Good Lord! I'm disgusted that the prosecuting attorney wouldn't pursue charges against the doctor in a case like that (but we all know how that goes.... money & position = power)..
I'm glad to hear the nurse has hired a lawyer & is pursuing a civil case. I assume the nurse's attorney will go after both the doctor AND the hospital?? I sure would.
Might also try to "nudge things" a wee tad by 'needing some paid comp time off for the emotional distress and stress" the incident caused, and I might even consider he write a formal letter to the DON and hospital administrator requesting a formal apology from the doctor as well as demanding to know what measures are being taken to provide for his on the job safety as long as that doctor is going to be allowed to continue to see patients in his work area?
If he has a good attorney I'm sure the possible ideas are almost endless in a situation like this and I hope they clean the doc and the hospital's clock for this one!
To answer your first question though....
Yes, I once knew a pulmonologist (in a large hospital in Arkansas) who punched a respiratory therapist out in the hospital hallway. I believe they came to a civil settlement in that case. The doc continued practicing at the hospital and in fact is also the head of a prestigious state medical agency now as well. It just isn't right that docs skate when they do outrageous things such as these, so I sure hope your friend perseveres and prevails!
Do keep us posted ok?