Andreozzi + Foote files a lawsuit against Carbon Health Urgent Care and one of its employees, Ramon Garcia. The allegations involve a disturbing incident during a routine pre-employment drug screening in March 2024, where Garcia allegedly engaged in inappropriate and invasive behavior toward the plaintiff, C.S., who has chosen to remain anonymous.
What Happened at Carbon Health Urgent Care?
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff visited a Philadelphia location of Carbon Health for a drug test. Ramon Garcia, who falsely claimed to be a registered nurse, allegedly forced the plaintiff to endure an invasive and humiliating interaction, including locking the restroom door and observing her urination. Garcia later locked the plaintiff in an office, made inappropriate comments, and gave her his phone number.
Following the incident, the plaintiff reported the behavior to local police, leading to criminal charges against Garcia, including:
- Aggravated Indecent Assault
- Impersonating a Licensed Professional
- Invasion of Privacy
Further investigations revealed additional victims with similar allegations against Garcia.
Institutional Failures: Negligence by Carbon Health
The lawsuit highlights systemic failures by Carbon Health Urgent Care, including:
- Negligent hiring and supervision of Garcia.
- Failure to implement and enforce abuse prevention policies.
- Lack of oversight and training to ensure patient safety.
These failures allowed Garcia to exploit his position and harm patients, the lawsuit alleges.
The Impact on Survivors
For survivors of sexual abuse in healthcare settings, the trauma can be devastating. It erodes trust in institutions meant to provide care and healing. Survivors often experience severe emotional distress, difficulty seeking future medical care, and long-term psychological impacts.
How the Lawsuit Seeks Justice
By filing this lawsuit, C.S. aims to hold both Garcia and Carbon Health accountable for their actions and inactions. The legal claims include:
- Negligence and Corporate Liability: Highlighting Carbon Health’s failure to protect its patients.
- Assault and Battery: Alleging intentional harm by Garcia.
- Invasion of Privacy: Addressing the invasive nature of Garcia’s actions.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for emotional harm, punitive damages, and systemic changes to prevent future incidents.
Protecting Yourself in Healthcare Settings
Patients should feel safe in medical environments. Here are tips to ensure your safety:
- Ask Questions: Verify the credentials of medical staff if something feels off.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable or inappropriate, speak up or leave if possible.
- Report Misconduct: If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior, report it to authorities immediately.
Seeking Justice for Victims
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse in a healthcare setting, it’s crucial to understand your rights. Lawsuits like this not only seek justice for survivors but also promote systemic changes to protect others.
Visit Andreozzi + Foote for legal assistance and to learn more about your rights. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to holding institutions accountable and advocating for survivors.
