CHEVERLY, Md.—A former patient at Prince George’s Hospital Center is suing the facility for more than $12 million, alleging that he was detained, beaten and verbally assaulted by hospital staff.
Forty-six-year-old Joseph Wheeler was taken to the hospital after his June 23 car accident, where he was treated for blunt torso trauma, but not acute injuries, reports ABC News. However, when he awoke the following morning, a nurse allegedly told him that he was scheduled to have a cancerous mass removed from his chest. Later Wheeler noticed that he was wearing an identification bracelet for a woman who was 13 years younger.
Fearing for his safety, Wheeler and his wife attempted to leave the hospital when two security guards detained him, according to court documents. He claims the guards began shouting profanities at him, shoved him against the wall and then took him to an elevator and beat him while he was laying on the floor in a fetal position. Hospital staff forcibly attempted to take Wheeler’s ID bracelet, the victim stated.
After being interrogated and signing a release form acknowledging that he was leaving the facility against medical advice, Wheeler sought treatment at nearby St. Mary’s Hospital where he was diagnosed with four broken ribs, a sprained shoulder, a ruptured spleen and a concussion.
Wheeler and his wife are seeking $3.2 million in compensatory damages and $9.5 million in punitive damages.
