Suicide – why such claims are worth nothing in money, but everything for justice

In 2018, there were 6,507 registered deaths by suicide in the UK – this was a huge increase of 11.8% from 2017. With the number of suicides on tragically on the rise, more and more people are experiencing the truly devastating impact that suicide can have.

At Ashtons Legal, we represent and support many families who have not only lost a loved one, but are having to come to terms with the fact that had the right medical care been provided, their family member or friend would likely still be here today. Unfortunately, we continue to see far too many of these cases whereby medical negligence has contributed to a tragic death.

In cases such as these, claims can be brought by the following:

• dependants of the deceased
• family members of the deceased
• estate of the deceased.

There are many ways in which medical negligence can be to blame for a case involving a suicide. One scenario we continue to see involves a mental health unit incorrectly discharging a patient, and the patient then goes on to die by suicide often just a few hours or days later.

Families who have lost someone to suicide may also face the inquest process. It is not always possible to have legal representation at an inquest but it is always worth checking. Inquests are crucial in cases where it is suspected that medical negligence was a contributing factor as they help to obtain further information about the events leading up to the death and can answer any questions the family may have concerning their loved one.

In some scenarios, the inquest may also highlight concerns with the treatment given, and in doing so allows health providers to learn from or adapt their practices. Often a family’s main goal is to ensure that changes are made so that another family does not have to suffer in the way they are.

Although no amount of financial compensation will be able to bring a loved one back, many families may decide to pursue a medical negligence claim for a number of different reasons.

It must be stressed from the start of this process that the potential financial reward involved, if successful, is not of great value at all, particularly if the person who has died had no dependants. Unlike other medical negligence claims, whereby compensation may be needed to pay for equipment, rehabilitation and ongoing treatment, the compensation from a claim involving a suicide unfortunately does not have to cover any such ongoing costs, and therefore is often not of great value.

Aside from obtaining compensation, our medical negligence team have extensive experience in working with bereaved families to help them have their voice heard, seek answers to their questions and concerns, and in many cases, to get them the justice they so deserve.

If you have lost a loved one by suicide and have concerns about the treatment given, please get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to assist you and answer any questions, no matter how big or small, that you may have.