Fairfax Behavioral Health

Attorneys from Hagens Berman settled this case on behalf of patients that were strip-searched and video recorded while receiving treatment for mental illness at one of three Fairfax Behavioral Health locations.

FAIRFAX-OPERATED LOCATIONS

• Fairfax Behavioral Health psychiatric facility in Kirkland, WA
• Adult general psychiatric unit, located on the seventh floor of the Providence Medical Center’s Pacific campus in Everett, WA
• Psychiatric unit on the campus of Evergreen Health Monroe in Monroe, WA

FAIRFAX’S DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICE

The suit's lead plaintiff recalled being ordered to undress for an invasive strip-search when she presented for inpatient admission, even after disclosing her history of sexual abuse to the staff member. She was not given a gown or towel to cover up during the search, and the staff member watched her undress and left the door open where other staff members could see her.

Video cameras were located in the hallway, the holding area outside bathroom, and the room where the strip search was conducted. The cameras recorded her undressing and the strip-search.

The complaint stated that Fairfax’s practices—and its failure to limit the discretion of its staff—means that a substantial number of its mental health patients do not have reasonable access to inpatient care for mental health disorders.

DISCRIMINATION EXPERIENCE

Hagens Berman's attorneys are experienced in helping victims of various kinds of discrimination, fraud, negligence, abuse and sexual harassment pursue their legal rights. We take on large entities and corporations on behalf of those most vulnerable to wrongdoing, and hold them accountable.

Your claim will be handled by experts in this area of law who will care for your rights.

VICTIMS CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS

The protection of victims of discrimination and sexual harassment is our top priority. We welcome any information, and those who contact our firm may remain anonymous in their potential case. Attorneys will request that the Court permit our clients to proceed anonymously as a Jane Doe or John Doe. Our attorneys have experience in protecting plaintiffs who wish to remain anonymous, both as whistleblowers and as survivors of discriminatory or sexual misconduct.