The family of porn star Emily Willis has taken legal action against the Summit Malibu rehab center, alleging negligence and abuse, which led to her tragic condition known as locked-in syndrome. The lawsuit, filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court, describes how Willis, born Litzy Lara Banuelos, experienced severe medical neglect during her stay at the facility.
Willis was admitted on January 27, 2024, seeking treatment for ketamine addiction, having been consuming five to six grams daily. Her family claims inadequacies at the treatment center took a severe toll on her health. "No patient should ever be subjected to such a horrendous breakdown in clinical care. Her health was ignored until it was too late, and now her life is forever changed," stated James A. Morris Jr., the family's attorney.
While residing at the facility, Willis developed alarming health issues, difficult to overlook. She was plagued by severe bladder inflammation, night terrors, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Nonetheless, the family alleges, her symptoms worsened significantly due to the staff's negligence.
By February 3, the situation escalated. A nurse reportedly was unable to take her blood pressure due to dehydration, but instead of the medical attention required, Willis remained untreated. The following day, February 4, 2024, staff found her unconscious, prompting them to call 911.
The paramedics arrived and urgently performed CPR for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, reviving her heartbeat. Tragically, the delay meant prolonged oxygen deprivation left its mark, and Willis ended up suffering irreversible brain damage.
"Had the staff followed standard medical protocols, Emily would have had the opportunity to regain control of her life," emphasized Morris. This failed intervention resulted not only in permanent physical and mental incapacity but also led to her being diagnosed with locked-in syndrome—a rare neurological disorder. Willis is now completely paralyzed except for her eyes.
According to her family, she is aware of her surroundings and can track movements with her eyes, but remains unable to speak or move. Doctors have indicated the severity of her condition, highlighting the serious ramifications of the inadequate treatment she received.
Locked-in syndrome can occur due to traumatic brain injury, diseases affecting the nervous system, or even medication overdose. Regrettably for patients like Willis, the prognosis is poor; recovery is rare and treatment mainly aims at maximizing comfort. "Recently, Emily's world, and ours, was turned upside down when she was admitted to the hospital, marking the beginning of an incredibly tough and unforeseen battle," her family reflected.
The family hopes their lawsuit against Summit Malibu and its parent, Malibu Lighthouse Treatment Centers, will bring change to how treatment centers handle patients requiring life-saving interventions. "Too many patients who should be receiving life-saving interventions are being lost to negligence," they said.
Willis currently resides at a care facility in Utah, where she continues to receive specialized attention. Her family remains vigilant, fighting not just for their loved one but also to invoke reform within treatment center operations to prevent any such devastating scenarios from repeating.