Preventable Suicide Claims.

If you have lost a loved one and believe their suicide could have been prevented with appropriate care, we are here to provide the legal support you need.

Preventable suicide refers to a situation where a person takes their own life after failings in medical or professional care relating to an underlying mental health condition that has increased the risk of death and or self-harm. Mental health services, hospitals, GPs, crisis teams, and other healthcare providers have a duty of care to assess and support individuals who are at risk of suicide. When this duty is not met, whether through inadequate risk assessments, poor crisis intervention, or premature discharge, lives can be lost unnecessarily.

Those struggling with mental illness often seek help, trusting that they will receive the care they need to stay safe. When warning signs are missed or proper safeguarding measures are not put in place, suicide may become a preventable tragedy. In these cases, families may have grounds to make a claim for medical negligence, ensuring those responsible are held accountable and that future care standards are improved.

When someone is experiencing severe mental distress, healthcare professionals have a duty to assess their risk of suicide and take appropriate action to protect them. If this duty is not met, a person who could have been helped may be left without the care and intervention they desperately needed. In these cases, their death may have been preventable.

There are many ways in which medical or professional negligence can contribute to a preventable suicide, including:

• Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of a mental health condition: If a person’s mental illness is not correctly identified, they may not receive the treatment or support they need to keep them safe.
• Inadequate suicide risk assessments: Medical professionals must recognise warning signs and take concerns seriously, particularly if an individual has expressed suicidal thoughts or has a history of self-harm.
• Lack of crisis intervention: If someone is in crisis, timely and appropriate care can be lifesaving. Failure to provide urgent treatment, prescribe the right medication, or admit a person to hospital when necessary can have devastating consequences.
• Premature discharge from hospital or mental health services: People at risk of suicide should only be discharged from medical care when there is a safe and effective support plan in place.
• Failure to provided adequate support: An adequate plan for treatment and monitoring following a voluntary or involuntary inpatient admission for assessment and or treatment.
• Failure to provide appropriate supervision: In settings such as psychiatric hospitals, prisons, or police custody, individuals at risk should be closely monitored to prevent self-harm.
• Failure to restrict access to means of self-harm: In certain environments, steps must be taken to remove or limit access to potentially dangerous items, including medication, ligatures, or sharp objects.

When these failings occur, the impact on families is devastating. If you believe a failure in care contributed to your loved one’s suicide, seeking legal advice may help you understand what went wrong and hold those responsible to account.

Losing a loved one to suicide is an overwhelming and life-changing experience, and while no amount of compensation can undo your loss, making a claim can provide financial security and help ensure those responsible are held accountable. A successful claim can also highlight failings in care, potentially leading to improvements in mental health services and suicide prevention measures.

In a preventable suicide claim, compensation may cover:

• Pain and suffering experienced by your loved one: If they endured distress or inadequate medical care before their passing, this may be considered as part of the claim.
• Funeral and associated expenses: The financial burden of arranging a funeral can be significant, and compensation can help ease this cost.
• Loss of financial support: If the deceased was a primary earner, dependents may be able to claim for lost income and future financial security.

Each case is unique, and we will take the time to understand your circumstances to ensure every relevant factor is considered. At Lanyon Bowdler, we are here to provide the legal guidance and support you need to navigate this difficult process.

Yes. If your loved one’s death is considered unexpected or unexplained, an inquest may be held to investigate the circumstances surrounding how the person died and may also include whether failings in care contributed to their death. The purpose of the inquest is not to apportion blame however, the Coroner will consider the relevant evidence to understand the circumstances leading to that suicide. i. This process can be incredibly difficult for families, as it may involve hearing distressing evidence and reliving painful details. Having experienced legal representation can provide clarity, reassurance, and support during this challenging time.

At Lanyon Bowdler, we regularly represent families at inquests, ensuring the right questions are asked and that all relevant evidence is properly considered. Our involvement can help uncover failings in care that may not otherwise come to light, which can be crucial in securing justice in a subsequent clinical negligence claim and preventing similar tragedies in the future.

While an inquest does not determine liability or award compensation, its findings can be instrumental in building a medical negligence claim. If you are facing an inquest and need legal guidance, we are here to help you navigate the process with professionalism and sensitivity.

This is often one of the most difficult questions for families to face. If your loved one was under the care of medical professionals, mental health services, or any authority with a duty to protect them, and you feel their concerns were ignored or appropriate care was not provided, there may be grounds to investigate further. Our solicitors can sensitively review your circumstances and help determine whether a preventable suicide claim is possible.

Evidence can include medical records, details of any contact with healthcare providers, risk assessments, discharge summaries, witness accounts, and expert medical opinions. You don’t need to have everything in place before contacting us — our team will guide you through what is needed and help gather any relevant information.

Not necessarily. Many preventable suicide claims are resolved without the need for a court hearing. We always aim to settle claims through negotiation wherever possible, providing a less stressful experience for you. If your case does go to court, we will be by your side at every step, offering guidance and support throughout.

The timescale can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether liability is admitted early on. Some claims can be resolved within a year, while others may take longer. Rest assured, we will keep you informed throughout the process and always work efficiently to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

We understand that worrying about legal costs can add to an already distressing situation. In most cases, we are able to offer a ‘No Win No Fee’ agreement, meaning you won’t have to pay anything upfront. We will explain all your funding options clearly and help you choose the one that’s right for you.