Doctors Hospital reinforces 'proper procedures' after patient's leg found in trash

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Doctors Hospital "took immediate and appropriate measures" after learning a patient's amputated leg was found in the trash, a hospital spokeswoman said Monday.

John Timiriasieff is suing the hospital, claiming emotional distress.

In October, Timiriasieff's right leg was amputated below the knee during surgery at Doctors Hospital.

Timiriasieff alleges that his amputated limb was tossed into the garbage with his name tag still attached, which he claims violates federal health privacy laws. He only learned what happened after police detectives went to his home to see if he had been the victim of a crime.

The lawsuit claims the hospital's conduct was "outrageous and beyond all bounds of human decency as to be regarded as odious and utterly intolerable in a civilized society."

According to the lawsuit, Timiriasieff went to the hospital seeking answers but didn't get any.

Hospital spokeswoman Dori Robau Alvarez said she couldn't discuss the lawsuit because of patient privacy.

"Proper procedures have been reinforced at the hospital to prevent similar situations from happening in the future," she said.

The lawsuit seeks about $15,000 in damages.

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