Syracuse Personal Injury Law Blog
Mental health treatment involves delicate clinical decisions, especially when a patient is at risk of self-harm. When a patient dies by suicide shortly after receiving psychiatric care, surviving family members may pursue legal action if they believe the care provided was inadequate. These cases are emotionally complex and legally challenging, particularly when government-employed professionals provide the care in question. A recent ruling from a New York court highlights how difficult it can be to succeed in a malpractice claim arising from a suicide, even where warning signs appear to have been present. If you lost a loved one due to what you suspect was negligent mental health care, a Syracuse medical malpractice attorney can help you explore your legal rights.
Background of the Case
It is alleged that the decedent had a long, intermittent history of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. She had received treatment at the FQHC off and on over several years, with documented episodes of missed appointments, medication noncompliance, and inconsistent follow-up. In the final months before her death, she had been treated by both a social worker and a psychiatric nurse practitioner. The providers documented recurring symptoms of anxiety and depression, including reports of suicidal ideation, but they concluded that she did not exhibit signs warranting hospitalization.
It is reported that the decedent’s providers used a standardized assessment tool to evaluate her suicide risk and implemented safety plans in accordance with best practices. At her final visit on the day of her death, the decedent reportedly denied having suicidal intent or a plan, and the social worker determined that her condition was stable. Despite this, the decedent died by suicide within hours of leaving the facility.
It is reported that the plaintiff, as administratrix of the estate of a 24-year-old woman, filed a lawsuit against the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The plaintiff alleged that both the social worker and nurse practitioner who treated the decedent failed to properly assess her mental health status and missed critical signs of suicidal ideation. The lawsuit included claims for medical malpractice, lack of informed consent, wrongful death, and loss of services. The defendant then moved for summary judgment.
Summary Judgment in Mental Health Malpractice Cases
The court considered whether the government’s mental health professionals deviated from the accepted standard of care and whether any such deviation was the proximate cause of the decedent’s death.
Under New York law, a plaintiff asserting medical malpractice must demonstrate both a departure from the standard of care and that the departure directly caused the injury. The court emphasized that in cases involving psychiatric care, the standard is particularly deferential due to the unpredictable nature of mental health conditions and the subjective judgment involved in treatment decisions.
The court determined that both the social worker and the nurse practitioner acted within the bounds of professional medical judgment. It noted that while the decedent had expressed ongoing symptoms of depression and anxiety, she consistently denied having a concrete plan or specific intent to harm herself. Both providers assessed her risk, documented their evaluations, developed safety plans, and discussed outpatient treatment options. According to the court, these measures were well within the range of medically accepted choices.
Assuming arguendo that the providers did deviate from the standard of care, the court concluded that the plaintiff failed to establish proximate causation. The decedent had not been deemed an appropriate candidate for involuntary hospitalization, and she herself declined to pursue more intensive treatment options. The court also found that the plaintiff’s expert testimony was speculative and did not provide sufficient evidence that additional action by the providers would have prevented the suicide. Accordingly, the court granted summary judgment in favor of the government and dismissed the plaintiff’s claims.
Speak to a Knowledgeable Syracuse Medical Malpractice Attorney
Mental health treatment decisions often require difficult clinical judgments and proving liability in suicide cases involves navigating both legal and medical complexities. If you believe a healthcare provider’s negligence contributed to a loved one’s suicide, the experienced Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help. With extensive experience in complex medical negligence cases, our firm can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process. Call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.