In a harrowing case that underscores the critical importance of patient safety in healthcare facilities, a Florida resident has filed a lawsuit against a major medical corporation and several of its employees. Alfredo Camacho, the plaintiff, lodged his complaint on October 25, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida. The defendants named in this legal battle include HCA, Inc., a foreign for-profit corporation operating JFK Medical Center North Campus, along with three unnamed employees referred to as Doe Employees 1, 2, and 3.
The complaint details a series of distressing events that allegedly took place on June 30, 2021. According to Camacho's account, he was admitted as a patient at JFK Medical Center North Campus when he became the victim of excessive and unreasonable force by the Doe Employees. These individuals were employed as mental health technicians at the facility and were responsible for ensuring Camacho's care and safety. However, Camacho alleges that they forcefully administered medication against his will and physically assaulted him by restraining him to the ground and striking him repeatedly.
Camacho's legal filing accuses each Doe Employee individually of battery and negligence. He asserts that their actions were intentional, willful, wanton, and constituted gross negligence with complete disregard for his safety and well-being. "The uses of force by Defendant [Doe Employee] were not justified under any circumstances," states one part of the complaint. As a result of these alleged actions, Camacho claims to have sustained bodily injuries along with emotional distress and psychological trauma. He is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 from each defendant involved.
Moreover, Camacho holds HCA Inc., accountable through claims of vicarious liability and negligence. He argues that HCA Inc., as the employer of the Doe Employees at JFK Medical Center North Campus during the incident in question, failed in its duty to ensure safe patient care. The lawsuit accuses HCA Inc., of negligent hiring practices as well as inadequate supervision and training of its staff members regarding non-violent de-escalation techniques—failures which purportedly led directly to Camacho's harm.
Through this legal action against both individual employees (Doe Employees)and their employer (HCA Inc.), Alfredo Camacho seeks justice not only for himself but also aims to bring attention towards systemic issues within healthcare institutions where vulnerable patients can potentially face abuse or neglect from those entrusted with their care.
Representing Alfredo Camacho is attorney Rollande J Adolphe from Adolphe Law Group P.A., based out Lake Worth Florida, The Case ID is: 502024CA010237XXXAMB Div AE