Misdiagnosed Maryland Crash Victim Beaten by Prince George’s Hospital Guards, Sues

After he allegedly escaped unnecessary chest surgery, a Maryland man says he was detained, beaten, and repeatedly called a "bitch" by security at Prince George's Hospital in Cheverly, Md., as he attempted to seek medical care elsewhere.

Now the patient, Joseph Wheeler, 46, and his wife Felicia Ann, 44, of Inigoes, Md., are suing the hospital, for more than $12 million for, among other charges, false imprisonment.

Though assault and battery and infliction of emotional distress (the other charges filed by Wheeler) are not usually a concern during a hospital stay, Wheeler's allegations raises an important question for patients: when can a hospital detain a patient against his or her will?