Jury Selected for Rhode Island Hospital Assault Trial
A civil trial has commenced regarding the 2023 beating of a nurse by a patient in a psychiatric unit.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
A jury of six men and three women was selected on October 5 to hear a civil case against Allied Universal Security Services. The lawsuit follows a violent September 2023 assault on a nurse at Rhode Island Hospital.
Why it matters
The trial addresses allegations of negligence and inadequate staff training at a Providence hospital. It underscores the ongoing safety risks faced by medical workers in inpatient psychiatric settings.
The nurse incurred approximately $1 million in medical expenses by April 2024 following the assault. The assailant, George Bower, received a 20-year prison sentence with 10 years to be served.
The players
Rhode Island Hospital
This facility is a major teaching hospital and trauma center located in Providence.
Allied Universal Security Services
This company is a global provider of security services and staffing solutions.
Scott Amaral
He is the nurse who sustained severe injuries while working in a psychiatric unit.
George Bower
He is the individual convicted of assaulting a healthcare worker in 2023.
The details
Scott Amaral suffered chest wall fractures, a traumatic brain injury, and cardiac arrest after being attacked in the Inpatient Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Unit. Attorneys argue the security firm failed to provide necessary protection after the patient became angry over limited access to a telephone.
Timeline
September 8, 2023: The assault occurred at Rhode Island Hospital.
April 2024: Medical expenses reached nearly $1 million.
June 10, 2026: The assailant was sentenced in criminal court.
October 5, 2026: The civil trial jury was selected.
October 7, 2026: Opening statements are expected to begin.
Market Landscape
This case follows the legal trajectory established by the 2023 Rhode Island Hospital nurse assault. It signals a shift in accountability as healthcare institutions and their security contractors face heightened scrutiny regarding staff protection protocols.
This trial could establish new precedents for how security firms are held liable for staff injuries in medical facilities. Residents may see changes in security protocols or staffing levels as institutions react to the potential legal outcomes.
The takeaway
Healthcare institutions face increasing pressure to balance patient access with the safety of their nursing staff. Security firm liability remains a critical focal point for facilities managing high-risk psychiatric environments.
What happens next
Opening statements in the civil trial are scheduled to begin on the morning of October 7, 2026, with the proceedings expected to last approximately three weeks.
Further reading
Learn more about workplace safety and standards within Nursing Jobs.
