Suicide can be one of the most devastating situations a family will face. Losing a loved one is always distressing, but having that loss be self-inflicted is often overwhelming. It’s common for surviving friends and family to have many questions: Could this have been prevented? Why did this happen?
Suicide often leaves clues. In many cases, a person will be diagnosed with depression and will be getting treatment for their condition. In some situations, someone who is considering suicide will reach out to mental health professionals, doctors, or other authorities. If they are getting help, friends and family may assume that their loved one is safe. It can make a sudden loss even more of a shock.
Do I Have a Claim?
In some cases, surviving families may have a claim in situations involving suicide. If a loved one was under care and negligence led to the death, there may be a claim. There are several types of situations where this may happen:
- The situation was an inpatient suicide and occurred because not enough precautions were taken to keep a patient safe
- Misdiagnosis occurred, meaning a patient did not receive necessary help in time
- Medical staff ignored information about a patient’s state
- Medical staff released a suicidal patient even though the patient was high risk
- Staff at a college, assisted living facility, or other environment failed to respond appropriately to signs of a suicidal person
- Doctors failed to respond appropriately to signs of a suicidal person
Determining whether you have a claim can be a challenge. You may wish to consult with a personal injury attorney if you have questions. An attorney can investigate to see whether negligence occurred and can help you determine whether you have a case.
Should I Pursue a Claim?
Even if you have a malpractice claim in Hollywood or South Florida, it can be difficult to decide to seek a claim. You are likely grieving and upset; adding a legal claim to that situation can seem overwhelming. However, keep in mind that if you hire a full-service law firm, your attorneys may be able to take care of all the details for you so that you can spend time with your family rather than spending time on legal matters.
Another thing you will want to consider is the costs to you and to surviving family members. You may have memorial expenses and final medical expenses to consider. There may be young children bereft of a parent and a parent’s financial support. In these situations, a legal claim can help you and your family secure financial resources to pay for therapy, lost income, final expenses, and other costs. If you are bereaved, you don’t want to worry about being able to take care of your family, too. Talk to an attorney to find out how to protect your future and your family’s future.
If you’d like to speak to a personal injury attorney today, contact Flaxman Law Group. Our compassionate and caring legal team can arrange a convenient consultation at no charge so that you can discuss your situation with someone who can offer sympathy and legal advice. Your consultation is your chance to explore your legal options and to find out more about the steps you can take.