Patient accuses nurse of physically and verbally abusing him when he was under sedation

GRETNA – A man who claims he was abused by a nurse while in the intensive care unit of a local hospital is suing.

Victor Edmund Register filed suit against Jefferson Parish Hospital Services District No. 2, State of Louisiana, East Jefferson General Hospital, John Hagan and five unknown employees in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 25.

Register alleges that on Feb. 20, 2013 he had severe pain and swelling in his abdomen where he had prior treatment for the surgical repair of a hernia. The plaintiff asserts that he drove himself to East Jefferson General Hospital where the surgery was completed. Register claims he had a variety of symptoms including extreme difficulty breathing.

The plaintiff alleges he was placed on an assisted breathing apparatus and was moved in into the intensive care unit (ICU) where he stayed for the next 14 days under sedation. Register asserts during his stay in the ICU he was not permitted to have visitors and his family and friends were turned away. The plaintiff claims he received traumatizing treatment during his hospital stay including a fall from his bed to the floor, being assaulted and manhandled by a male nurse who allegedly used racial epithets towards him and having a suppository forcibly inserted into his rectum.

Register asserts that during his hospital stay he received injuries to his left hand, right knee and face. After the hospital stay the plaintiff was released to a long-term care facility where he allegedly realized he had been mistreated.

The defendant is accused of failing to furnish the plaintiff with diligent and skillful care, failing to maintain the bed in the appropriate position to minimize the likelihood of harm, failing to exercise due care in hiring and retaining the alleged assailant, failing to properly carry out non-judgment aspects of managing the plaintiff, failing to provide reasonable protection and security and failing to furnish the plaintiff equipment in proper working condition.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for psychological injuries, medical treatment, medical expenses, lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, fear, fright, anxiety, humiliation, embarrassment, loss of enjoyment of life’s pleasures and punitive damages.

Register is represented by Eric L. Register of Register Lett LP of Atlanta, Ga.

The case has been assigned to Division L Judge Donald A. Rowan Jr.

Case no. 735-893.