PORTLAND, Ore. — The family of Kenneth Hass has filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging Oregon State Hospital and other state defendants subjected him to severe neglect and abuse during a three-year stay that ended with his death, according to a complaint filed in federal court.
Sierra Hass, representing Kenneth Hass’ estate, filed the civil suit in U.S. District Court in Portland against the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon State Hospital and several staff members. The lawsuit alleges negligence, physical and mental abuse, and violations of his constitutional rights.
The complaint says Kenneth Hass was transferred to the state psychiatric hospital on March 30, 2022, for treatment intended to restore his ability to assist in his criminal defense after he was charged with two counts of assaulting a public safety officer and second-degree criminal trespass. An earlier evaluation found behaviors suggestive of delusions, hallucinations and disorganized thinking and concluded he was not fit to assist in his defense, the release said…