By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The family of Bobby Smallwood, a security guard fatally shot while protecting a maternity ward at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital, is suing the facility for $35 million. The lawsuit alleges that the hospital ignored multiple reports of threats and violent behavior from the shooter, PoniaX Calles, in the days leading up to the incident. Despite clear violations of the hospital’s workplace violence policy, administrators failed to remove Calles, ultimately leading to Smallwood’s preventable death. The family seeks justice and accountability for the hospital’s negligence, stating that they will not stop fighting until Legacy is held fully responsible for the loss of their son.
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A Portland family is suing Good Samaritan Hospital for $35 million after their security guard was shot and killed in a hospital hallway. The family alleges that the hospital failed to adequately protect its employees and did not take sufficient measures to ensure the safety of those working at the facility. The incident occurred when a man named PoniaX Kanes Calles, who was known to have a history of violence, entered the hospital and fatally shot the security guard.
Calles, who had previously been known as Reginald Kane Jackson, had a lengthy criminal record, including charges for interfering with a peace officer, reckless driving, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and assault. In 2015, he was deemed a threat to public safety and was expected to re-offend after an incident where he stabbed another individual in the face at a Portland restaurant. Despite this history, Calles was able to enter Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was allowed to walk freely, ultimately culminating in the tragic shooting.
The family’s lawsuit claims that the hospital should have known about Calles’ violent past and should have implemented stronger security measures to prevent him from entering the hospital. The lawsuit also points to the hospital’s policy of allowing individuals to enter the facility even if they pose a threat to others.
The tragic shooting has sparked a debate about the balance between providing quality patient care and ensuring the safety of hospital staff. Some argue that hospitals must take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their employees, even if it means restricting access to the facility.
Others, however, believe that hospitals have a responsibility to provide medical care to all individuals regardless of their history or potential for violence. They argue that hospitals should not be held responsible for the actions of violent individuals, particularly when they are seeking medical care.
The incident has also brought to light concerns about the prioritization of patient satisfaction over the safety of staff members. The lawsuit claims that the hospital was more focused on maintaining its reputation and patient satisfaction ratings than on addressing the safety concerns of its employees.
The outcome of this lawsuit will likely have a significant impact on the future of hospital security nationwide. While the hospital has not issued an official statement regarding the lawsuit, it is likely that the case will be closely watched by other medical facilities as they strive to find the right balance between patient care and the safety of their employees.