Suicide In Confinement
Failure To Provide Care To Suicidal Persons in Jail, Prisons Or Mental Health Ward
The attorneys at Rosenblum & Reisman have successfully handled a number of cases involving suicides and suicide attempts. All too often, health care providers fail to provide patients and inmates with suicidal ideation with the proper support. Some mentally ill patients are clearly in danger of harming themselves. Mental health care providers must heed the warning signs.
Also, correctional facilities often fail to provide suicide prevention measures. According to national statistics, suicide is the leading cause of death in U.S. jails. The suicide rate in county jails is nine times greater than that of the general population.
What Are The Signs To Watch For?
There are a number of signs or symptoms that might indicate a person is suicidal, including depression, expressions of guilt or shame, suicide threats, use of drugs or alcohol, severe agitation, feelings of hopelessness and noticeable behavior changes. Healthcare providers and correctional facilities often overlook or disregard these symptoms.
Courts nationwide have echoed the sentiment that mentally ill people deserve special recognition under the law when they have been negligently treated.
A mentally ill person can only be expected to care for himself to the extent that his diminished capacity permits. As the capacity of the suicidal patient decreases, the responsibility of the medical provider increases.
Therefore, it is critical that the utmost care be given and that appropriate suicide watch is provided to any patient or inmate that expresses behavior that would indicate an intent or a wish to commit suicide.
Get Legal Help Today
If you or someone you know has had any experience with suicide in confinement or while under a physician’s care, you should contact the law offices of Rosenblum & Reisman. Our jail or prison suicide attorneys are among the best in Memphis, Dyersburg, Bartlett, Brownsville, Collierville, Cordova, Germantown, Covington and Jackson, Tennessee, and throughout the Mid-South. Call 901-527-9600 or email us now.