Personal

Failure to Prevent Suicide Claims

We understand that you want answers as to why your loved one didn't receive the adequate care to prevent suicide. We are on hand to advise and support you throughout the compensation process.

SOLVING PERSONAL LEGAL MATTERS

Any suicide is a truly devastating tragedy that leaves behind a huge emotional trauma for those affected, and often many questions. In some cases, however, dealing with a loved one's suicide can be particularly difficult for the family and friends who are left behind if they believe that it could have been prevented with proper medical care.

Suicide is never a black and white issue, but there are some cases by which the victim displayed clear signs of distress in the presence of mental health professionals or was hospitalised due to suicidal thoughts. In cases like these, where the victim is under the care of mental health professionals or is known to be at risk of taking their own life, there should be no way for suicide to occur.

Medical professionals have a duty of care that require them to take reasonable steps to prevent suicide wherever possible, and though sometimes this is not always possible, if you have lost a loved one due to substandard mental health care or negligence from a medical professional you may wish to discuss your case with our team of expert clinical negligence solicitors, who can help you to make a claim and give you advice and support through the inquest process.

At Forbes, our expert team of solicitors can provide legal advice and support for families dealing with the aftermath of preventable suicide and give advice in a number of areas, including:

Failure to identify and react quickly to signs of distress or requests for help
Misdiagnosis of mental health illnesses
Failure to refer or make supervision arrangements for an individual that is considered 'at-risk'
Allowing an individual that is considered 'at-risk' access to materials that may harm them
Discharging 'at risk' individuals from hospital before the treatment is complete
Failure to ensure appropriate treatment or medication

At Forbes solicitors, we know how much the suicide of a loved one can affect the families and friends, and our team of friendly solicitors are there for our clients at every step of the journey. We understand that you want answers as to why your loved one didn't receive the adequate care to prevent the suicide, and we are on hand to advise and support you throughout the process.

Case Study:

Established liability and causation against a hospital trust for failing to prevent a suicide. Consequently, the mental health ward was closed and a new facility opened. The family received an open apology and £192,000 compensation.