Three former employees of the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) have been indicted on charges of criminal negligence in connection with the death of a patient, according to an April 8, 2026 report by NBC News 4 Washington. Prosecutors allege the employees failed to provide care to a visibly distressed individual over a prolonged period.
The allegations described in the indictment echo concerns raised in a class action lawsuit filed by Joseph Greenwald & Laake against PIW and its parent company, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS). The complaint alleges a longstanding pattern of patient mistreatment and systemic failures at the facility.
Specifically, the lawsuit alleges widespread falsification of medical records, unlawful involuntary hospitalizations, failure to provide necessary treatment, chronic understaffing, and unsafe and unsanitary conditions. The case is being handled by attorneys Drew LaFramboise and Veronica Nannis.
While the criminal case centers on the conduct of individual employees, the civil lawsuit seeks to address broader institutional practices and corporate accountability, including allegations that UHS prioritized profits over the safety and wellbeing of patients.
These developments highlight ongoing concerns about patient safety at PIW.
