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A shocking incident has emerged from a senior living facility in Brookdale Senior Living located at 31002 14th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003. A man claimed his mother, who is in a wheelchair and suffers from dementia, was sexually assaulted multiple times, according to Fox 13.
Ryan Harney has come forward with allegations against Brookdale Senior Living, stating that his mother, Pamela, a resident with the mental capacity of a child, was subjected to horrific acts within what was supposed to be a safe environment. Harney received a distressing call from staff on May 13, 2023, revealing that his mother had been violated.
Harney's lawsuit details a disturbing encounter where another resident, also with diminished cognitive abilities, wheeled Pamela into a room and assaulted her. This incident was recorded on surveillance, raising serious concerns about the facility’s oversight.
Harney expressed outrage at Brookdale’s handling of the situation, describing their response as a "slap in the face." He recounted the unsettling moment when staff described the incident, saying, "Both of them had smiles on their face," while referring to his mother, who at the time had the mental capacity of a two- to three-year-old.
Despite assurances from Brookdale to monitor the assailant, Harney claims his mother was assaulted again by the same individual less than a week later.
Harney is sharing his family’s ordeal to prevent similar tragedies. "I don’t want this to happen to anybody else. There needs to be changes, and they need to be immediate," he urged.
Brookdale Senior Living responded to the allegations, stating, "At Brookdale Foundation House, providing quality care and services to promote the health and wellbeing of our residents is our priority. It is our practice to refrain from comment on matters pending litigation."
As this story unfolds, the community is left grappling with the implications of these serious allegations and the need for accountability in senior care facilities.
In the wake of alarming allegations against a Federal Way senior living facility, the conversation around the rights of abuse victims has gained urgency. We spoke with experienced sexual abuse lawyer Mike Pfau, who shared his knowledge on the legal protections available to elder abuse victims and how families can hold negligent parties accountable. This discussion aimed to empower those affected and raise awareness about the responsibilities of care facilities.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for joining us. Can you explain the legal rights available to victims of sexual abuse in senior living facilities?
Attorney Mike Pfau: Absolutely, Darla. Victims have the right to seek justice through civil lawsuits. They can file claims not only against the individual perpetrator but also against the facility for negligence. Facilities are responsible for ensuring the safety of their residents.
Medina: What does negligence look like in cases like this?
Pfau: Negligence can manifest in various ways, such as inadequate staff training, insufficient monitoring of residents, or failing to respond appropriately to incidents. If a facility knows about a risk and does nothing to mitigate it, they can be held liable.
Medina: What steps should a victim or their family take if they suspect abuse?
Pfau: The first step is to report the abuse to the authorities. Documentation is key—keeping records of incidents, medical reports, and any communications with the facility. Consulting with an attorney experienced in these cases can help navigate the legal process and ensure that victims’ rights are protected.
Medina: How can families hold these facilities accountable?
Pfau: Families can pursue legal action by filing civil suits. This not only seeks compensation for the victim but also aims to bring attention to the facility's practices and push for necessary changes to prevent future abuse.
Medina: Thank you for your valuable insights, Mike. Your expertise can help many families understand their rights in such challenging situations.
If you or a loved one has experienced abuse in a senior living or assisted living facility, it’s vital to know that support is available. Our team is dedicated to helping victims understand their rights and navigate the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us assist you in seeking the justice and safety you deserve.
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