AUGUSTA, Maine - A former patient at a Maine psychiatric hospital who was pepper-sprayed and restrained by a worker is suing the state over the incident.
A report issued after a state investigation says Arlene Edson had been at Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta since 2011. She is currently in prison serving time for an assault.
Documents say Edson was pepper-sprayed and restrained by a correctional officer Dec. 2, 2013 after having a verbal run-in with a nurse. Investigators said employees then covered up the incident by filing misleading reports about what happened.
The Portland Press Herald reports that the lawsuit was filed Monday. Edson's lawyer says he hopes a settlement can be reached in which the state will provide money for Edson's private treatment.
The Maine Attorney General's Office declined to comment.
