Some Texas residents with mental disabilities reside in state-run facilities that provide on-hand assistance for their daily living needs. Depending on individual circumstances, some residents of such homes are able to participate in outside programs and events, such as the Special Olympics. One disabled athlete was on his way home from an event when a situation developed that ended in an apparent wrongful death incident.
While traveling in the official transport van, a fight apparently broke out between the 33-year-old man and another resident. His brain condition kept his mental capacity at a level similar to an average 10-year-old. He allegedly suffered multiple kicks to the face, head and chest during the altercation.
The man had a shunt in his brain that his care providers reportedly knew made him vulnerable to blood clots. Strangely, it seems no effort was made to seek medical attention for him after the fight. Later, he is said to have been found face down on the floor during the night; nevertheless, no outside help was sought.
Sadly, after several surgeries and falling into a coma, the man died. The coroner has listed his apparent wrongful death as a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to his head. Similar situations in Texas have led to immediate family members filing claims on the behalves of deceased loved ones in order to seek full financial responsibility from those believed culpable. In successfully litigated cases, monetary judgments are often awarded that compensate grieving families for the many damages they have sustained.
Source: ktnv.com, "Death of Special Olympics athlete exposes negligence and violence at state-run home for mentally disabled", Darcy Spears, June 30, 2016
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