Seven new civil lawsuits have been filed in the past week against Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford and former nurse Dani Marie Schofield over an alleged drug tampering scheme. They seek roughly $57 million in damages and claim Schofield swapped hospital patients’ fentanyl pain medication with tap water, causing severe infections.
Schofield was arrested in 2024 and indicted on 44 counts of second-degree assault. Dozens of intensive care patients were affected, and at least 16 died, according to investigators. She is free on bail and awaiting a criminal hearing later this month.
With these additions, a total of 11 civil suits related to the case have been filed, seeking over half a billion dollars in combined damages. Most of the lawsuits name both Schofield and the hospital as defendants. Asante has stated it is not at fault in the matter.
However, the civil cases might be delayed. Judges have paused earlier lawsuits until Schofield’s criminal trial concludes to protect her Fifth Amendment rights. Attorneys for the new plaintiffs plan to fight any stay and demand answers on how the hospital allowed the alleged tampering to continue.
Key Facts
- Former nurse Dani Marie Schofield is accused of swapping hospital patients’ fentanyl pain medication with tap water, causing severe infections.
- Seven new civil lawsuits filed this week name Schofield and Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center as defendants.
- The new lawsuits seek roughly $57 million in combined damages.
- In total, 11 civil cases related to the alleged drug diversion are now pending, with claims exceeding $500 million.
- Investigators say dozens of intensive care patients were affected in 2022–2023 and at least 16 of them died; Schofield faces 44 counts of second-degree assault.
- Some of the civil suits have been put on hold until Schofield’s criminal trial ends; plaintiffs’ attorneys plan to oppose further delays and demand answers from the hospital.