Family of Eddie Bernice Johnson reaches resolution with hospital over alleged negligence

The family of U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson and their attorney held a news conference Thursday to announce a settlement with Baylor Scott & White related to the former North Texas congresswoman’s death .

The family said in a news release that they have reached a “resolution of all matters” in their case against the hospital system, which they accused of medical negligence in Johnson’s care .

At the news conference at his Dallas office, attorney Les Weisbrod stated that the financial details of the settlement will not be disclosed. “The details of the resolution we will not discuss,” Weisbrod said. “It was a peaceful resolution.”

It was also announced that a nonprofit foundation, the Eddie Bernice Johnson Lives Foundation , will be established to support those in need in the Dallas community. In addition, both the foundation and the hospital will name a nursing scholarship after the late congresswoman.

Baylor Scott & White said in a statement, “Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was a friend and champion in the communities we serve — she is an inspiration to all. It has long been our priority to help her life’s work live on. Working with her family, we are pleased to name a nursing scholarship program in her honor.”

The amount donated by the hospital was not disclosed.

Kirk Johnson, the congresswoman’s son, said, “It’s been tough, but we are ready to move forward.”

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Johnson died on Dec. 31 at age 88. Her family has said that they believe Johnson’s treatment at a Baylor Scott & White rehabilitation hospital while she recovered from a September back surgery contributed to her death.

Johnson’s surgical scar became infected at the rehab facility, her son has said. She was moved to a skilled nursing facility on Oct. 18 before returning to her home for hospice care on Dec. 18.

Johnson was the first Black member of Congress from Dallas and the first registered nurse to serve in Congress. She retired in January 2023.