Disabled Bronx residents who say they suffered years of sickening abuse at a state-run home won a $6 million settlement Monday, according to court papers.
Three residents claimed in a Manhattan federal court suit that while they lived at the “sadistic group home” known as Union Avenue IRA — but called the “Bronx Zoo” by abusive staff — they were punched in the face, spit on, smashed into walls and subjected to other unfathomable violence by employees while higher-ups at the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities turned a blind eye.
“From the very top to the very bottom, OPWDD failed my sister on every level. I hope and pray that all the individuals living at Union Avenue will now live happy, healthy, fear-free lives, once OPWDD turns over control of Union Avenue to a nonprofit provider,” said Laura Kearins, a sister of one of the plaintiffs.
In addition to the payout, the settlement ensures that ownership and operation of the Union Avenue IRA — where the three women still live — be transferred to a not-for-profit agency.
It also bars those accused of the abuse from stepping foot on the premises or making contact with their former patients.
Under the agreement, the alleged abusers did not have to accept responsibility for any of their alleged behavior — and they are not prevented from working at other facilities.
The suit was filed in 2016 on behalf of three adult women who are non-verbal and live in the facility due to a range of cognitive disabilities. They were identified only by their initials in court papers.
“For years, according to the State’s own investigation, state employees gave disabled residents black eyes, punched them, pulled their hair, spit in their faces, shoved them, punched them, kicked them, smashed their heads into walls, withheld food from them, showered them in cold water, falsified documents about their medical care, gave them the wrong medications, and subjected them to other horrific abuse and neglect,” the lawsuit reads.
A spokeswoman with OPWDD said the resolution would help the patients receive better care.
“The proper care and treatment of the people supported by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities is our highest priority and this resolution will help ensure these residents receive it,” Director of Communications Jennifer O’Sullivan said in a statement.
Criminal charges in connection with the alleged abuse were never filed, according to David Lebowitz, an attorney who represented the women — even though an investigation by the OPWDD concluded the assaults had occurred.
“Early on in the case we reached out to the Bronx DA’s office asking them to undertake a criminal investigation,” the lawyer said. “Our understanding at the time is that an investigation was underway, but no charges were ever filed.”
A spokeswoman with the Bronx DA’s office said its Public Integrity Bureau conducted “a lengthy investigation but we were unable to bring criminal charges.” She declined to comment further.