When Institutions Fail to Protect Patients
The recent charges against nurse Wilfredo Figueroa-Berrios at Detroit's Sinai-Grace Hospital have stunned the healthcare community. For many survivors, however, these headlines serve as a personal reminder of their own painful experiences. Figueroa-Berrios, a licensed nurse since 2012, faces multiple charges of criminal sexual conduct involving vulnerable patients. Prosecutors have uncovered a troubling pattern, including at least four additional pending cases and investigations dating back to 2020. They describe a calculated "modus operandi" in which Figueroa-Berrios targeted patients in vulnerable states seeking care at the hospital. There are also allegations involving incidents at other facilities, including a 2020 case still under review in Livonia.
The Figueroa-Berrios case exposes the systemic nature of healthcare-related sexual abuse, where perpetrators intentionally target sedated, mentally impaired, or otherwise unable to resist or report effectively. This pattern becomes even more concerning when considering that prosecutors hint at additional cases as recent as August 2025, suggesting this alleged behavior persisted even while the individual was under investigation. The case also highlights how institutions often permit such patterns to persist across multiple facilities, as demonstrated by the multi-year timeline and the various locations involved in these allegations.
Institutions are often primarily concerned with self-protection rather than patient safety. Healthcare entities face significant financial, insurance, and reputation pressures that tend to take precedence over safeguarding patients. When sexual abuse allegations arise, these organizations commonly:
Conduct superficial internal investigations
Allow accused employees to resign quietly and secure jobs elsewhere
Reach settlements with nondisclosure agreements to avoid public scrutiny
Fail to report incidents to authorities or licensing agencies
Shift blame onto the victims or question their credibility
Furthermore, most law firms lack expertise in handling these sensitive cases, as they require attorneys familiar with medical settings and institutional concealment practices.
As someone who has represented thousands of sexual abuse survivors across the Midwest, I want every person reading about this case to understand three fundamental truths:
Your experience was real.
Your instincts were right.
And you have more power than you know.
Nevertheless, as a survivor, you have options.
Civil Lawsuits
You can file civil lawsuits against both the individual perpetrator and the healthcare institution. Institutional liability may apply when:
The facility failed to screen or supervise staff properly
Previous complaints were ignored or inadequately investigated
Policies and procedures were insufficient to protect patients
The institution created conditions that enabled abuse
Criminal Charges
While you cannot personally file criminal charges, you can report to law enforcement. Prosecutors handle criminal cases and focus on punishment, while civil cases provide compensation and accountability.
Licensing Board Complaints
Healthcare professionals can face discipline from state licensing boards, including license suspension or revocation.
Note: Many states have extended or eliminated statutes of limitations for sexual abuse cases, particularly those involving institutional settings. Even if you think "too much time has passed," you may still have legal options.
Resources for Healthcare Sexual Abuse Survivors:
Immediate Support:
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (RAINN) - Available 24/7 for crisis support
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support via text message
Specialized Organizations:
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) at nsvrc.org - Comprehensive resources and prevention information
National Center for Victims of Crime at victimsofcrime.org - Legal resources and victim rights information
Mental Health Support:
Psychology Today Therapist Finder at psychologytoday.com - Search for trauma-informed therapists specializing in sexual abuse recovery
National Child Traumatic Stress Network at nctsn.org - Trauma treatment and recovery resources
Legal Resources:
American Bar Association Lawyer Referral Directory at americanbar.org - Find attorneys specializing in sexual abuse cases
State legal aid organizations offering free or low-cost legal services to survivors
Red Flags in Healthcare Settings:
Be aware of these warning signs during medical care, and trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is:
Unnecessary touching or examinations
Procedures performed without proper explanation or consent
Staff who insist on privacy when it's not medically necessary
Healthcare providers who make inappropriate comments about your body
Being asked to undress beyond what the procedure requires
Feeling uncomfortable or violated during routine care
When Survivors Fight Back, Institutions Are Forced to Change
Healthcare institutions are aware of this abuse but often remain inactive until legal action prompts them to act. When survivors are aware of their rights and have access to appropriate legal assistance, meaningful change is possible. If you or someone you know has experienced this, it's important to consult legal experts who believe survivors should be heard. The journey may be challenging, but you are not alone. Every survivor who shares their story helps create a safer environment for others and encourages institutions to prioritize patient safety over their own interests. The Law Offices of Symone Shinton specializes in representing sexual abuse survivors against institutions. If you're ready to explore your legal options, we offer confidential consultations.
Speak to us today for honest answers about your situation.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. If you're in immediate danger, please contact 911 or your local emergency services.