Medical resident sues Freeman

A medical resident who was injured when she slipped on a wet spot on the stairs leading to the cafeteria is suing Freeman Health for negligence.

In the lawsuit, Rebecca Centeno alleges the hazardous area was unmarked.

From the petition:

On or about April 30, 2025, Plaintiff Rebecca Centeno was a medical resident at Freeman West Central Hospital. As Plaintiff was walking down the stairs leading toward the hospital’s cafeteria and dining hall, she slipped on the unmarked wet stairs/flooring.

Plaintiff fell violently to the ground and landed on her right upper extremity, causing severe injuries to Plaintiff’s right wrist, including a carpal bone fracture.

The wet stairs and flooring constituted a dangerous and hazardous condition for anyone walking up or down the staircase located in the hospital’s common area.

Defendant provided no warning or indication of the wet stairs/flooring.

Centeno, who is represented by Charles J. Sticklen of the Sticklen & Sticklen Law Firm of Joplin, is suing for negligence and premises liability and ia asking for "fair and reasonable damages" and costs.