Attorneys Adam Horowitz and Jesse Seiden of Horowitz Law filed a lawsuit on October 14, 2026, in Broward County Circuit Court against HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital in Tamarac, Florida, on behalf of a former patient who alleges she was sexually assaulted by registered nurse John Vincent Pica while at the hospital for surgical care.
The Complaint alleges that Pica repeatedly subjected the female patient to unwanted sexual touching during pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery. The lawsuit further alleges that HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital negligently hired, retained, and supervised Pica and failed to implement adequate safeguards to protect patients despite warning signs concerning Pica's prior misconduct at other healthcare facilities.
Sexual Assault Allegations Against Nurse John Vincent Pica
According to the Complaint filed by Horowitz Law, the plaintiff was receiving outpatient surgical care at HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital in October 2024 when Pica was assigned to prepare her for surgery. The lawsuit alleges that Pica exploited his position as a registered nurse to engage in inappropriate sexual conduct while the patient was wearing a hospital gown and dependent on him for medical care.
The Complaint alleges that Pica made sexually suggestive comments and repeatedly touched the plaintiff in a sexual manner without her consent, both before and after her surgical procedure.
Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that:
- Pica made unwelcome personal and sexually suggestive comments during pre-operative preparation.
- Pica repeatedly lifted the plaintiff's hospital gown, exposing her breasts without her consent.
- Pica allegedly cupped, groped, and squeezed the plaintiff's breasts, including after an anesthesiologist administered a nerve block and left the room.
- During post-operative recovery, Pica allegedly caressed the plaintiff's legs in a sexual manner while removing compression devices.
- Pica allegedly groped the plaintiff's breasts again while assisting her with getting dressed following surgery.
The Complaint alleges that the touching occurred without the patient's consent and served no legitimate medical purpose.
According to the Complaint, the plaintiff felt frightened, humiliated, and unable to protect herself during the incidents. The following day, she contacted HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital and reported Pica's alleged misconduct to a nursing supervisor.
Allegations Against HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital
The lawsuit names University Hospital, Ltd., doing business as HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital, as the defendant.
According to the Complaint, HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital knew or should have known about Pica's history of inappropriate conduct, professional boundary violations, and alleged sexual misconduct before allowing him to provide unsupervised care to vulnerable female patients.
The lawsuit alleges that HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital:
- Failed to conduct an adequate investigation into Pica's employment history and professional background.
- Failed to recognize or address warning signs concerning his alleged inappropriate conduct.
- Negligently hired and retained Pica despite information that allegedly demonstrated his unfitness to provide patient care.
- Failed to adequately supervise Pica while he provided care to female patients.
- Failed to implement and enforce reasonable policies, procedures, and safeguards to protect patients from sexual misconduct.
- Failed to meaningfully investigate the plaintiff's complaint or take appropriate corrective action after she reported the alleged assault.
The Complaint asserts claims against HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital for negligent hiring, negligent retention, negligent supervision, negligence involving policies and procedures, vicarious liability, and neglect of a vulnerable adult under Florida law.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for the psychological and emotional injuries the plaintiff alleges she suffered as a result of Pica's conduct and the hospital's alleged negligence.
Attorney Adam Horowitz, managing partner of Horowitz Law, said, "We commend our client for the courage it has taken to come forward and seek accountability. Patients entering a hospital for surgery deserve to feel safe, especially when they are vulnerable and dependent on medical professionals. As alleged in our lawsuit, John Pica had a troubling history of misconduct that should have raised serious red flags and prevented him from caring for vulnerable patients. We intend to hold HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital accountable for failing to protect our client from preventable sexual abuse."
Prior Disciplinary Action Against John Vincent Pica
The lawsuit follows disciplinary proceedings involving Pica's Florida nursing license. According to an administrative complaint filed by the Florida Department of Health, Pica allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual touching of a female patient while providing nursing care at HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital. The allegations included repeatedly lifting the patient's hospital gown, exposing her breasts, and touching her without a legitimate medical purpose.
According to media reports, on December 8, 2025, Pica surrendered his Florida registered nurse license, and agreed not to reapply for nursing licensure in the state.
On April 20, 2026, the Florida Board of Nursing issued a final order accepting Pica's voluntary relinquishment as the resolution of the disciplinary proceedings. The relinquishment constitutes disciplinary action against his nursing license.
The Broward Sheriff's Office also investigated the allegations. According to a supplemental investigative report dated May 6, 2026, an investigator determined that probable cause existed to believe Pica had committed battery through unwanted physical contact that was not medically necessary. Pica was charged with the crime of battery.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
Horowitz Law represents survivors of sexual abuse by nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals. We have filed numerous sexual assault lawsuits on behalf of patients who were subjected to inappropriate sexual conduct by healthcare providers. Patients have the right to receive medical treatment in a safe, professional environment free from sexual misconduct.
If you experienced inappropriate sexual conduct involving John Vincent Pica or believe you were sexually assaulted by another healthcare professional, please contact Horowitz Law at 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.