WEST PALM BEACH, FL – A nurse at Palms West Hospital endured a horrifying attack, leaving her with severe injuries and her family in shock. The incident involved a patient under the Baker Act, identified as 33-year-old Steven Scantlebury, who allegedly assaulted 67-year-old nurse Layla, breaking nearly every bone in her face and potentially impairing her vision permanently.
Emergency calls captured the chaos as 911 operators were informed of the brutal attack. One caller described the scene with urgency, noting that the nurse lay unconscious on the floor. Another call suggested the attacker used scissors during the assault, a detail that adds to the harrowing nature of the event.
Layla’s children, Cindy Joseph and Kris Lyles, are grappling with the reality of their mother’s ordeal. They expressed disbelief and sorrow, sitting with their attorney to discuss the incident that shattered their family. Layla, who dedicated over two decades to patient care, now faces a long and uncertain recovery.
Photos shared by the family reveal the extent of her injuries: swollen eyes, facial bruising, and serious brain bleeds. She was unconscious and required intubation following the attack, her condition described as unstable in the immediate aftermath.
Questions have arisen regarding the hospital’s response, particularly after a 911 call from a man claiming to be the hospital’s CEO. He reportedly dismissed concerns about the nurse’s condition, focusing instead on the patient responsible for the attack. This has left Layla’s family feeling betrayed and neglected by the institution she served for so long.
Attorney Karen Terry, representing Layla’s family, is exploring legal options. She argues that the hospital’s negligence contributed to the attack, highlighting a failure in ensuring employee safety. Terry suggests that the incident was preventable and should prompt a reevaluation of hospital protocols.
Despite reaching out for comments from HCA Florida and Palms West Hospital, responses remain pending. Meanwhile, Layla’s children continue to express their anguish and frustration, fearing for their mother’s future. They struggle with anger and sadness, knowing their mother could have retired and avoided this tragic event.
The attack has left an indelible mark on Layla’s family, who cherish her as a pillar of support. As they navigate this difficult time, they hope for accountability and changes that prevent such incidents from happening again.