Iowa Hospital Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Pattern of ER Negligence

Central Iowa Hospital Corp. accused of repeatedly failing to provide timely, adequate emergency care

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:11am

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image revealing the internal structure of a hospital gurney or medical equipment, conceptually representing the vulnerability of patients in the emergency room when negligence occurs.An X-ray view of the inner workings of a hospital's emergency care system exposes the fragility of patient safety when negligence takes hold.Des Moines Today

A recent lawsuit against a Des Moines hospital has brought to light a disturbing pattern of alleged negligence in emergency room care, including multiple violations of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) and the tragic deaths of two patients due to delayed treatment. The lawsuit claims the hospital has been aware of staffing and triage issues for years but has failed to address them, raising concerns about systemic problems within the hospital's management and culture.

Why it matters

Adequate and timely emergency care is a fundamental right, and any pattern of negligence in this critical area can have life-threatening consequences for patients. This case highlights the need for healthcare providers to prioritize patient safety and accountability, as well as the role of the legal system in holding institutions responsible for failures in emergency treatment.

The details

The lawsuit alleges that Central Iowa Hospital Corp. (CIHC) has demonstrated a persistent pattern of failing to provide timely and appropriate care in its emergency room, with instances dating back to 2017. This includes the tragic cases of Stephen Liker, who died after allegedly receiving delayed treatment, and Amanda Kuhlman, who allegedly died from a pulmonary embolism due to delayed care. The lawsuit claims CIHC has been aware of issues like understaffing and poor triage practices for years but has failed to take adequate measures to address them.

  • The lawsuit was filed in April 2026.
  • The alleged pattern of negligence dates back to 2017.

The players

Central Iowa Hospital Corp. (CIHC)

The hospital system being sued for alleged negligence in emergency room care.

Stephen Liker

A patient who died after allegedly receiving delayed treatment in the CIHC emergency room.

Amanda Kuhlman

A patient who allegedly died from a pulmonary embolism due to delayed care in the CIHC emergency room.

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What they’re saying

“The inclusion of details about other cases is a strategic move to attract media attention and cast them in a negative light.”

— CIHC

“The estate's lawyers argue that the hospital is attempting to shield itself from negative publicity and punitive damages.”

— Liker's estate lawyers

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on the hospital's motion to limit the scope of the lawsuit and exclude details about other alleged incidents of negligence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for hospitals to prioritize patient safety and accountability in emergency care, as any pattern of negligence can have devastating consequences. It also underscores the important role of the legal system in holding healthcare institutions responsible for failures in providing timely and adequate treatment.