Robinson v. State

Claimant seeks $50,000 for the defendant’s alleged negligence arising out of an assault by James Strickland at Rockland State Hospital where both were patients. The defendant maintained and operated said hospital.

On April 26, 1954 at approximately 6:45 a.m., claimant and Strickland were among 25 patients of ward 16 in its water section comprised of a lavatory, water room and shower. Those in ward 16 including Strickland, were regarded as the ‘ ‘ most disturbed and unpredictable” patients.

Claimant had been admitted to the hospital on April 15, 1954, 11 days before the occurrence. Strickland…