Joseph Wheeler is suing Prince George’s Hospital Center for Maryland personal injury. He is seeking over $12 million—$9.5 million in punitive damages and $3.2 million in compensatory damages. He is also seeking damages from Broadway Security and hospital guards Donovan Scott and William Reese.
The 46-year-old Inigoes, Maryland man had been admitted to the Upper Marlboro hospital for treatment of shoulder and torso injuries he sustained following a July 23 car accident. Wheeler contends that when he woke up the following day he was told by a nurse that he couldn’t eat because he had to undergo surgery.
The hospital ID bracelet he was wearing explained that he was about to have a “potentially cancerous mass” taken out of his chest. However, the bracelet had what appeared to a female name on it belonging to a person who was born 13 years before Wheeler’s birth year.
Wheeler and his wife tried to leave but security arrived to detain him. He claims that they pushed him into a wall and metal railing and cussed at him.
The two guards are also accused of putting on black padded gloves before they approached Wheeler. While the security lieutenant acknowledged there had been an ID mix-up, he reportedly told the guards to prevent Wheeler from leaving unless the bracelet was returned. Following the incident, Wheeler was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital for three days where he was treated for a concussion, a sprained shoulder, and a ruptured spleen.
Wheeler and his wife are claiming damages for false imprisonment, emotional distress, and assault and battery.
Maryland Personal Injury
With discovery rule, you have three years to file a Prince George’s County personal injury lawsuit. Your best chance of obtaining the maximum recovery possible is to get experienced legal representation.
Man alleges false imprisonment, sues hospital for $12M, WTOP, August 30, 2010
Accident Victim Says He Was Assaulted by Hospital Guards, MyFoxTampaBay, August 26, 2010
Nightmarish Hospital Visit Capped by Beating, Accident Victim Says, Courthouse News, August 25, 2010
Related Web Resource:
Prince George’s Hospital Center, DimensionsHealth