A Florida hospital nurse was repeatedly punched by a patient during a violent attack inside Jackson Memorial Hospital, leaving her with injuries to her head, neck, spine, and back.

Surveillance footage captured the May 30 incident, which occurred in the hospital’s new $300 million trauma room. The attack has since prompted a negligence lawsuit against the hospital and a complaint alleging retaliation against the nurse.

Patient Attacks Nurse After Striking Another Hospital Worker
The patient, identified as 44-year-old Wenyou Rubin, was captured on video striking patient finance staffer Tisa Wolf before turning his attention to emergency room nurse Yanira Eguileor.

Eguileor intervened after hearing a staff member scream and seeing Rubin moving toward the nurse’s station. She attempted to prevent him from striking her colleague, but Rubin allegedly turned toward her and began punching her.

The nurse told WSVN that Rubin punched her three times with a closed fist.

Video footage showed Eguileor falling to the floor as the attack continued. Other nurses eventually rushed to help, and Rubin was later restrained and wrestled to the ground.

Nurse Suffers Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries
Eguileor’s attorney, Michael Pizzi, criticized the hospital’s response to the incident.

Speaking to CBS, Pizzi said his client was a trauma nurse who had been knocked semi-conscious and could have been killed during the attack.

He questioned why she was left on the floor without immediate protection while the patient continued moving through the trauma ward.

Eguileor’s injuries reportedly included damage to her head, neck, spine, and back. Her account of the incident highlighted the risks faced by medical workers responding to violence in emergency departments.

$5 Million Negligence Lawsuit Filed Against Hospital
Following the attack, Pizzi filed a $5 million negligence lawsuit against Jackson Memorial Hospital.

The lawsuit alleges that the hospital failed to adequately protect Eguileor during the violent incident. Pizzi has also submitted a whistleblower complaint claiming that the hospital retaliated against the nurse.

The allegations are disputed, and the legal proceedings remain ongoing.

Jackson Memorial Hospital has defended its safety measures, stating that the facility maintains a significant security presence across its campus, including the emergency room.

A hospital spokesperson said two public safety officers responded to the attack and that Eguileor was offered immediate care.

Hospital Says Staff Receive Violence Prevention Training
In a statement, Jackson Memorial Hospital emphasized its commitment to the safety of employees, patients, and visitors.

The hospital said emergency room staff are required to complete workplace violence prevention and personal safety training.

According to the hospital, the training includes recognizing threatening behavior, using de-escalation techniques, and learning strategies to avoid, escape, or protect themselves when necessary.

The statement came as the nurse’s attorney continued to question whether the hospital’s response was sufficient to protect staff during the assault.

Wenyou Rubin Faces Battery Charge
Rubin faces a charge of battery on an emergency medical care provider, according to Miami-Dade County inmate records.

He remains in custody pending transfer to a psychiatric facility. Records also show that a separate 2024 case involving an alleged battery against a law enforcement officer remains unresolved.

The criminal allegations have not been adjudicated, and Rubin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Meanwhile, Eguileor’s lawsuit and whistleblower complaint have added a legal dimension to the incident, raising questions about hospital safety, workplace violence, and the protection of medical professionals.

Course: NY Post