Suicide is a painful experience for families. Many loved ones live with guilt, wondering if they could have done something to prevent it. They do not usually blame others or hold them accountable, but there are actually some cases in which seeking accountability for suicide is legally warranted.
Medical malpractice may occur in cases of suicide. These situations occur when medical staff fail to recognize that a patient is at risk of harming themselves, which means the patient does not receive proper treatment, such as involuntary hospital admission. When a lack of treatment causes a patient to attempt suicide, a doctor or hospital may be held liable.
Patient suicides are difficult cases. If you believe a doctor is responsible for your loved one’s death, our Fort Lauderdale preventable suicide lawyer at Freidin Brown, P.A. can assess your case and see who can be held liable.
Signs of a Possible Suicide Attempt
Doctors and family members should be aware when someone is considering suicide. Here are some common signs:
- Talking about death or suicide
- Giving away belongings
- Talking about going away or “getting their affairs in order”
- Talking about how they will their own life
- Self-destructive behaviors, such as using illegal drugs or binge drinking
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Isolating themselves
- Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Suddenly having trouble in school or work
- Changing in sleep or eating habits
Was Suicide Preventable? Let Us Help You Seek Justice and Accountability!
How Do Doctors Contribute to a Suicide?
The main way in which doctors can be held liable for a suicide is if they fail to assess the patient’s risk. A suicide risk assessment will address the patient’s risk of suicide by inquiring about relationship issues (such as issues with parents, child custody, and marital disputes), chronic health issues (such as cancer and other illnesses), substance abuse, and a history of mental illness or suicide attempts).
The biggest risk factor for a suicide risk assessment is a history of suicide attempt. A recent suicide attempt (within the last year) places a person at particularly high risk for suicide. So do certain psychiatric conditions, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
When a person faces an emotional crisis, such as marital or child custody problems, this increases stress and hopelessness in a person’s life. This also increases the risk of suicide.
Being male is a risk factor for suicide. Although women attempt suicide almost five times than men, they tend to choose less lethal means of suicide. Men tend to be much more successful at suicide.
Contact Freidin Brown, P.A. Today
Doctors have a lot of responsibility and you may not know that they are supposed to help prevent patient suicide whenever possible. When a patient does kill themselves, it can be a devastating experience for all involved, especially when there is a legal aspect involved.
Seek legal help from Freidin Brown, P.A. Our knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale preventable suicide lawyer will help you understand your legal rights. Fill out the online form or call us today to schedule a free consultation.