Lawsuit Says Oregon Man Spent Final 250 Days of His Life in Seclusion at Oregon State Hospital

Financial damages are being sought by the family of a young Oregon man who spent the last 250 days of his life in seclusion in the State Hospital.

A Federal Wrongful Death Lawsuit Has Been Filed

A federal wrongful death lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Portland on Monday against the State of Oregon, the Oregon State Hospital, and Oregon Health Authority, and several current and former hospital authorities, physicians, and staff members.

The lawsuit states that 25-year-old Kenneth Hass spent the final 250 consecutive days of his life in seclusion before he died in the Oregon State Hospital on March 18, 2025. It further claims that the young man spent over one-third of his days in seclusion at the facility.

He Was Subjected to Physical Restraints and Long Periods of Seclusion

It also claims that no definitive psychiatric diagnosis was ever reached or an individualized plan developed for his treatment. According to the lawsuit, Hass was instead subjected to physical restraints and spent long periods in seclusion.

Another concern raised by the lawsuit was the failure of the Oregon State Hospital staff to diagnose or treat Hass’ many years of compulsive water-drinking behavior.

Hass died of water intoxication.

His family is seeking over $300,000 in damages, and has also requested that a federal judge order changes at the Oregon State Hospital.

Hass was admitted to the Oregon State Hospital in March 2022 when a court ruled that he was unable to aid in his own criminal defense because of mental illness.

The lawsuit claims that the State of Oregon and the hospital violated Hass’ constitutional rights, failed to provide proper care, and abused a vulnerable person, which led to his wrongful death.