Tulsa, OK — October 28, 2025
An Oklahoma woman who entered a hospital seeking help during a mental health crisis became the victim of a preventable and devastating assault and now, through the work of Smolen Law, she has received long-overdue justice.
According to case details, the woman with bi-polar schizophrenia arrived at a local Oklahoma hospital in crisis. The attending physician decided to involuntarily commit her for psychiatric evaluation. However, because the hospital’s psychiatric ward was full, staff placed her on a different floor, one not properly equipped or secured for behavioral health patients.
While under the hospital’s care, a nurse technician, who had previously been fired from a temp agency for assaulting a patient, was rehired by this same hospital. During her involuntary stay, that same employee attempted to sexually assault her.
Another technician entered the room in time to stop the attack. Though the physical assault was interrupted, the trauma, fear, and violation she endured left permanent emotional scars.
Instead of accepting responsibility, the hospital attempted to deny liability for the technician’s actions, despite having rehired an individual with a known history of violence. Smolen Law argued that the hospital’s actions constituted negligent hiring, negligent supervision, and a failure to protect a vulnerable patient.
“No one seeking medical help should ever experience abuse at the hands of those entrusted with their care,” said Donald E. Smolen II, founding attorney of Smolen Law. “Hospitals must be held to the highest standards of safety and accountability, especially when caring for individuals in crisis who have no ability to protect themselves.”
Through tireless advocacy, Smolen Law obtained a resolution that will provide the woman with lifelong financial security and the means to focus on healing, rebuilding, and reclaiming her life.
“Our goal was to restore dignity and stability for someone whose trust was shattered,” Smolen added. “This outcome ensures she will never have to work again and can finally begin to heal.”
Smolen Law emphasizes that this case highlights the urgent need for hospitals and healthcare systems to improve patient-safety protocols, particularly for individuals in psychiatric or crisis care.
Key steps include:
“Accountability is the first step toward prevention,” Smolen said. “Hospitals must take responsibility before another life is damaged by negligence.”
If you or someone you know has experienced assault or mistreatment in a medical or psychiatric setting, support is available:
Smolen Law | The Alpha Firm is a nationally recognized trial firm based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, representing clients in catastrophic torts, civil rights violations, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. The firm is led by Donald E. Smolen II, known for holding institutions accountable and fighting for justice for those who have been wronged.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Donald Smolen
Smolen Law | The Alpha Firm
don@smolen.law
www.smolen.law
Smolen Law's mission is to provide exceptional legal services with integrity, professionalism, and respect.
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