News

Jun 01, 2023

Disabled man from Bellingham reaches $13 million settlement with DSHS

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A disabled Whatcom County man has reached a record settlement deal after being abused by his caregiver for over 3 decades. According to court documents, the Washington State

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A disabled Whatcom County man has reached a record settlement deal after being abused by his caregiver for over 3 decades.

According to court documents, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services will pay over $13 million to 66-year-old James Rupke of Bellingham.

Rupke has intellectual and cognitive disabilities and needs constant care to help him meet his basic needs.

An investigation found that Rupke had been living in a decrepit shack on his caregiver’s property since 1988.

The caregiver, 88-year-old Alf Vatne, is accused of leaving Rupke alone for extended periods of time and refusing to help Rupke take care of himself.

Rupke’s current caregiver noted that he had several open wounds and was filthy when he arrived in her care last year.

Vatne had also been accused of physically, sexually, financially, and emotionally abusing Rupke while under his care.

Despite several attempts to get DSHS, the Northwest Regional Council, and Adult Protective Services to investigate, no action was taken until March 2022 when Rupke was removed from Vatne’s property.

Another lawsuit against the Northwest Regional Council is pending.

Charges against Vatne have not been disclosed.