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Denver, Colorado — January 27, 2025
Dormer Harpring is proud to announce it recently resolved a landmark case brought against Wind Crest, a senior living community by Erickson Senior Living located in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Our client, an 82-year old widow, alleged the senior living community improperly withheld her $573,000 deposit for six months after she moved out of an independent living apartment. The confidential settlement brings justice for our client while also highlighting the urgent need for transparency and accountability in Colorado’s senior housing industry.
Our client was a fiercely independent widow in her 80’s when she moved into an independent living apartment at the senior community. After our client moved out, the facility waited 180 days to refund her deposit of more than a half million dollars. Colorado law requires all landlords, big and small, to return a person’s deposit within 60 days of when they move out. If a landlord fails to return a person’s deposit within 60 days, the landlord is responsible for three times the improperly withheld deposit. But the facility argued it could keep the deposit because it was a lifecare facility and provided lifecare services.
For more than two years, the team at Dormer Harpring fought to hold the facility accountable under Colorado law. Just days before the case was set for trial, the senior living community agreed to a confidential settlement to favorably resolve all of our client’s claims.
Why It Matters:
For many seniors, a deposit of this magnitude isn’t just money—it’s security, freedom, and peace of mind. It represents a lifetime of hard work and careful planning. A deposit of this amount of money often ensures independence and dignity for seniors in their later years, which provides a vital safety net to navigate life’s most vulnerable stages, while also providing a legacy for their heirs.
The Bigger Picture:
This case underscores the power imbalance that millions of seniors face when dealing with the billion-dollar senior living industry. This settlement isn’t just about enforcing the law—it’s about ensuring fairness, dignity, and honor for our vulnerable seniors who place their trust in these companies. When companies prioritize profits over people, it’s not just the individuals involved who suffer, it’s an entire system.
This settlement sends a powerful message: it’s wrong to exploit legal loopholes to take advantage of vulnerable seniors. No contract should be used as a weapon to strip seniors of their financial security, their independence, and their dignity. Senior living communities must hold themselves to a higher standard—not because they are legally required to, but because it’s the right thing to do.
About Dormer Harpring
Dormer Harpring is committed to righting wrongs and advocating for individuals and families facing injustices. Whether challenging powerful corporations or ensuring vulnerable populations are treated with dignity, the firm works tirelessly to protect the values of fairness, trust, and accountability. If you or a loved one has been wronged by a senior housing facility or nursing home, contact our team to see if we can help.
Available 24/7 – Call us now at (303) 747-4404 for expert legal help. Your case matters, and we’re here to fight for you!
(303) 747-4404