A West Yorkshire family has spoken of the devastating impact a violent care home attack has had on their lives, after a man was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court for attempted murder.

Bradford Care Home Attack: Life-Changing Injuries to Resident

Kevin Ryan, 61, sustained severe and permanent injuries after being violently attacked by another resident at Burger Court in Bradford, a care home for adults with mental health conditions and learning disabilities.

He was discovered by staff in a pool of blood and barely conscious. Kevin had suffered:

• A fractured skull and swelling to the brain
• Multiple facial fractures
• A punctured lung and broken ribs
• Lacerations to the head, ear, hip and back consistent with blunt force trauma

Family Impact After Care Home Negligence and Violence

Kevin’s sister, Dyan Ryan, described how the attack has profoundly changed both her brother’s life and her own:

“Kevin’s life changed forever that day. His injuries will affect him for the rest of his life, and the person he was before the attack is gone. It has also deeply affected me – it has been incredibly hard to watch him cope with the pain and the loss of independence he once had.

I am relieved that the criminal legal process is over, but we are still living with the consequences every day. I hope that by speaking out, we can remind people that acts of violence have a ripple effect far beyond the moment they happen. They change lives forever.”

Dyan added that she still has “serious concerns” about whether the care home had done enough to safeguard her brother and prevent the attack. She has now instructed Switalskis to investigate civil action on Kevin’s behalf.

Bradford Crown Court Sentences Attacker in Care Home Attempted Murder Case

Earlier this year, Graham Dowling was found guilty of attempted murder following a trial at Bradford Crown Court. Today, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in the December 2024 attack.

While the sentencing brings one stage of the process to an end, Kevin’s recovery and the family’s search for answers continue.

Switalskis' solicitors Investigating Care Home Negligence Claim

Switalskis personal injury team , who represent families across Yorkshire and nationwide in serious injury and care home negligence cases, are now making enquiries into how the incident was allowed to happen.

Samuel McFadyen , Senior Associate in Switalskis’ Brain and Spinal Injury team , said:

“This was a brutal attack which has left Kevin with life-changing injuries and caused those closest to him unimaginable distress. While today’s sentencing closes one chapter, his recovery will be ongoing for the rest of his life.

We are now working to get answers about the circumstances that led to this attack and whether more should have been done to prevent it. Sadly, through our work we see too often the devastating impact incidents like this have on people’s lives. We will continue to support Kevin and his sister as they face the challenges ahead.”

How Switalskis Supports Families After Care Home Negligence and Serious Injury

Cases of violence, neglect, or preventable harm in care homes can have devastating and long-lasting consequences for both residents and their families. At Switalskis, our serious injury team has extensive experience supporting families through the legal process for assault injury claims , ensuring their voices are heard and helping them secure answers and justice.

If you or a loved one has been affected by care home negligence or serious injury, we are here to help.

Contact Switalskis Solicitors today to speak confidentially with one of our experienced lawyers.

To learn more about how to claim compensation for your injuries following an assault, call our team today on 0800 1380 458 or get in touch with us through our website.