Legal Action Against Provo Canyon School: Families Allege Delayed Medical Care and Abuse, Paris Hilton Supports Lawsuit
Two families are preparing to file a lawsuit against Provo Canyon School, alleging that the school staff delayed providing medical care to their children. Paris Hilton, a former attendee who accused the facility of abuse, is supporting the families in their legal action. The lawsuit details an incident involving a 13-year-old boy who suffered a fractured jaw and traumatic brain injury after being assaulted by another client at the school. It claims that staff allowed the assault to happen as a form of punishment and then attempted to manage the child's injuries before taking him to the hospital, resulting in lasting complications from a brain bleed.
According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), instead of calling emergency services, staff members at the treatment center took the client to the emergency room themselves, causing a delay in medical treatment. This incident led to DHHS imposing emergency sanctions on Provo Canyon School, including restrictions on admitting clients, compliance with monitoring inspections, and retraining all staff involved in emergencies or supervising clients until June 18, 2026.
The lawsuit questions the prioritization of institutional interests over the welfare of a child, highlighting another incident involving a teenage girl who developed a serious kidney condition after allegedly experiencing a nine-day delay in medical care. The girl reported symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and pain while at the facility, but was only given ibuprofen. Staff did not call emergency services or contact the child's mother until she was finally taken to the hospital on her discharge date, leading to long-term health complications requiring dialysis.
The lawsuit alleges a pattern of Provo Canyon School attempting to handle life-threatening medical conditions internally to avoid involving emergency services, which could trigger investigations and reports to state agencies, guardians, and law enforcement. Hilton and the families involved plan to address their concerns about the treatment of youth at the school and advocate for accountability within the troubled teen industry at a press conference outside the Provo Courthouse.
The legal action accuses the facility of gross negligence, negligence in protecting the assaulted boy, and medical malpractice. Provo Canyon School has faced previous sanctions and scrutiny from DHHS, including a recent citation for failing to protect a client and incidents of staff violence towards residents. The lawsuit also references past investigations and violations by the Utah Office of Licensing, as well as a 1982 lawsuit that resulted in a federal injunction against the facility.
Despite changes in ownership, Provo Canyon School has been criticized by former residents, including Paris Hilton, who has spoken out about her traumatic experiences at the facility. Hilton has been an advocate for reforming the troubled teen industry and has founded an organization to raise awareness and push for legislative changes. The school has denied condoning abuse and stated that allegations are reported to authorities.
Following the latest incident, the current CEO of Provo Canyon School emphasized the institution's commitment to the safety and well-being of those under its care. The families, supported by Hilton, are seeking justice for the alleged mistreatment at the school, highlighting the need for accountability and reform in the troubled teen industry.