Cincinnati Hospital Hit with $10 Million Verdict for Patient Death in Psych Unit

May 5, 2026

A jury has ordered TriHealth’s Good Samaritan Hospital (Cincinnati, Ohio) to pay $10 million in connection with the death of a 69-year-old patient, Terri Price, following her admission to a psychiatric unit. The ruling comes after a five-year malpractice case that argued she should have been treated on a medical floor due to serious underlying conditions, including infection and delirium.

According to court records, Price was transferred from another hospital due to bed shortages but was placed in psychiatric care despite policies restricting admission of medically ill patients. A physician reportedly approved the transfer without examining her or reviewing prior records. While in the unit, her condition worsened—including signs of sepsis—and she did not receive appropriate treatment such as IV antibiotics. She later died, with bowel impaction cited as the cause.

The hospital said it is disappointed with the verdict and is considering an appeal. The case highlights ongoing concerns about patient safety, clinical decision-making, and the risks of inappropriate placement within psychiatric units.

(Source: Becker’s Hospital Review, May 5, 2026)