Hospital Pays $2 Million to Family of Patient Who Died in Waiting Room

Relatives of a New York City woman who died in a hospital emergency room after waiting more than 24 hours to see a doctor will be paid $2 million for the loss of their loved one, officials said.

The shocking incident, which was captured on security cameras at Kings County Hospital Center, occurred last year and prompted widespread outrage and calls to reform patient rights.

Esmin Elizabeth Green, 49, died on the floor of the psychiatric emergency room after falling and being left there for more than an hour as hospital workers walked past without assisting her. The New York City health and Hospitals Corporation, which runs the hospital, accepted responsibility for Greens’ death and said it is working to reduce overcrowding and increase staffing at the mental health hospital.

Green reportedly suffered from depression and had gone to the hospital seeking treatment for that disorder. She reportedly became depressed after losing her job working at a day care center and died when blood clots moved from her legs and reached her lungs, officials said.

Federal Investigation Finds Problems

In February, a U.S. Justice Department report following an investigation of the hospital found serious problems, including patients not being treated for suicidal behavior, improperly using drugs and physical restraints to control patients, and physical and sexual abuse by other patients.

The federal probe found conditions at the psychiatric unit were “highly dangerous and require immediate attention” and that in Green’s case and at least two other incidents, hospital employees had falsified records to cover up their neglect.

The attorney for the Green family, who sued the hospital for wrongful death, called the settlement amount “fair and reasonable” under the circumstances. The family, however, will continue advocating for changes at the hospital and greater accountability by workers.

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