Northwell Health Faces Lawsuit Over Patient's Death

Decedent's mother alleges negligence, lack of consent, and disability discrimination in 41-day hospital stay

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A 45-year-old woman has filed a lawsuit against Northwell Health and dozens of its medical staff, alleging negligence, lack of informed consent, and disability discrimination that led to the death of her 28-year-old daughter Danielle Cathleen Alvarez during a 41-day hospital stay at Northwell Health Glen Cove Hospital. The lawsuit claims the hospital and its staff failed to properly monitor Alvarez's condition, administered dangerous drug cocktails without consent, and denied her access to her mother and advocate.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns about patient safety and medical malpractice at major healthcare systems, as well as the challenges faced by families of patients with disabilities in obtaining proper care and accommodations. The lawsuit also raises questions about the use of experimental treatments and sedatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether hospitals properly followed protocols to protect vulnerable patients.

The details

The lawsuit alleges that Northwell Health staff incorrectly diagnosed Alvarez with sepsis and acute hypoxic respiratory failure upon admission, despite her stable vital signs and normal lab results. They then proceeded to administer a dangerous cocktail of narcotics, sedatives, and paralytic drugs without the consent of Alvarez's mother, who held her medical power of attorney. This included prolonged high-dose infusions of drugs like Fentanyl and Propofol, which the lawsuit claims led to iatrogenic heart failure, metabolic acidosis, and other organ damage. The hospital also allegedly failed to properly monitor for known drug toxicities and did not consult cardiology specialists as Alvarez's condition deteriorated. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges the hospital unlawfully restrained Alvarez and denied her mother access, violating her rights as a disabled patient.

  • On August 27, 2021, Alvarez was admitted to Northwell Health Glen Cove Hospital.
  • On September 2, 2021, Alvarez became severely agitated and experienced a dangerous drop in oxygen levels.
  • On September 4, 2021, Alvarez was intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation.
  • From September 4 to October 6, 2021, Alvarez remained intubated and on heavy sedation.
  • On October 6, 2021, Alvarez passed away at the age of 28.

The players

Rebecca Charles Jackson

Alvarez's mother and the plaintiff in the lawsuit, who held medical power of attorney for her daughter.

Northwell Health

A non-profit healthcare system that owns and operates Northwell Health Glen Cove Hospital, where Alvarez was treated.

Northwell Health Glen Cove Hospital

The hospital where Alvarez was treated and where the alleged incidents occurred.

Heather Meiselman, M.D. and Sheri Andrews, M.D.

Physicians who diagnosed Alvarez with sepsis and acute hypoxic respiratory failure upon admission, despite her stable condition.

Farzin Rahmanou, D.O.

A physician who administered experimental cardiac medications to Alvarez, which resulted in further harm.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.