Our Insights

The medicolegal implications of the suicidal patient in psychiatric practice

by Dr Priscilla Kent, Consultant Psychiatrist

The loss of a family member by suicide is often extremely traumatic for those left behind and litigation in these circumstances is very common. However, as with every medicolegal case, it is necessary to prove that the treating psychiatrist and/or hospital staff were negligent and it was this negligence that led to the patient’s death. 

30 January 2025
The loss of a family member by suicide is often extremely traumatic for those left behind and litigation in these circumstances is very common. However, as with every medicolegal case, it is necessary to prove that the treating psychiatrist and/or hospital staff were negligent and it was this negligence that led to the patient’s death.
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