WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A Palm Beach County nurse who was severely beaten while on the job is finally coming home after months of hospitalization and recovery.
Leelamma Lal, 67, sustained critical injuries after investigators said she was attacked by a 33-year-old patient at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee on Feb. 18.
Calling it an "exhausting journey," a spokesperson for the attorney representing her family told WPTV that Lal will finally return home on Saturday.
"She still has a long road ahead of her, but this is a massive step forward," the spokesperson said. "While she still faces a long road ahead, this marks a deeply emotional milestone."
Lal is not expected to hold any interviews, but will provide a brief statement and express her heartfelt thanks for the support she has received since the attack.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the attack occurred inside a third-floor patient room at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital.
The suspect, Stephen Scantlebury, was at the hospital under a psychiatric hold and was being cared for by Lal at the time of the attack.
Scantlebury faces attempted first-degree murder.
A judge in April denied a mental competency evaluation for Scantlebury, who remains in custody at the Palm Beach County jail.
READ MORE OF WPTV'S COVERAGE OF THE CASE:
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Attorney of injured nurse petitions hospital for evidence
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Nurse advocates push for harsher penalties for assaulting health care workers
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New details emerge on how Palms West nurse attack suspect ended up at hospital
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Who was watching patient before nurse attacked?
Loxahatchee Acreage
Nurse attack suspect had displayed 'unusual behavior,' attorneys say
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'Essentially every bone' broken in nurse's face, affidavit says
Loxahatchee Acreage
