Personal Injury Law

Northwestern Memorial Hospital Sued for Chicago Wrongful Death of Patient Who Committed Suicide

In Cook County Circuit Court, the family of Karen Graham is suing Northwestern Memorial Hospital for Chicago wrongful death. Graham committed suicide while under the hospital?s care.

In their Chicago medical malpractice complaint, the family contends that since Graham had tried killing herself before being admitted into Northwestern Memorial Hospital?s care on August 5, 2004, the hospital should have known that Graham was at risk of committing suicide and self-injury.

According to the Illinois wrongful death lawsuit, even though the patient had expressed disappointment that her attempt to kill herself didn?t work the hospital workers left her alone in a room without supervision. This gave Graham the opportunity she needed to commit suicide.

Chicago hospitals and nursing homes must properly supervise patient so that they don?t hurt themselves or others. Each patient?s situation is different, which means that medical workers must determine and adapt to each patient?s particular needs. Patients who are a suicide risk, mentally disabled, a fall risk, a wander risk, at risk of self-injury, or have a violent streak should be closely monitored.

Late last month, the daughter of Alice Davis filed an wrongful death lawsuit against St. Joseph?s Hospital of Highland after a fatal Illinois fall accident from a hospital bed. Davis fell on June 18, 2008 while trying to get out of bed. She sustained injuries and died seven days later.

Roberta Cruthis?s Illinois wrongful death lawsuit accuses hospital workers of knowing that Davis was a fall risk. They had attached a close call clip to her hospital gown that should have notified them whenever she tried to get out of bed. Cruthis is accusing the workers of neglecting to properly inspect the alarm, which did not work, and failing to implement the necessary safety measures to keep her mother safe.

Family sues Northwestern hospital for alleged neglect that led to suicide, WBBM, November 4, 2009

Daughter files wrongful death suit against hospital, The Record, November 2, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Medical Malpractice, Justia

Illinois Wrongful Death Act

Full post as published by Chicago Injury Attorney Blog on November 13, 2009 (boomark / email).