Patient Claims Hospital Worker Fondled Her

CHICAGO (CN) - A hospital patient claims in court that a counselor with a criminal record sexually fondled her and when she complained, Thorek Memorial Hospital placed her in partial isolation.

Plaintiff S.S. sued Thorek Memorial Hospital in Cook County Court.

Thorek is a 218-bed nonprofit acute care center on the North Side of Chicago.

"On or about March 11, 2010, plaintiff was admitted to the Psychiatric Division of Thorek for insomnia, bipolar mania, depression, anxiety and ADHD," the complaint states.

"Plaintiff remained under Thorek's care for approximately seven (7) days until on or about March 19, 2010. ...

"Plaintiff received care and services from various employees of the defendant, including Mr. Taylor Corr'e."

S.S. says Corr'e was "a counselor and attendant" at Thorek.

She claims that on her sixth day at Thorek, "on or about March 16, 2010, plaintiff was sexually and verbally assaulted by an employee of the hospital known as Corr'e. "During such time, Corr'e committed the following acts on the plaintiff:

"a) Fondled her breasts, buttocks, and put his hand up her dress to touch her vagina;

"b) Asked her to have sexual intercourse; and

"c) Intimidated her."

S.S. says she reported Corr'e's behavior to the head nurse/supervisor at Thorek.

She says: "Plaintiff was then confined to partial isolation as retaliation by other agents of the defendant."

While S.S. was released from Thorek on March 18, she says, Corr'e's conduct aggravated her psychological condition and she had to be readmitted less than a month later.

She adds: "On information and belief, Corr'e had a prior criminal record of prior to being hired by the defendant.

"Defendant knew or should have known of Corr'e's criminal record prior to hiring him.

"Defendant knew or should have known of the risk of misconduct, unsafe environment and the propensity for harm that could take place as a result of hiring Corr'e at their facility and after being notified of the misconduct by the plaintiff."

She seeks damages for vicarious liability for civil assault and battery, vicarious liability for sexual battery, negligence, infliction of emotional distress, and other charges.

Corr'e is not named as a defendant.

S.S. is represented by Harvey J. Waller.

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