SAN FRANCISCO -- Multiple people are claiming to have suffered while under the care of a San Francisco hospital and rehab center.
Jane Does 1-9, by and through conservators San Francisco Public Guardian, or San Francisco Public Conservator filed a 130-page complaint on May 28 in San Francisco Superior Court against the San Francisco Department of Public Health and Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center for violations of elder abuse law and medical information confidentiality law, among many other claims.
According to the complaint, approximately 17 current and deceased former patients of Laguna Honda Hospital were mistreated while in the center's care. Plaintiffs allege staff at Laguna Honda Hospital acquired sensitive medical and private information that was disclosed to persons not privileged to receive it and without consent, recorded protected health information and took explicit photographs for non-medical purposes.
Plaintiffs also allege having actually suffered substantial physical, emotional, and/or economic damage. Other complaints include, but are not limited to, a patient being gagged with a towel, a woman having photos taken while her breasts were exposed and subjecting patients to intentional embarrassment, shame and ridicule.
Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages according to proof, punitive damages, nominal damages of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for each release of confidential information and pre-death pain and suffering damages of deceased Plaintiffs. Plaintiffs are represented by Niall P. McCarthy, Anne Marie Murphy and Kelsey J. Mose of Cotchell, Pitre and McCarthy LLP.