CHICAGO -Central DuPage Hospital and Levy Security Corp. are being sued by a former female patient who says she was sexually assaulted by a hospital employee Dec. 27. She claims both the medical center and security firm tried to cover up the crime.
Teressa Miranda, 50, says after she woke up from anesthesia, she realized Sean Burns, a 24-year-old patient care technician, was touching her breast and genitals. According to the Chicago Sun Times, the woman says that after the incident, she pressed the alert button, but her alleged attacker had disconnected it. She then ran from her room, screaming for help but was escorted back to her room by a male nurse. Miranda claims the nurse asked her to be quiet and not disturb the other patients.
She says that after the incident, hospital security interrogated her, suggesting she had imagined the attack. Later on, hospital staff said they would deal with the problem internally.
The police were notified the following day when Miranda’s husband, a Bensenville police officer, reported it to Winfield police. Burns was then charged with criminal sexual abuse.
Miranda is alleging battery, emotional distress and negligence. She is seeking several million dollars in damages.
As a result of the allegations, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) may revise the state’s hospital license act code to require hospitals notify authorities of sexual assaults.
