Hospital Sexual Abuse Arrest at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Raises Serious Legal Questions
On May 21, 2025, law enforcement arrested Anthony Coleman, a 30-year-old hospital worker at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital in Pasco County, Florida, for allegedly sexually assaulting a patient while on duty. Coleman faces serious felony charges, including sexual battery, battery, and indecent exposure. According to a statement by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Coleman “entered the victim’s room and forced himself onto the victim” while acting in his official capacity as a hospital employee.
The hospital, located just 40 miles northwest of downtown Tampa, is part of HCA Healthcare—one of the largest for-profit healthcare providers in the nation. In the wake of the allegations, public concern is rising over the safety of vulnerable patients in hospital care and whether the hospital could bear legal responsibility for the alleged abuse.
Legal Ramifications: Can the Hospital Be Held Liable?
Sexual misconduct by a hospital employee is a horrific breach of trust and ethics. Legally, however, establishing liability for the hospital itself can be complex. Under Florida law, hospitals are not automatically held responsible for sexual abuse committed by an employee unless the plaintiff can prove negligent hiring, supervision, or retention. According to a detailed analysis by South Florida Hospital News, “sexual misconduct or battery by a hospital employee on a patient would not ordinarily fall within the course and scope of employment,” meaning the hospital is not typically vicariously liable.
However, hospitals may be held directly liable if:
- They failed to properly vet an employee’s background during the hiring process;
- They ignored red flags or prior complaints about the employee’s conduct;
- They lacked adequate supervision protocols that might have prevented the abuse.
If evidence arises that HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital failed to perform due diligence in Coleman’s hiring or overlooked behavioral warnings, the hospital could face a civil lawsuit alleging negligent hiring or negligent supervision.
The Rights of Hospital Abuse Victims
Patients receiving care in a medical facility have an unequivocal right to be treated with dignity, respect, and safety. When a healthcare provider or facility fails to uphold that duty, victims may be entitled to seek financial compensation for:
- Emotional trauma and psychological distress;
- Pain and suffering;
- Medical expenses related to the abuse;
- Future counseling or therapy;
- Punitive damages in egregious cases.
No patient should suffer the indignity and trauma of abuse while under medical care. If you or a loved one has experienced abuse in a hospital, it is critical to speak with an experienced attorney who can explain your rights and investigate all liable parties.
Our Commitment to Victims of Institutional Abuse
At Dannheisser Injury Law, we stand up for victims of sexual abuse and institutional negligence. We understand the emotional and legal complexities of these cases and are committed to pursuing full accountability—whether that means holding individual perpetrators responsible or exposing systemic failures within a hospital or healthcare system.
We urge any victims or families affected by misconduct at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital—or any other Florida healthcare facility—to reach out. Your voice matters, and you do not have to face this alone.
Speak With a Florida Hospital Abuse Lawyer Today
If you believe a hospital or healthcare facility may have failed to protect you or a loved one from abuse, we are here to help. Contact Dannheisser Injury Law for a free, confidential consultation. Call us at 941-365-7600, complete the form on our website, or live chat with us directly. We are ready to listen—and to fight for justice on your behalf.
