Suicide

Mental Health Crisis

Over the past 30 years, mental health policies have forced the closing of public psychiatric hospitals. The program was designed to help mentally ill people gain a foothold in society, but it lacked funding. As a result, the people who need mental health care are forgotten until they are arrested. Today, upwards of 500,000 mentally ill people are confined to U.S. jails.

Our lawyers know how to investigate and prove liability due to negligence in cases involving preventable suicide in a variety of settings, including:

• Jails and prisons
• Nursing homes
• Detoxification clinics
• Residential drug treatment centers
• Other settings where authorities are required to protect an inmate or patient
• Read about our settlements in similar cases

Who is Responsible for Protecting Mentally Ill Inmates?

When authorities assume custody of someone, they also assume responsibility for protecting that person—from others or from himself. In cases of depression, there’s a risk that the inmate may commit suicide. When lapses in official responsibility result in suicide, authorities can be held liable.

If you have lost a loved one to suicide in an institutional setting, we can help. Our legal team will investigate the case and determine if official negligence can be identified as the cause for the suicide. Call us today at 800-280-0070 to learn more, or complete our online form.

What about Costs?

We collect no attorneys' fees unless and until you recover on your claim, whether by settlement or by jury verdict. We commit substantial resources to investigate your case, hire expert witnesses, and cover other necessary expenses. If we win, we recover these expenditures. If not, you owe us nothing.

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Your privacy is always held in the highest regard at Friedman, Domiano & Smith. There's never a charge for a consultation. Our main office is located in downtown Cleveland, and we have locations throughout Ohio.