$1,000,000 Recovered for Suicide Death of Acutely Psychotic Patient in Dutchess County, New York

Hospital Malpractice

The 48-year old male patient was brought to the emergency department of a hospital in Dutchess County, New York, with the complaints of paranoia and depression and he felt that his body was covered in poison.  The patient’s past medical history was significant for bipolar disorder and 2 past suicide attempts. The patient was diagnosed with acute manic psychotic symptoms and involuntary admission to the hospital was ordered.

After the initial medical clearance in the emergency department, there was no record that any medical provider saw or treated the patient. After waiting 16 hours in the emergency department, the patient walked out of the emergency department, and one month later, his body was found on the shores of the Hudson River.  The cause of death was drowning and suicide.

The contention in the lawsuit was that the patient was at risk for suicide.  Under these circumstances, the emergency medicine physicians must order a one-on-one observer to ensure that the patient does not harm himself or leave the emergency department.  The hospital allowed an acutely psychotic patient in need of emergency treatment to walk of the emergency department. This was a serious deviation from the standard of care.

The patient was survived by his wife and daughter. The settlement funds will provide funding for the decedent’s daughter’s education.