St. Michael’s Hospital is being hit with a $2.1 million lawsuit by an aboriginal man and woman who claim they were beaten by hospital security officers.
Cliff Hussin and Donna Oakes said they were visiting Hussin’s cousin at the hospital on Feb. 4, 2009 when they were attacked by two security officers who hurled racial slurs and beat them. According to the pair, the beating broke Hussin’s ribs and punctured his lung, reports CBC News.
Additionally, the plaintiffs admitted to being loud and intoxicated while being at the hospital; however, Hussin said that their behavior did not excuse the security officers’ behavior.
Filed Jan. 29, the lawsuit alleges that St. Michael’s Hospital was negligent because it hired unsuitable guards and failed to properly supervise them. The lawsuit states that Hussin still suffers from anxiety, back pain and respiratory problems as a result of the beating.
Hospital officials investigated the incident after the couple went public with its allegations, and as a result, fired the two security officers. Furthermore, hospital security staff received diversity training and was updated on the proper use of force.
A public apology was also issued to the couple.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
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