Assault: Family Seeks Out-of-Court Settlement With LASUTH

The Aso family and other well-meaning Nigerians have appealed to the Board and Management of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos to settle out of court as a result of the assault that happened in the Surgical Emergency Unit of the hospital on 24 December 2021. 

According to a statement released from the office of the Chief Medical Director, Professor Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo states, “Mr. Reginald Uwandu and Aso Family on Friday, 24th of December, 2021 in the Punch Newspaper, accusing the hospital of negligence and a demand for a public apology” after physically assaulting medical personnel on duty that fateful day. This report was seen to intentionally project the hospital in a negative light upon the death of Mr. Aso.” 

After a thorough investigation, the Hospital concluded that the physical assault on its members of staff at the Surgical Emergency Unit of the hospital was unwarranted.

The Hospital Management deemed it fit to seek redress in the court.

Upon receipt of the court order, the Aso family sent a written appeal to the Management of LASUTH for out-of-court resolution. In addition, the Hospital also received several pleas from well-meaning individuals for leniency on behalf of the family. 

In order not to further compound the trauma of the family, having lost a loved one, the hospital Management agreed to consider the pleadings from the family and well-meaning individuals to withdraw the court case.

Consequently, at an out-of-court settlement meeting, the family agreed to the following terms with the Hospital: a letter of apology addressed to the Board and Management of LASUTH. Also, Individual apology letters addressed to the members of staff who were assaulted -letters should be signed by Mr. Reginald Uwandu, the Respondent.

The hospital equally demanded for an evidence of publication in the media, on the apology by the family to the hospital and assaulted members. 

In order to forestall such unfortunate occurrences, the Management of LASUTH has also put in place checks and balances to prevent an assault on the staff and vandalization of properties within the hospital. 

Professor Fabamwo reiterates that LASUTH is a government-owned hospital that attends to the medical needs of a vast array of people.

“The Hospital is committed to its mission of rendering high-quality healthcare services to Lagosians. However, we expect that any grievance(s) be channelled through appropriate quarters where they will be reviewed and addressed accordingly. LASUTH will not tolerate any kind of harassment of our staff who are diligently executing their duties to save lives,” LASUTH boss stated.