Oregon Hospital Settles With Patients Abused By Doctor

A hospital in The Dalles, Ore. and two administrators have settled a lawsuit brought by four female patients molested by an anesthesiologist while they were under sedation.

The Dalles Chronicle reported that the amount of the settlements is confidential, but one woman said hers was in six figures, even after attorney’s fees.

The case was to be tried this week.

In 2012, Dr. Fredrick Field was sentenced to 23 years in prison on abuse and rape convictions.

A dozen women have sued Mid-Columbia Medical Center. All but two suits have now been settled or resolved at trial.

A year ago, a jury awarded three women $2.4 million in compensatory damages. It found the hospital liable but determined administrators did not act negligently.