Many families in Wisconsin know of the struggle of mental illness. Often, they must seek help to get the care that a loved one needs as a result of depression, for example. These families expect the facilities that are treating their loved ones will do everything they can to protect the patients in their care. Unfortunately, two out-of-state families claim that their loved ones ultimately died as a result of medical malpractice.
The two families have filed separate lawsuits against the hospital. One involves a death that occurred in June 2013. The lawsuit claims that the 67-year-old patient at the center of the case entered the facility as she sought treatment for depression; however, she was soon allegedly attacked by a man who, according to the allegations, hospital officials should have known was violent. As a result of the attack, the woman suffered several injuries. Her family members believe that the fatal heart attack she suffered weeks later would not have happened if she had not been attacked.
The second lawsuit involves the death of a 54-year-old woman. She was also seeking treatment for depression when it was discovered that she had hung herself in the shower, using a pair of scrub pants. The lawsuit alleges that her death may have been prevented had medical care personnel checked on her more frequently.
Those who must seek medical attention and their family members place their trust that medical care professionals will ensure the safety of all patients. Failure to do so could result in serious harm. Those who are suffering as a result of medical malpractice in Wisconsin often discuss their cases with an attorney with experience with such cases to better understand their legal options.
Source: fresnobee.com, “Families sue Community Behavioral Health Center in Fresno for wrongful deaths”, Barbara Anderson, Jan. 19, 2016
