Man Sues Over Injuries at Kansas City Mental Health Center

A man who says he who was injured by another patient at a state-run mental health center in Kansas City is suing for $10 million.

The lawsuit filed on behalf of Daniel Garcia alleges staff at the Center for Behavioral Medicine knew the patient who assaulted him had committed other physical attacks. The lawsuit contends the center’s staff didn’t protect Garcia and other residents.

The Kansas City Star reports Garcia was punched on March 22, fracturing several facial bones. The lawsuit recounts three other violent incidents at the center allegedly involving Hughes. Police reports were taken on the three other assaults.

The resident, Nathaniel Hughes, is charged with first-degree assault in the Garcia case.

A Missouri Department of Mental Health spokeswoman said Monday the agency doesn’t comment on pending litigation.