Family announces resolution of claims following death of Eddie Bernice Johnson

The family of late U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson said they have reached a settlement with Baylor Scott and White Health over the care she received before her death last year.

Although financial terms will remain confidential, Johnson says it will allow his legacy to live on in a newly created foundation.

“We want his impact to still be felt in this community,” Johnson said.

Johnson says the launch of the Eddie Bernice Johnson Lives Foundation indicates its impact will continue.

Family attorney Les Weisbrod said Baylor Scott and White Health will contribute an unspecified financial donation to the foundation.

The announcement comes nearly six months after Weisbrod and Johnson’s son fought back tears during a news conference four days after the pioneering lawmaker’s death.

Kirk Johnson said his mother was left for an hour in a dirty bed at the Baylor Scott and White Rehabilitation Institute in Dallas, where she was supposed to be recovering from back surgery.

Instead, she contracted an infection that her family says ultimately claimed the 89-year-old congressional icon’s life on Dec. 31.

“She was left unattended,” Johnson said on January 4. “She was screaming in pain and asking for help. »

Weisbrod said Thursday after the initial news conference that Baylor Scott & White Health had reached out to the family about contributing to Johnson’s foundation and renaming a nursing scholarship in her honor. He described the donation as “very generous.”

“Sometimes the court of public opinion can be more powerful than the court,” Weisbrod said.

“When we can do good deeds and avoid a lawsuit, it’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

He added that he had received assurances from Baylor that the rehabilitation facility was reviewing its policies and procedures to ensure such patient neglect does not occur in the future.

Baylor Scott and White Health told NBC 5 in a statement that Eddie Bernice Johnson was a friend and champion of the communities she serves.

“She is an inspiration to all. Our priority has long been to continue her life’s work. Working with her family, we are pleased to name a nursing scholarship program in her honour,” a spokesperson said.

Kirk Johnson says the family looks forward to making grants to nonprofits that embody the spirit his mother championed during a five-decade career in public service.

“We are at peace,” Johnson said. “We must accept God’s will, but his initiatives and interests will live on. »