Honk News (Dakota County, MN) – A lawsuit alleges that a home health nurse in Minnesota pressured a paraplegic patient into a sexual relationship that lasted for several months.
A lawsuit has been initiated in Dakota County District Court, identifying 28-year-old Kelsey Christine Fulweiler and Allina Health Inc. as the parties being sued. A 44-year-old man, who has been paralyzed from the chest down due to “catastrophic injuries” sustained in a rollover crash at the age of 18, is currently bedridden and experiencing declining health.
Fulweiler stepped down, and in October of the previous year, the state’s Board of Nursing imposed a two-year suspension on her nursing license following the lawsuit that was initiated in June 2024.
Following distinct inquiries conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health and the state’s Board of Nursing, a suspension was ultimately imposed. The preliminary inquiry conducted by MDH revealed that Fulweiler received a warning, while a subsequent investigation concluded that she “coerced, compelled and manipulated the client into a sexual relationship,” as stated in the public report issued by MDH in October.
Fulweiler started offering care at the patient’s parents’ residence in 2022, and within a few months, she reportedly began sending text messages that conveyed her romantic feelings for him. According to the lawsuit, the day following her initial romantic message, Fulweiler reportedly kissed the patient.
The complaint alleges that the messages and affectionate gestures escalated into explicit physical interactions during her visits.
The lawsuit claims that Defendant Fulweiler engaged in shocking professional misconduct for a duration of six to eight months while working as the Plaintiff’s nurse.
Fulweiler concluded the relationship and departed from her role as the man’s nurse on July 31, 2023.
The lawsuit not only targets Fulweiler but also holds Allina accountable for negligence in safeguarding the patient, claiming that “its management and staff were aware or should have been aware” of the abuse. The statement indicates that the man has experienced emotional and mental turmoil due to Fulweiler’s actions.
The legal action demands a minimum of $300,000 in compensation. Fulweiler has categorically rejected all claims and assertions outlined in the complaint, as stated in the court documents.
In a recent filing, Fulweiler stated that the two had developed a friendship outside of work hours, noting that it was the patient who showed romantic interest in Fulweiler.
Allina Health has responded, stating that it denies any involvement in or knowledge of the allegations presented in the lawsuit.