 81st Legislature
(c) 2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
END OF DOCUMENT
APPENDIX "H"
© 2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
APPENDIX “I”
V.T.C.A., Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 101.022 Page 1
Effective: June 14, 2005
Vernon's Texas Statutes and Codes Annotated Currentness
Civil Practice and Remedies Code (Refs & Annos)
Title 5. Governmental Liability
Chapter 101. Tort Claims (Refs & Annos)
Subchapter B. Tort Liability of Governmental Units (Refs & Annos)
§ 101.022. Duty Owed: Premise and Special Defects
(a) Except as provided in Subsection (c), if a claim arises from a premise defect, the governmental unit owes to the
claimant only the duty that a private person owes to a licensee on private property, unless the claimant pays for the
use of the premises.
(b) The limitation of duty in this section does not apply to the duty to warn of special defects such as excavations or
obstructions on highways, roads, or streets or to the duty to warn of the absence, condition, or malfunction of traffic
signs, signals, or warning devices as is required by Section 101.060.
(c) If a claim arises from a premise defect on a toll highway, road, or street, the governmental unit owes to the
claimant only the duty that a private person owes to a licensee on private property.
CREDIT(S)
Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 959, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 281, § 2.88, eff. June
14, 2005.
Current through the end of the 2009 Regular and First Called Sessions of the 81st Legislature
(c) 2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.
END OF DOCUMENT
APPENDIX "I"
© 2011 Thomson Reuters. No Claim to Orig. US Gov. Works.