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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.

Former teacher, newspaper reporter and editor, covering Joplin and the Four-State Area since 2003.