Video Shows Jackson Memorial Nurse Yanira Equileor Brutally Attacked by Patient; $5 Million Lawsuit Filed

A South Florida emergency room nurse, Yanira Equileor, was brutally attacked by a patient at Jackson Memorial Hospital on May 30. Surveillance video of the incident, described as "graphic and horrific" by Equileor's attorney, Michael Pizzi, shows the patient, Rubin Wenyou, chasing another nurse, hitting a different worker, and then assaulting Equileor.

This incident raises serious questions about security protocols at one of Miami's major medical facilities. Residents rely on hospitals to provide a safe environment for both patients and the dedicated staff who care for them. The planned lawsuit against Jackson Memorial Hospital highlights concerns about whether current security measures adequately protect healthcare workers.

The surveillance footage captures the 44-year-old patient, Rubin Wenyou, in a violent outburst. After pursuing one nurse and striking another employee, Wenyou turned his aggression towards Equileor. Pizzi stated the video shows Equileor being "brutally, repeatedly beaten" and knocked "almost unconscious." Following the assault, other nurses assisted Equileor from the floor while hospital staff restrained Wenyou.

Equileor sustained significant injuries, including trauma to her head, neck, spine, and back, along with multiple body bruises. Pizzi emphasized the mental and physical toll the event has taken on his client, a career Jackson nurse.

Equileor plans to file a $5 million lawsuit against Jackson Memorial Hospital. The lawsuit alleges negligent supervision and security, claiming the hospital failed to provide adequate protection for its staff. This legal action seeks to hold the institution accountable for the safety of its employees.

Jackson Health responded to the incident by stating it maintains robust security measures. The hospital confirmed it has four dedicated public safety specialists assigned to the Jackson Memorial emergency room 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including on the date of the incident. Additionally, two off-duty Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies are on campus at all times. Jackson Health also noted that the first public safety officer arrived at the scene within seconds, with additional officers responding shortly thereafter, and offered support to the involved employees.

The planned lawsuit will proceed in the coming weeks, bringing further scrutiny to hospital security practices.