Mother of teen assaulted at St. Gabriel's Hall sues facility and Philadelphia Archdiocese

The mother of a Philadelphia man who claims he was assaulted when he was still a minor residing at a church-run youth facility has filed an assault complaint against the school and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Feasterville, Pa. attorney Michael T. van der Veen filed the civil action May 25 at Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas on behalf of Jehnene Hasty, who is suing on behalf of her son, Charles Hasty.

According to the complaint, Hasty, who was 17 at the time, was assaulted by another student back on June 4, 2010 at St. Gabriel’s Hall, which is located in Montgomery County.

The assault caused Hasty to fall against a Washington machine and onto a marble floor, where he sustained a facial fracture, had a tooth knocked out and sustained other physical injuries, the lawsuit alleges.

The plaintiffs allege vicarious liability against St. Gabriel’s, accusing the residential school of having knowledge of the dangerous and violent propensities on the part of the fellow student who assaulted Hasty.

“Specifically, Defendants St. Gabriel’s Hall and/or the Archdiocese of Philadelphia failed to provide physical safety and security, observation and direction to protect Plaintiff Charles Hasty,” the lawsuit states. “Defendants’ facility failed to supervise the students in general, such that another student was able to assault Plaintiff, causing serious injury prior to the arrival of a staff member.”

The lawsuit contains a count of negligence, careless and outrageous conduct, as well as a claim of assault against both defendants.

The suit alleges that Charles Hasty had to have three surgeries, and may face possible future surgeries, to cure his physical injuries.

Hasty and his mother have also had to spend various sums of money on said medical attention, the suit states.

The plaintiffs have also suffered physical pain, mental anguish, humiliation, inconveniences and loss of life’s pleasures and dignities, the suit claims.

The plaintiffs seek $50,000 in compensatory and punitive damages.

 

The case ID number is 120502975.