Trial Magazine

Doe, a transgender woman, developed severe abdominal pain and was taken by ambulance to the Peacehealth St. John Medical Center ER. She was admitted and scheduled for gallbladder surgery the next day. While Doe was still in the ER, she advised technician Franklin Bobadilla that she needed to use the restroom.

When Doe started to use the portable toilet Bobadilla brought her, she allegedly felt him tracing the skin on her back and shoulder where her hospital gown was open. He later questioned Doe about her gender identity and asked to see her genitalia and breasts. He then began to fondle her. Doe suffered trauma that necessitated treatment.

She filed suit against Peacehealth St. John Medical Center, alleging negligence, gross negligence, sexual discrimination, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and outrage. The plaintiff claimed that Bobadilla, the defendant’s employee, had targeted her for sexual contact and harassment because of her gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

The parties settled for $1.1 million.

Citation: Doe v. Peacehealth St. John Med. Ctr., No. 22 2 00559 06 (Wash. Super. Ct. Clark Cnty. Jan. 12, 2024).

Plaintiff Counsel: AAJ members Darrell L. Cochran, Christopher E. Love, and Bridget T. Grotz, all of Seattle.