The Carey Case

On behalf of the family of Jonathan Carey, the firm helped bring attention to the severe institutional dysfunction of New York State’s care for the disabled and obtained a $5 million settlement for the family. The Careys’ son Jonathan, an autistic 13-year-old, was asphyxiated and killed by a State employee while living in a State facility for the disabled. Two State employees were criminally convicted as a result of Jonathan’s death.

For years, the institutions dedicated to caring for some of New York’s most vulnerable residents have exhibited systemic deficiencies in health and safety standards, abuse investigation and reporting, and employee qualification. The Careys, who have become some of New York’s most outspoken advocates for disability rights, brought the case to prompt serious reform to fix a broken system.