ST. PAUL, Minn. – The family of a man who died after falling from operating table is suing a St. Paul hospital.
The lawsuit filed in Ramsey County District Court says Max DeVries was sedated and waiting for routine surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital when Velco straps holding the 300-pound patient failed.
It says DeVries rolled off the table and hit his head last March. He died in April after suffering a massive stroke.
His son, Shawn DeVries, says it's a tragedy that could have been avoided. The Star Tribune says the family contends the hospital lacked appropriate facilities and equipment, including wide enough tables and adequate restraints.
The hospital says it's conducting an investigation.
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