Travel Nurse Says Patient Sexually Assaulted and Defecated on Her, Sues Overlake
Disclaimer: This article discusses sexual assault and may be triggering to some readers. Viewer discretion is advised.
A travel nurse has filed a lawsuit against Overlake Medical Center and a patient, claiming that she was physically and sexually assaulted, including defecating on her, while on duty—and that the hospital failed to take appropriate action.
Attention RNs: Travel Nurses Needed for US Contracts!
Travel Nurses Needed for US Contracts!
Have You Tried Travel Nursing? Earn Up to $4,300/Week.
Travel nursing offers flexibility, adventure, and the opportunity to earn up to $4,300 per week. Explore new cities, gain valuable experience, and enjoy the benefits of a job that truly appreciates you. Connect with a recruiter today!
Samantha Bradley, a travel nurse with 13 years of experience, began working at Overlake Medical Center in December 2023. Just weeks later, on January 17, 2024, she says she was subjected to a violent attack while assisting a patient.
Lawsuit Claims
The lawsuit claims that:
- Bradley was assaulted while helping a patient who had just used the restroom.
- The patient forcibly pulled her down, placed her hand on his genitals, and defecated on her.
- Bradley reported the incident to a doctor, who allegedly dismissed her concerns.
- She was required to perform a procedure on the patient following the alleged assault.
- Overlake Medical Center violated its policies by not reporting the incident to the police.
Bradley’s attorney, Jason Skuda, stated that the lawsuit aims to make Overlake “respect and stand up for nurses because being assaulted by a patient is not part of a nurse’s job.”
About The Assault
Bradley recalls the incident vividly. She was helping a patient who had just used the restroom when he made an inappropriate demand.
“He wanted me to wipe his genital area. And I said, ‘No, sir, you can do that yourself,’” Bradley told KIRO 7. She reminded him that he was mobile and capable of self-care.
What happened next, she says, was both shocking and traumatizing.
“He grabbed my forearm, pulled me to the ground, forced my hand onto his genitals, and then defecated on me,” she recounted.
Despite immediately reporting the incident to a physician, Bradley was met with a dismissive response. According to the lawsuit, the doctor told her she “should be used to such attacks” because of her experience in the emergency department—implying that assaults like these were an expected part of the job.
Following The Assault
Following the alleged assault, Bradley says she was required to continue performing care on the same patient, an expectation that left her feeling further violated.
She later reported the attack to her manager, who initially promised to take action. But when Bradley followed up, she discovered that nothing had been done.
According to the lawsuit, Overlake Medical Center failed to follow its own policies by not reporting the incident to law enforcement, leaving Bradley to seek justice on her own.
Hospital Responds, but Questions Remain
Overlake Medical Center issued a statement regarding the lawsuit but refuted the allegations.
“Overlake Medical Center & Clinics does not typically comment on pending litigation; however, we treat allegations of physical and sexual assault with the highest degree of seriousness, and we stand behind the measures and protocols in place to protect our staff. We plan to dispute the claims against our organization in this case.”
Bradley’s attorney, Jason Skuda, argues that this is not just about one nurse—it’s about systemic issues in healthcare workplace safety.
“What we want is for Overlake to respect and stand up for nurses because being assaulted by a patient is not part of a nurse’s job,” Skuda stated.
The Lasting Impact of Nurse Abuse
More than a year after the attack, Bradley says the trauma still affects her both professionally and personally.
“I still question myself, my work, and even my home life. It’s affected me in ways I never expected,” she said.
Nurses across the country face high rates of workplace violence, yet many incidents go unreported or unaddressed. Bradley’s case raises concerns about how healthcare institutions handle staff safety—and whether enough is being done to protect frontline workers from abuse.
As this lawsuit unfolds, it serves as a sobering reminder: Caring for patients should never come at the cost of a nurse’s own safety and dignity.
Attention RNs: Travel Nurses Needed for US Contracts!
Travel Nurses Needed for US Contracts!
Have You Tried Travel Nursing? Earn Up to $4,300/Week.
Travel nursing offers flexibility, adventure, and the opportunity to earn up to $4,300 per week. Explore new cities, gain valuable experience, and enjoy the benefits of a job that truly appreciates you. Connect with a recruiter today!
🤔 Nurses, share your thoughts in the discussion forum below.
If you have a nursing news story that deserves to be heard, we want to amplify it to our massive community of millions of nurses! Get your story in front of Nurse.org Editors now – click here to fill out our quick submission form today!
