Lawsuit alleges abuse at state-run mental health facility
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
A lawsuit has been filed in U.S. Federal District Court alleging abuse at a state mental health treatment facility.
The suit alleges that the Minnesota Extended Treatment Options facility in Cambridge, Minnesota, routinely restrained patients using metal handcuffs and shackles without cause.
The suit also contends the facility secluded patients for extended periods and deprived them of family visits. The facility is run by the state Department of Human Services.
Shamus O'Meara, an attorney representing one of the plaintiffs, said he hopes the lawsuit sends a message to mental health providers.
"That people with developmental disabilities are human beings, they have civil rights and the right to be treated with dignity and respect," O'Meara said. "The families of these good citizens are fed up with the type of treatment that is the subject of the lawsuit."
Calls seeking comment from the state Department of Human Services were not returned.
The suit is asking a judge to certify the suit as a class action as well as seeking a jury trial.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
Dear reader,
Political debates with family or friends can get heated. But what if there was a way to handle them better?
You can learn how to have civil political conversations with our new e-book!
Download our free e-book, Talking Sense: Have Hard Political Conversations, Better, and learn how to talk without the tension.
