Latest news with #Husel
San Francisco Chronicle
16-06-2025
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
Judge tosses defamation case brought by Ohio doctor who was acquitted of killing patients
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A former Ohio doctor who was fired before being found not guilty on murder charges in the deaths of 14 patients lost a defamation lawsuit against his former employers on Monday, after a judge stepped in for a jury on grounds the evidence presented by the defendants was incontrovertible. Franklin County Judge Stephen McIntosh issued his directed verdict against former doctor William Husel, whose attorneys accused Michigan-based Trinity Health and Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus of orchestrating a campaign to destroy his reputation. Husel was seeking more than $18 million from the health care companies. His attorney, David Vermillion, said in a statement that Husel's legal team was disappointed that McIntosh would prevent the jury from making a decision in the case after weeks of evidence and testimony had been presented. He said issuing the directed verdict, a procedural move requested by the hospital, 'effectively silences the voices of those who came seeking justice.' 'This is not the outcome that any reasonable person expected, nor is it one that reflects the strength of the evidence presented," he said. 'We are evaluating all legal options, including appeal. This case has always been about more than one courtroom or one ruling. It is about truth, accountability, and the right of every individual to defend their name against false and damaging accusations.' Mount Carmel issued a statement that said simply, 'We are pleased with the judge's decision.' Mount Carmel Health System fired the doctor in 2018 after it concluded he had ordered excessive painkillers for about three dozen patients who died over several years. He initially was charged with murder in 25 deaths in one of the biggest cases of its kind ever brought against a U.S. health care professional. Eleven counts were dismissed before trial. Husel, now 49, maintained he was trying to help patients deal with their pain, sometimes in the last moments of their life, not speed up their deaths. Despite being found not guilty by a jury on murder charges in 2022, he permanently surrendered his medical license. He filed multiple lawsuits against his former employer, accusing Trinity Health and Mount Carmel of defamation and malicious prosecution. As part of the defamation lawsuit filed in 2019, Husel's attorneys said Trinity Health repeatedly spread lies and false information to convince the public and law enforcement that Husel was a killer, even though health system officials knew that was not true. 'Obviously, these false allegations destroyed Dr. Husel's life,' the lawsuit said. Husel gave up his medical license because his lawyers said that he knew the damage to his reputation would prevent him from working as a doctor. In court documents filed two years ago, Husel said he had been unable to find work and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Trinity Health had asked a judge to toss the lawsuit, but a Franklin County judge ruled there was enough reason to move forward. Husel, who worked in the intensive care unit, was charged in cases that involved the use of at least 500 micrograms of the powerful painkiller fentanyl. Prosecutors said ordering such dosages for nonsurgical situations indicated an intent to end lives. His colleagues who administered the medications at Mount Carmel West Hospital in Columbus weren't criminally charged, but the hospital said it fired 23 nurses, pharmacists and managers after its internal investigation and referred various employees to their respective state boards for disciplinary action. ___ Seewer reported from Toledo.
16-06-2025
- Health
Judge tosses defamation case brought by doctor who was acquitted of killing patients
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A former Ohio doctor who was fired before being found not guilty on murder charges in the deaths of 14 patients lost a defamation lawsuit against his former employers on Monday, after a judge stepped in for a jury on grounds the evidence presented by the defendants was incontrovertible. Franklin County Judge Stephen McIntosh issued his directed verdict against former doctor William Husel, whose attorneys accused Michigan-based Trinity Health and Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus of orchestrating a campaign to destroy his reputation. Husel was seeking more than $18 million from the health care companies. His attorney, David Vermillion, said in a statement that Husel's legal team was disappointed that McIntosh would prevent the jury from making a decision in the case after weeks of evidence and testimony had been presented. He said issuing the directed verdict, a procedural move requested by the hospital, 'effectively silences the voices of those who came seeking justice.' 'This is not the outcome that any reasonable person expected, nor is it one that reflects the strength of the evidence presented," he said. 'We are evaluating all legal options, including appeal. This case has always been about more than one courtroom or one ruling. It is about truth, accountability, and the right of every individual to defend their name against false and damaging accusations.' Mount Carmel issued a statement that said simply, 'We are pleased with the judge's decision.' Mount Carmel Health System fired the doctor in 2018 after it concluded he had ordered excessive painkillers for about three dozen patients who died over several years. He initially was charged with murder in 25 deaths in one of the biggest cases of its kind ever brought against a U.S. health care professional. Eleven counts were dismissed before trial. Husel, now 49, maintained he was trying to help patients deal with their pain, sometimes in the last moments of their life, not speed up their deaths. Despite being found not guilty by a jury on murder charges in 2022, he permanently surrendered his medical license. He filed multiple lawsuits against his former employer, accusing Trinity Health and Mount Carmel of defamation and malicious prosecution. As part of the defamation lawsuit filed in 2019, Husel's attorneys said Trinity Health repeatedly spread lies and false information to convince the public and law enforcement that Husel was a killer, even though health system officials knew that was not true. 'Obviously, these false allegations destroyed Dr. Husel's life,' the lawsuit said. Husel gave up his medical license because his lawyers said that he knew the damage to his reputation would prevent him from working as a doctor. In court documents filed two years ago, Husel said he had been unable to find work and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Trinity Health had asked a judge to toss the lawsuit, but a Franklin County judge ruled there was enough reason to move forward. Husel, who worked in the intensive care unit, was charged in cases that involved the use of at least 500 micrograms of the powerful painkiller fentanyl. Prosecutors said ordering such dosages for nonsurgical situations indicated an intent to end lives. His colleagues who administered the medications at Mount Carmel West Hospital in Columbus weren't criminally charged, but the hospital said it fired 23 nurses, pharmacists and managers after its internal investigation and referred various employees to their respective state boards for disciplinary action. The hospital reached settlements in multiple cases involving relatives of the patients who died.
Winnipeg Free Press
16-06-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Judge tosses defamation case brought by Ohio doctor who was acquitted of killing patients
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A former Ohio doctor who was fired before being found not guilty on murder charges in the deaths of 14 patients lost a defamation lawsuit against his former employers on Monday, after a judge stepped in for a jury on grounds the evidence presented by the defendants was incontrovertible. Franklin County Judge Stephen McIntosh issued his directed verdict against former doctor William Husel, whose attorneys accused Michigan-based Trinity Health and Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus of orchestrating a campaign to destroy his reputation. Husel was seeking more than $18 million from the health care companies. His attorney, David Vermillion, said in a statement that Husel's legal team was disappointed that McIntosh would prevent the jury from making a decision in the case after weeks of evidence and testimony had been presented. He said issuing the directed verdict, a procedural move requested by the hospital, 'effectively silences the voices of those who came seeking justice.' 'This is not the outcome that any reasonable person expected, nor is it one that reflects the strength of the evidence presented,' he said. 'We are evaluating all legal options, including appeal. This case has always been about more than one courtroom or one ruling. It is about truth, accountability, and the right of every individual to defend their name against false and damaging accusations.' Mount Carmel issued a statement that said simply, 'We are pleased with the judge's decision.' Mount Carmel Health System fired the doctor in 2018 after it concluded he had ordered excessive painkillers for about three dozen patients who died over several years. He initially was charged with murder in 25 deaths in one of the biggest cases of its kind ever brought against a U.S. health care professional. Eleven counts were dismissed before trial. Husel, now 49, maintained he was trying to help patients deal with their pain, sometimes in the last moments of their life, not speed up their deaths. Despite being found not guilty by a jury on murder charges in 2022, he permanently surrendered his medical license. He filed multiple lawsuits against his former employer, accusing Trinity Health and Mount Carmel of defamation and malicious prosecution. As part of the defamation lawsuit filed in 2019, Husel's attorneys said Trinity Health repeatedly spread lies and false information to convince the public and law enforcement that Husel was a killer, even though health system officials knew that was not true. 'Obviously, these false allegations destroyed Dr. Husel's life,' the lawsuit said. Husel gave up his medical license because his lawyers said that he knew the damage to his reputation would prevent him from working as a doctor. In court documents filed two years ago, Husel said he had been unable to find work and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Trinity Health had asked a judge to toss the lawsuit, but a Franklin County judge ruled there was enough reason to move forward. Husel, who worked in the intensive care unit, was charged in cases that involved the use of at least 500 micrograms of the powerful painkiller fentanyl. Prosecutors said ordering such dosages for nonsurgical situations indicated an intent to end lives. His colleagues who administered the medications at Mount Carmel West Hospital in Columbus weren't criminally charged, but the hospital said it fired 23 nurses, pharmacists and managers after its internal investigation and referred various employees to their respective state boards for disciplinary action. The hospital reached settlements in multiple cases involving relatives of the patients who died. ___ Seewer reported from Toledo.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Judge tosses defamation case brought by Ohio doctor who was acquitted of killing patients
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A former Ohio doctor who was fired before being found not guilty on murder charges in the deaths of 14 patients lost a defamation lawsuit against his former employers on Monday, after a judge stepped in for a jury on grounds the evidence presented by the defendants was incontrovertible. Franklin County Judge Stephen McIntosh issued his directed verdict against former doctor William Husel, whose attorneys accused Michigan-based Trinity Health and Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus of orchestrating a campaign to destroy his reputation. Husel was seeking more than $18 million from the health care companies. His attorney, David Vermillion, said in a statement that Husel's legal team was disappointed that McIntosh would prevent the jury from making a decision in the case after weeks of evidence and testimony had been presented. He said issuing the directed verdict, a procedural move requested by the hospital, 'effectively silences the voices of those who came seeking justice.' 'This is not the outcome that any reasonable person expected, nor is it one that reflects the strength of the evidence presented," he said. 'We are evaluating all legal options, including appeal. This case has always been about more than one courtroom or one ruling. It is about truth, accountability, and the right of every individual to defend their name against false and damaging accusations.' Mount Carmel issued a statement that said simply, 'We are pleased with the judge's decision.' Mount Carmel Health System fired the doctor in 2018 after it concluded he had ordered excessive painkillers for about three dozen patients who died over several years. He initially was charged with murder in 25 deaths in one of the biggest cases of its kind ever brought against a U.S. health care professional. Eleven counts were dismissed before trial. Husel, now 49, maintained he was trying to help patients deal with their pain, sometimes in the last moments of their life, not speed up their deaths. Despite being found not guilty by a jury on murder charges in 2022, he permanently surrendered his medical license. He filed multiple lawsuits against his former employer, accusing Trinity Health and Mount Carmel of defamation and malicious prosecution. As part of the defamation lawsuit filed in 2019, Husel's attorneys said Trinity Health repeatedly spread lies and false information to convince the public and law enforcement that Husel was a killer, even though health system officials knew that was not true. 'Obviously, these false allegations destroyed Dr. Husel's life,' the lawsuit said. Husel gave up his medical license because his lawyers said that he knew the damage to his reputation would prevent him from working as a doctor. In court documents filed two years ago, Husel said he had been unable to find work and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Trinity Health had asked a judge to toss the lawsuit, but a Franklin County judge ruled there was enough reason to move forward. Husel, who worked in the intensive care unit, was charged in cases that involved the use of at least 500 micrograms of the powerful painkiller fentanyl. Prosecutors said ordering such dosages for nonsurgical situations indicated an intent to end lives. His colleagues who administered the medications at Mount Carmel West Hospital in Columbus weren't criminally charged, but the hospital said it fired 23 nurses, pharmacists and managers after its internal investigation and referred various employees to their respective state boards for disciplinary action. The hospital reached settlements in multiple cases involving relatives of the patients who died. ___ Seewer reported from Toledo.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Opening statements made in Ohio doctor's defamation trial against Mount Carmel
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — After two days of jury selection, opening statements were made in the trial between William Husel, a former physician acquitted of 14 murder charges in 2022, and the Mount Carmel Health System. Wednesday morning started with alternate jurors being selected before Husel's attorney, Jose Baez, began opening statements just before 1:30 p.m. Baez is a Florida-based attorney who also represented Husel during his 2022 murder trial. 'This man has had to endure the unbearable,' Baez said. More than three years after being found not guilty of murder, Husel sued the Mount Carmel Health System, former Mount Carmel CEO and president Edward Lamb, and Mount Carmel's parent company Trinity Health Corporation for defamation. Baez championed Husel's background as an award-winning doctor before diving into his claim of how Trinity Health used public relations tactics to sway a media campaign against him. Among a large amount of examples shown to the jury, Baez showed an email that gave employees 'kudos' for influencing local newspaper coverage against Husel. From 2015 to 2018, critically ill patients under Husel's care died from a potentially excessive amount of painkillers. In 2019, Husel faced 14 murder charges in relation to his patients' deaths. A jury ultimately found him not guilty in 2022 after a months-long trial. Husel surrendered his medical license in the aftermath of his trial. Funeral services held for Morrow County deputy fatally shot on Memorial Day Husel filed multiple new civil lawsuits which included a 2023 suit for $20 million against Mount Carmel in which Husel's attorneys claim 'malicious prosecution' against him. This lawsuit was dismissed in March of 2024 before he filed a new suit a month later, which cited public statements from the defendants calling him responsible for patient deaths and attempts to influence local media. Defense attorney Powell Miller from Michigan firm Miller Law claimed Mount Carmel did not want to go public with the allegations against Husel and said that Husel needs to prove more than just negative statements against him in order to rule it defamation. He also pointed to Lamb's video responses that did not directly name Husel. He said any statements made did not accuse Husel of any intent to harm patients. 'Dr. Husel cannot hold us responsible for any of his potential damages,' Miller said. 'We never called him a criminal or a killer.' Witness testimony is expected to begin Thursday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
