Wrongful Death Lawsuit Alleges Man Was Sent s Dead in Taxi

A North Carolina mother filed a lawsuit against a hospital security service, alleging that her son was already dead when, after his discharge, security guards placed him in a taxi and sent him home.

United Press International (UPI) reports that Deborah Washington of Fayetteville, North Carolina, is suing AlliedBarton Security Services over the incident, which occurred on Nov. 22, 2011, when her son, A’Darrin Washington (30), was discharged from Cumberland County Hospital.

A’Darrin suffered from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and had been going to the hospital on and off for 10 years, receiving treatment for the recurring pneumonia associated with the disease. He had been admitted to the hospital eight days prior, on Nov. 14 and was misdiagnosed with bacterial pneumonia, according to UPI.

After being given the wrong medication, his diagnosis was corrected to fungal pneumonia and the proper medication was administered. However, reports UPI, A’Darrin still felt weak and sick when the hospital told him on Nov. 21 that he was ready to be discharged.

The hospital called a taxi service the next morning, Nov. 22, to take A’Darrin home and AlliedBarton Security guards were called to escort him from his hospital bed to the lobby. According to the lawsuit, a nurse requested the security escort because “Mr. Washington was allegedly ‘uncooperative’ and ‘refusing to talk or move’.”

The complaint further states “Mr. Washington was unresponsive due to the fact that he was dying.”

NewsOne reports that prior to his discharge, A’Darrin was extremely weak and in pain, and had requested not to be discharged, before he became unresponsive and unable to talk or move. Nevertheless, two security guards loaded him into the waiting taxi from his wheelchair, secured him in place with a seat belt and even crossed his legs while he was unresponsive, states his mother, Deborah.

A’Darrin never regained consciousness during the 45-minute ride home. Upon arrival, the lawsuit states he was “unresponsive and cold to the touch.” Washington experienced further severe distress as her son’s body remained in front of the home for four hours while police investigated.

The lawsuit seeks both compensatory and punitive damages for wrongful death, negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

If you or a loved one are considering a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit, our dedicated Raleigh attorneys may be able to help you. Contact Kelly & West today to discuss the details of your case.

NOTE: Kelly & West is not representing the plaintiffs in this lawsuit.