Nurses can have their professional licenses suspended even in cases where they are subsequently cleared of wrongdoing. As a nurse or other medical professional, protecting your professional license is the only way you can continue to practice. If you find yourself being investigated for any sort of wrongdoing, contact the Lento Law Firm as soon as possible. Our Professional License Defense Team can help you protect your livelihood. You can call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out this contact form.

Nurse Acquitted in San Diego Detention Centre Case

In February, a San Diego nurse who was accused of involuntary manslaughter in the case of the death of a pregnant inmate at the Las Colinas Detention Centre in Santee was acquitted of manslaughter by a jury. A second defendant, Dr. Friederike Von Lintig, was also incriminated in the same case. While the jury acquitted nurse Danalee Pascua, the case against Von Lintig resulted in a hung jury.

The death of inmate Elisa Serna occurred in November 2023 and was believed to be due to complications involving substance abuse and early pregnancy. On the day of her death, Serna suffered severe vomiting and seizures due to drug withdrawal. Allegedly, she was left on her cell room floor for over an hour before receiving any medical attention. Even when Pascua eventually summoned Dr. Von Lintig, he allegedly did not do much to treat Serna.

The doctor also allegedly ignored a call by the nurse when Serna suffered a further seizure hours later and supposedly left the premises at the end of his shift.

Both medical professionals involved have lost their licenses, despite Pascua's acquittal. Additionally, the victim's family is also suing the County over her death, and this case is still underway in federal court.

Why Nurses and Other Medical Professionals May Lose Their License

As a medical professional, retaining your license is crucial to your career and livelihood. However, medical professionals are rightly held to a higher standard of professionalism and ethics, and may lose their license over cases involving any form of misconduct or wrongdoing. For instance, in this particular case, the nurse was held responsible even though she did summon the doctor, who did not respond.

Typically, in cases involving allegations of wrongdoing, the medical professional responsible is suspended right away, and any investigation or trials take place afterward. Even if the nurse or doctor is subsequently acquitted, they still stand to lose their professional license temporarily or permanently. This is obviously devastating and can hurt your career prospects in the long run. It is important to act fast. If you are facing an accusation, get in touch with the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team immediately. Our team of attorneys can answer all your questions, help you make sense of the accusations against you, help you build a strong defense, and negotiate with the board on your behalf.

Why Retain the Lento Law Firm

Any accusations of wrongdoing can seriously harm your livelihood and reputation, and even result in the loss of your license. Even if a nurse is subsequently cleared of wrongdoing or acquitted, as in this case, they may temporarily lose their license, which can be disastrous and upsetting.

If you fear you may be involved in a case that poses a threat to your professional license, or have an investigation being initiated against you, it is in your best interests to act fast and retain legal representation. The Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm has extensive experience defending nurses nationwide, and can help you retain your license and avoid derailing your career. Call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.