The family of Kenneth Hass filed a civil lawsuit against the state of Oregon through the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon State Hospital and several hospital staff members, alleging negligence, physical and mental abuse, constitutional violations and wrongful death after Mr. Hass died in March 2025, according to a complaint filed July 13.
Here are three things to know:
- The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon in Portland and reviewed by Becker’s, alleges Mr. Hass spent the last three years of his life at Oregon State Hospital in Salem after being transferred there March 30, 2022, for treatment to restore his ability to assist in his criminal defense. The complaint alleges he spent more than one-third of his hospitalization in locked seclusion, including his final 250 days, and more than 500 hours in four-point restraints.
- The complaint alleges staff unlocked Mr. Hass’ bathroom March 18, 2025, despite a documented history of drinking toilet water. It alleges he drank nearly 90 cups of water, fell, struck his head and later died from water intoxication after staff delayed providing aid. He was pronounced dead 47 minutes later.
- The lawsuit asserts nine claims for relief, including alleged violations of Mr. Hass’ Fourteenth Amendment rights, negligence, physical abuse of a vulnerable person, fraud, negligent infliction of emotional distress and wrongful death. The plaintiffs also seek injunctive and declaratory relief, including outside expert review of Oregon State Hospital’s policies and court-ordered oversight.
The Oregon Health Authority told Becker’s it does not comment on active litigation.
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