The 67-year-old oncologist was celebrating with his family on November 17 when he was attacked in the restroom at the Westin Hotel's restaurant, The Grill. Jimmy Harris, 56, is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery and unlawful restraint. Harris had recently been released from prison.
Dr. Shah, who was stabbed from behind, said he immediately felt blood gushing from his severed vein. Shah struggled with the assailant, knowing he had only a moment to get out of the bathroom before he'd pass out.
"That's where he cut my big vein," Dr. Shah said, gesturing to his neck. "Thank goodness that is all it was because had it been any deeper to go to my carotid or internal jugular and I most likely would not be sitting here. In a five star hotel right on Michigan Avenue, you would think there would be certain minimum security measures in place and you depend on that day in and day out, all of us," Shah said.
Shah said time slowed down during the attack, and he was consumed with the idea that he needed more time to get to know his grandchildren.
The Westin has 30 days to respond to the lawsuit.
