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Texas Nurses Back in the News

By Beth Janicek

The two former Winkler County nurses are back in the news after filing a federal lawsuit on the county officials who prosecuted them and the hospital administrator who fired them. Last month Anne Mitchell was prosecuted for filing an anonymous complaint against Dr. Rolando G. Arafiles Jr. Although the jury ultimately found her justified in reporting Dr. Arafiles and acquitted her of felony charges, many fear that this lawsuit would cause a disastrous chilling effect among whistleblowers in the nursing community.

The two nurses are seeking compensation for their termination from Winkler County Memorial Hospital and damages for 'emotional pain and suffering.' They claim that a vindictive prosecution deprived them of their civil rights. Lead defense attorney for the lawsuit against the nurses, John H. Cook IV of Midland said,

'I expect for these ladies to be made whole. That's all we seek.'

The defendants in this suit are Dr. Arafiles, the county, Winkler County Memorial Hospital, hospital administrator Stan Wiley, Sheriff Robert Roberts, County Attorney Scott Tidwell and District Attorney Mike Fostel.

You can follow this ongoing story in my previous blogs:

Texas nurses facing third-degree felony charges after filing complaint

Charging Texas Nurses Sends a Bad Signal to All Whistleblowers

Texas Whistleblower Nurse Stands Trial

Texas Nurses NOT GUILTY!!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Beth Janicek

Full post as published by San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer on March 10, 2010 (boomark / email).