Family sues after 911 call goes ignored

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A Queens family is suing the City after a woman fell, called 911 for help, but then died when no one showed up.

"The way that my mother was treated by the 911 operator, with no one showing up, that's just not right," Clyde Hollins III said.

That's why Hollins says he is suing the city of New York. He believes his 72 year old mother Florence would still be alive had help been sent when she made the 911 call last January.

"Why do you need them to pick you up? Hello?" the operator is heard saying.

'It was difficult to listen to the 911 call the operator was extremely rude," Hollins said.

Hollins say his frail, elderly mother had apparently hit her head when she fell in the bathroom of her Rego Park Apartment and was bleeding from a head injury.

The lawsuit accuses the city of willful and reckless disregard for human life by failing to send help, even though the correct address and phone number were given during the three minute 911 call and a promise was made that help was on the way.

"Assistance will be there as soon as possible. Alright? Thank you," the operator said.

But no emergency assistance ever showed up, and 36 hours later, a home aide found Florence Hollins body.

"No one wants to die alone, so you know I promised my mom I would find out what happened," Hollins said.

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