A shocking breach of trust has put thousands of Florida patients at risk. An unlicensed individual posed as a registered nurse at AdventHealth Palm Coast from July 2023 to January 2025, treating over 4,400 unsuspecting people. If you were a patient during this time, your health was gambled on, and you have the right to hold the hospital accountable. Needle & Ellenberg PA’s skilled Miami, FL medical malpractice lawyer is here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

The AdventHealth “Fake Nurse” Scandal

This case reveals a critical failure in hospital safety protocols that directly endangered patients. Here are the key facts:

Who: An individual allegedly used a stolen nursing license to gain employment.

Where: AdventHealth facilities in Palm Coast, Florida.

When: The fraudulent activity occurred between July 2023 and January 2025.

How Many: An estimated 4,486 patients were treated by the unlicensed individual.

The Discovery: The fraud was only uncovered when the individual was being considered for a promotion, triggering a background check that should have been done at hiring.

Risks Of Treatment From An Unqualified Nurse

Treatment from an untrained individual is not just a technicality; it’s a direct threat to your health. Potential harm includes:

Medical & Medication Errors: Incorrect dosages or improper administration.
Failed or Delayed Diagnosis: A lack of training to recognize critical symptoms.
Infection & Complications: Breaches in hygiene and improper execution of procedures.

Hospital Liability

While the individual who committed the fraud faces criminal charges, Florida law allows patients to hold the hospital financially responsible for its failures. The primary legal grounds are:

Negligent Hiring And Supervision

Hospitals have a fundamental duty to ensure their employees are qualified. This includes conducting thorough background checks and verifying all licenses. By failing to properly vet this individual for 18 months, the hospital breached this duty and put you at risk.

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior)

This legal doctrine holds an employer responsible for the wrongful acts of an employee committed within the scope of their job. The hospital can be held accountable for any harm caused by its employee, even a fraudulent one.

Compensation For Victims

If you were treated by this individual, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for the harm and risk you endured. This can cover:

Medical Bills: Costs for corrective treatment and future medical monitoring.

Lost Wages: Income lost due to time off work for medical appointments or recovery.

Pain And Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress, anxiety, and betrayal of trust you experienced.

Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, courts may award punitive damages to punish the hospital and deter this from happening again.

Immediate Action Required

WARNING: Florida’s statute of limitations for medical negligence is only two years from the date the harm was or should have been discovered. You must act quickly to protect your right to compensation.

Your Next Steps

Confirm Your Treatment Dates: Verify you were a patient at AdventHealth Palm Coast between July 2023 and January 2025.
Request Your Medical Records: Obtain a complete copy of your file.
Get A Medical Review: Consider getting an independent medical evaluation to check for any harm or substandard care.
Contact An Experienced Lawyer: Do not speak to hospital representatives before consulting an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you.

Why Choose Needle & Ellenberg, PA?

Fighting a large hospital system requires experience, resources, and aggressive representation. Our firm is built for this fight.

Focused On Medical Malpractice: This is what we do. We have decades of experience holding Florida hospitals accountable.

Proven Results: We have a track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.

No Fee Unless We Win: You pay absolutely nothing to us unless we recover compensation for you. This is our No-Fee Guarantee.

Resources: We work with a network of medical experts to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Do I Know If I Was Treated By The Fake Nurse At AdventHealth?

The hospital should be notifying affected patients. However, you should proactively request your medical records for the period of July 2023 to January 2025 and have them reviewed by our legal team.

Can I File A Lawsuit Even If I Don’t Feel Physically Harmed?

Yes. You may have a claim based on the hospital’s negligence, the risk you were exposed to, and the emotional distress caused by the betrayal of trust, even without a detectable physical injury. We can evaluate the specifics of your case for free.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Needle & Ellenberg?

There are no upfront costs. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Your initial consultation and case review are 100% free.

What Is The Deadline To File A Claim Against AdventHealth?

The statute of limitations is extremely strict. In most cases, you have only two years from the time you discovered or should have discovered the injury. It is critical to contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

Get Your Free, Confidential Case Review Today

You trusted AdventHealth with your well-being. They failed you. Don’t let them minimize the risk they exposed you to. Let us fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve. Contact Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. today for a free consultation and case review.