Most people who go to church hope to come out feeling better than before they went in – not worse. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. A woman in Georgia claims that when her pastor blessed her, more harm than good was done – in fact, she is suing the church and pastor with the allegation that the pastor caused a traumatic brain injury.
Read on to learn more. If you feel that you have been injured as the result of another party acting recklessly or negligently, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
The victim claims she was injured during a blessing
The woman in question, Yvonne Byrd, went to her church in the morning to sing in the choir. Bishop William Sheals started blessing congregants during the second service of the day. When it was Byrd’s turn for a blessing, she says Sheals pushed her head with such force that she fell down and slammed the back of her skull against the floor. According to the complaint, other members who received blessings simply received a light touch to the head.
The attorneys working for Byrd allege that she immediately was knocked unconscious. Unfortunately, members of the church did not notice that she was on the ground and immobile for some time. Eventually she was taken to a local hospital and was then moved to a rehab facility, where she spent several weeks. Byrd has been a member of the church for nearly two decades and says she is still recovering from the effects of the brain injury.
Was the pastor reckless or negligent?
The personal injury lawsuit alleges that the church had a duty to supervise and train each employee – including Sheals. The lawsuit claims that the church should have taught him and other employees what constitutes safe physical contact during services and what is dangerous. The suit further claims that Sheals individually was both reckless and negligent when giving the blessing.
The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount for damages
The lawsuit seeks damages for all of her injuries, including medical costs, permanent physical damages, and permanent physiological damages. At this point, the amount of the damages being sought is not known. The pastor has not commented on the specifics of the lawsuit. The church has only responded to say that they have received no formal notice of the lawsuit.
Should the church or the pastor be held accountable?
It is early in the process and much is not known. As the case continues and details emerge, it will become clearer whether or not there was negligent and / or reckless behavior by the pastor or the church. It is important to remember that even if the pastor did not intend to hurt the woman, he can still be held accountable for the results of his actions.
If you have been injured due to someone else acting recklessly or negligently then we invite you to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
