Family to Sue NYC for $20 Million After Bronx Hospital Beating Death
The family of Cynthia Vann, a 55-year-old woman who died after being brutally beaten by her roommate while undergoing treatment at a Bronx hospital, plans to file a $20 million notice of claim against New York City today, alleging negligence and a cover-up surrounding the circumstances of her death.
Vann was hospitalized at Lincoln Hospital in September for liver treatment when, according to police, she was attacked by Racquel Haughton, 44. She remained in critical condition for over two weeks before succumbing to her injuries, which were ultimately ruled a homicide. Haughton was arrested and charged with manslaughter and assault in October. The family alleges hospital staff failed to protect Vann from Haughton and withheld crucial information regarding the severity of her injuries.
“They would just tell me about her condition medically, but they didn’t tell me what was the reason for the head trauma,” Vann’s daughter, Tanesha Vann, stated previously. Her attorney, John Elefterakis, emphasized the family’s determination to uncover the truth. “We intend to litigate this matter and will use every tool at our disposal to uncover the truth about what occurred and the failures that led to Cynthia’s tragic death,” he said in a statement. This case highlights growing concerns about patient safety within the city’s public hospital system. Rev. Kevin McCall, a spokesperson for the family, added, “Somebody needs to answer for this.”
New York City Health and Hospitals has not yet responded to requests for comment. Following Vann’s death, an agency spokesperson released a statement affirming Lincoln Hospital’s “commitment to the safety of its patients, staff and visitors.” Haughton remains in custody at Rikers Island and is scheduled to appear in Bronx Criminal Court today. You can find more information about Bronx Criminal Court on the New York State Courts website. The family is understandably devastated by the loss and the unanswered questions surrounding Vann’s final days, with loved ones struggling to cope with the tragedy. VictimConnect provides resources for families impacted by violent crime.
City officials are expected to respond to the notice of claim in the coming weeks, initiating the legal process.
