Lawsuit: Kleos Children’s Community & Klamath County Department of Human Services-Child Death

“A wrongful death suit has been filed against Kleos Children’s Community and the Klamath County Department of Human Services, according to court documents.

The suit alleges that on Nov. 16, 2010, Larry Daniel Hammack, a wheelchair-bound 14-year-old placed at Kleos under the directive of DHS, died as a result of complications from two bilateral fractures to both femurs.”

“Allegations

Hammack died after being transported from Kleos, which is in Chiloquin, by ambulance to Sky Lakes Medical Center.

The suit alleges the “defendants were negligent in failing to properly identify and evaluate Daniel Hammack and his medical needs, implement a plan that provided proper care and accommodate his medical needs, well-being and safety.”

Kleos Children’s Community is a group of three two-story homes in Chiloquin that provides living space for up to 30 children and their foster parents.

The court documents claim Kleos staff was not properly trained to adequately care for Hammack and that DHS failed to place him in a facility that could accommodate his needs.

“Kleos has more clear liability issues than DHS,” Walsh said. “It is too early in the case for me to have more information on the specifics about DHS.”

The Herald and News contacted Kleos founder and director Gordon Hankins. Hankins said he was aware the suit had been filed but declined to comment.”

Foster care facility faces wrongful death suit

[Herald and News 11/29/12 by Shelby King]

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