Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Wrongful Death Suit Filed in Case of Dementia Patient Who Died From Exposure

The family of a San Francisco dementia patient who died last year filed a wrongful death suit against transit agencies responsible for his transportation and his conservator for what they call elder abuse and negligence.

San Francisco attorney Ingrid Evans announced the litigation in a news conference today with members of Kenneth Chin's family.

Chin, 73, lived in an assisted living facility in San Francisco's Richmond District and was transported daily by a shuttle operated by MEDSAM Enterprises and San Francisco Paratransit to Irene Swindells Center for Adult Day Services, his family said.

On Feb. 25, 2011, Chin did not arrive at home, and his caregivers immediately alerted police and his conservator, Jewish Family and Children's Services.

A search for the man lasted several days, until Chin's body was discovered on March 6 in Lincoln Park, less than a mile from where Chin was supposed to be dropped off.

The night Chin disappeared was cold and stormy, and autopsy results indicated Chin died from hypothermia, Evans said.

Full Article and Source:
Charges of Elder Abuse, Negligence After Dementia Patient Dies of Exposure

3 comments:

Norma said...

This is going to be one to watch!

Sue said...

So sad and so wrong, knowing he suffered, he was afraid it breaks my heart. Deepest sympathies to Mr. Chin's family.

Anonymous said...

I agree Norma this is a case that will reveal the worth of an elderly person who died as a result of negligence. Lawyers will tell you, well that's what I was told our family member had lived beyond the statistics before he met his utimely death meaning there was no monetary value to his life. I remember being stunned the first time I heard this only to hear it again and again. Best to the Chin family, I hope they send a message through their lawsuit that there are consequences for negligent behavior regardless of the age of the victim.