Over the last few years, it seems that people in Texas and across the country have expressed more interest in the care provided to mentally ill patients, especially those who may be a risk to themselves or to someone else. Unfortunately, a recent wrongful death lawsuit regarding a man who committed suicide is examining the role of hospital negligence in one man's death. A jury has recently ruled against the medical facility that treated him as well as the doctor in charge of the psychiatry department.
The lawsuit involves a man who was 42 years old at the time of his death. According to reports, the man was admitted to the hospital named as defendant in the case after he attempted to kill himself by overdosing on prescription medicine. However, the man's family members claim that because the hospital's policies were not followed, the man was able to successfully commit suicide.
The patient was admitted to the hospital involuntarily under New York's Mental Health Law. Under that law, a patient who is a potential threat to others or his or herself can be held involuntarily for 15 days. This patient was released just five days after his original suicide attempt, and he killed himself before 24 hours passed. A jury has recently agreed with the family's allegations that the hospital actions played a role in the man's death and awarded the plaintiffs $2.3 million.
Hospitals in Texas have an obligation to protect their patients by providing proper medical care for both physical and mental health issues. Because of the seriousness of potential consequences of substandard care, addressing hospital negligence helps ensure that future patients receive appropriate care. A case which adequately argues that negligence led to harm can also lead to an award of damages that will allow victims and/or their family members to cope with the financial ramifications of medical malpractice. Consultation service from the Maloney attorneys is free. Contact us today to get started.
Source: poughkeepsiejournal.com, "$2.3M awarded in wrongful death suit", Amanda Fries, Oct. 8, 2015
