PHILADELPHIA, May 21, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Andreozzi + Foote, a prominent national law firm
representing victims of crime based in Pennsylvania, has filed a lawsuit against UHS
of Doylestown, LLC, doing business
as Foundations Behavioral Health, on behalf of Joel Nunez, an incapacitated adult resident of
Pennsylvania. The lawsuit, filed
in Court of Common Pleas of Bucks
County on May 17th, seeks
justice for Joel Nunez, who suffered
a brutal physical assault at the hands of a Foundations Behavioral
Health employee.
Joel Nunez, who brings this
action through his court-appointed guardian, Araceli Nunez, resides in Pennsylvania and can be contacted through
Andreozzi + Foote. Joel suffers from multiple disorders and mental
health diagnoses, rendering him non-verbal and in need of
substantial support in all aspects of his life. At the time of the
incident, Joel resided at the Foundations Behavioral Health
facility located at 833 East Butler Pike, Doylestown, Bucks
County, PA.
On June 26, 2022, Joel was
physically assaulted by a Foundations employee, Jophany Raphael,
after Raphael followed Joel into his bedroom. Raphael blocked Joel
from leaving, pushed him to the floor, and repeatedly kicked him in
the head, chest, and abdomen while other staff members witnessed
but did not intervene. Despite Joel's evident injuries, Foundations
staff delayed seeking emergency medical attention, opting instead
to observe his bruises and red marks before eventually sending him
to the hospital two days later.
Raphael has since pleaded guilty to simple assault in the Court
of Common Pleas of Bucks County.
The lawsuit also highlights that Foundations Behavioral Health had
a history of non-compliant inspections and citations from the
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health
and Substance Abuse Services prior to the assault on Joel.
"We are dedicated to fighting for justice for Joel Nunez and ensuring that those responsible
for his suffering are held accountable," said Veronica Hubbard, attorney at Andreozzi + Foote.
"The failure of Foundations Behavioral Health to protect Joel from
such egregious abuse is unconscionable, and we will work tirelessly
to see that justice is served."
The lawsuit alleges negligence,
gross negligence, carelessness, and recklessness on the part of
Foundations Behavioral Health, citing failures in abuse prevention
policies, inadequate screening and supervision of staff, and delays
in providing necessary medical attention to Joel. The complaint
seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the severe emotional,
psychological, and physical harm Joel has endured.
"We hope this lawsuit will not only bring justice for Joel but
also lead to systemic changes that prevent such abuse from
occurring in the future," added Veronica
Hubbard. "No one should have to endure what Joel has been
through, and we are committed to holding Foundations Behavioral
Health accountable for their actions and omissions."
For more information or to speak with one of our attorneys,
please contact Ben Andreozzi at
Ben@vca.law or 717-525-9124.
About Andreozzi + Foote:
Andreozzi + Foote is a national law firm dedicated to
representing survivors of crime. With a commitment to justice and
advocacy, the firm provides compassionate and skilled legal
representation to ensure that survivors receive the justice they
deserve. For more information, visit victimscivilattorneys.com
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SOURCE Andreozzi + Foote