The attorneys of Lyons & Simmons have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a North Texas “tranquility” spa, alleging the company’s negligence led to the drowning death of a 71-year-old woman in one of its aquatic sensory deprivation tanks.
Here’s what you need to know:
THE FACTS
Advertised as a unique relaxation experience, The Float Spot features sensory deprivation tanks filled with highly salinated water that increases a person’s buoyancy. The company touts numerous health benefits including pain relief, exercise recovery and stress management, while downplaying any potential risks from the enclosed floatation tanks.
Gloria Fanning visited the company’s Flower Mound location on March 29. The 71-year-old grandmother was given a brief orientation before being sealed in a sensory deprivation tank filled with water saturated with medical grade Epsom Salts. She later was discovered in a state of “distress” by an employee, who initially called the business owner for guidance rather than calling 911 for immediate assistance. Once paramedics finally arrived, Ms. Fanning was unresponsive. She never regained consciousness, and died after eight days on life support.
“This is a rapidly expanding industry and has flown under the radar without meaningful regulation to ensure that the unsuspecting public is kept safe around these aquatic sensory deprivation tanks,” he said “It is too late for Gloria, but this needs to change.”
THE LAWSUIT
Lyons & Simmons has filed suit against both The Float Spot and its owner on behalf of Ms. Fanning’s family, alleging the company’s negligence led to her death. The lawsuit, filed May 31, is Greta S. Anthony and David Porter v. Fc Acqua, LLC, dba The Float Spot and Raymond J. Thoma, Cause No. 18-4802-367 in Denton County District Court.
UPDATE
Texas State Sen. Jane Nelson, who represents District 12, which includes Flower Mound, released a statement June 5 noting that "This is a tragic situation that should never have happened. Clearly stronger oversight is needed, and I am developing legislation to ensure that we are protecting public health and safety.” Her full statement can be found at https://senate.texas.gov/press.php?id=12-20180605a.
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Our Texas trial lawyers have a national reputation for successfully handling important and complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. At Lyons & Simmons, lawyers are highly experience presenting the truth to judges and juries. They have a proven track record and a broad and diverse background of “real world” experience inside the courtroom.