Settlement for family of a man who took his own life following delays in mental health support

Ali Masterson, Trainee Legal Executive in our Medical Negligence team, has obtained a settlement of £17,500 for the family of JM, who tragically took his own life following a delay in provision of mental health support.

Ms Masterson was instructed in July 2022 by the family of JM with regard to a civil claim and inquest representation following the death of JM in December 2021. The inquest took place in December 2022, where the Coroner recorded a conclusion of suicide and noted that there was a missed opportunity for an earlier referral to the Youth Mental Health Team.

Following the conclusion of the Inquest, a formal civil claim was brought against the Trust and settlement was successfully negotiated at £17,500, apportioned between damages to the Estate of JM and a dependancy claim brought under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. The matter was heard before a District Judge in October 2023, where the settlement was formally approved.

Ali Masterson comments: “This was an incredibly sad situation for the family to deal with. We were able to provide representation at the two-day Inquest and go on to successfully settle the civil claim soon after. Whilst no financial award can ever replace JM in their lives, the settlement will ensure that there is support for them going forward which provides a little comfort.”

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