Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Attorneys Adam Horowitz and Jesse Seiden of Horowitz Law filed a lawsuit on Oct. 14, 2026, in Broward County Circuit Court against University Hospital, Ltd., which does business as HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital in Tamarac.
The suit was filed for a former outpatient who alleges that registered nurse John Vincent Pica sexually assaulted her while she was at the hospital for surgery in October 2024.
According to the complaint, Pica made sexually suggestive comments to the patient and touched her in a sexual manner without her consent, both before and after her procedure. The lawsuit alleges the conduct continued after an anesthesiologist gave her a nerve block and left the room. The patient reported what happened to a nursing supervisor the next day.
The complaint alleges the hospital was negligent in hiring, keeping and supervising Pica, did not look into his background, and did not enforce adequate patient safety policies. It also alleges the hospital took no meaningful action after the patient made her report.
The claims include negligent hiring, retention and supervision, negligence in policies and procedures, vicarious liability, and neglect of a vulnerable adult under Florida law. The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages for psychological and emotional injuries.
Pica has also faced action from state regulators and law enforcement. The Florida Department of Health filed an administrative complaint against him alleging similar inappropriate touching at the same hospital. On Dec. 8, 2025, Pica reportedly surrendered his Florida nursing license and agreed not to reapply. The Florida Board of Nursing accepted the voluntary relinquishment on April 20, 2026, to resolve the disciplinary case. A Broward Sheriff’s Office report dated May 6, 2026, found probable cause for battery, and Pica was charged.
“We commend our client for the courage it has taken to come forward and seek accountability,” said Adam Horowitz, founder of Horowitz Law. “Patients entering a hospital for surgery deserve to feel safe, especially when they are vulnerable. As alleged in our lawsuit, John Pica had a troubling history of misconduct that should have raised serious red flags. We intend to hold HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital accountable for failing to protect our client.”
The allegations in the complaint have not been proven in court. People who were sexually abused or assaulted in a hospital or other medical setting may have legal options under Florida law, and filing deadlines can apply.
More information about the lawsuit is available on the Horowitz Law website: https://www.adamhorowitzlaw.com/blog/hca-woodmont-hospital/
CASE INFORMATION
Circuit Court of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit in and for Broward County, Florida
C.W. v. University Hospital, Ltd. d/b/a HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital
Case No. 2026-CA-016818
Horowitz Law is a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, law firm that represents survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault in civil claims across the country. The firm brings cases against institutions that enabled abuse, including healthcare providers, churches and dioceses, schools and universities, youth sports programs and camps, daycares, and cruise lines. Founded by attorney Adam Horowitz, the firm focuses its work on accountability, dignity and holding institutions responsible. Consultations are free and confidential. To learn more, visit www.adamhorowitzlaw.com or call 888-283-9922.
Horowitz Law
110 E. Broward Blvd., Suite 1530 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
888-283-9922
https://www.adamhorowitzlaw.com/
Press Contact : Adam Horowitz
Distributed by Law Firm Newswire
