As reported by WNYT – News Channel 13, after two staff members at a Devereux Health facility in Red Hook, NY were charged in relation to the recent death of a fourteen year old resident, investigators and the community have started looking deeper into abuse allegations made against the non-profit chain. One of the largest behavioral health organizations in the country, Devereux has more than 7,500 staff members across 13 states.
Lawsuits against the Devereux Foundation (a/k/a Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health) are growing in number over allegations that the nonprofit, specializing in treating children with intellectual disabilities, mental disorders, and trauma, was negligent and failed to protect residents from being physically and sexually abused by staffers at its facilities in multiple locations across the U.S. Dozens of lawsuits against Devereux have been filed in both state and federal courts nationwide.
In June of 2021, Lieff Cabraser and Philadelphia-based firm Sauder Schelkopf filed a federal class action sexual abuse lawsuit in Pennsylvania on behalf of children exposed to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse while in the care of The Devereux Foundation along with its staffing company Quality Health Staffing, LLC. The complaint details multiple alleged violations of state and federal law, including assault; battery; failure to report child abuse; Title IX creation of a sexually hostile culture/heightened risk of sexual harassment; deliberate indifference to prior sexual harassment; negligence and failure to provide safe environment with adequate protection, supervision, and care; negligent hiring of unsuitable personnel; negligent retention of unsuitable personnel; negligent supervision; gross negligence; and negligent misrepresentation.
Attorney, Joseph Sauder, who represents plaintiffs in the case along with Lieff Cabraser, issued a statement to WNYT – News Channel 13:
“Our lawsuits, which the court has allowed to move forward, allege that Devereux failed to enact safety measures and other policies to protect children in its care. We allege that this puts these individuals at a heightened risk of harm and abuse. Our clients have been empowered to speak about their mistreatment as vulnerable children entrusted to Devereux’s care, and we look forward to making sure their voices will finally be heard.”
Learn more about the Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Staff Sexual Abuses Class Action Lawsuit.
Contact a Sexual Abuse Lawyer at Lieff Cabraser
Lieff Cabraser represents survivors across the U.S. who have been victimized by sexual violence and sexual abuse. We treat every client with care, respect, and compassion as we bring our comprehensive legal skills forward on each case. We have a dedicated team of lawyers, nurse consultants, and paralegals experienced in working with and listening to survivors who work individually with every client in every case to see that justice is won.
You can call Lieff Cabraser partners Annika K. Martin or Mark Chalos toll-free today at 1 800 541-7358 or use the form below to send us a private email message. There is no charge or obligation for our review of your case, and all information provided will be held in the strictest confidence.
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