Albuquerque Negligent Medical Care Leading to Suicide
For current members of the US military and veterans, one of the most valuable benefits is access to quality medical care. However, statistics from the Department of Defense Suicide Prevention Office indicate that officials may not be focusing proper attention on mental health issues. Approximately 385 active duty service members commit suicide annually, and these incidents have been on the rise since 2015. Entire families are devastated by the loss of their loved one, with survivors left questioning whether something could have been done to prevent the tragic outcome. In many cases, suicide is preventable and is the result of failures by military physicians. You may have legal remedies related to negligent medical care, and our team at Bertling Law Group will assist with recovering compensation for your losses. We have decades of combined experience serving our nation’s troops, so we are ready to fight for your family. Please contact our firm to schedule a no-cost case evaluation with an Albuquerque military medical malpractice attorney. An overview of the laws is also informative.
Facts About Failure to Prevent Suicide
Physicians have a duty to provide proper care in all contexts, including for patients with mental health issues or risk factors that might lead them to consider suicide. A breach of duty could give rise to a medical malpractice claim, for which survivors may qualify for monetary damages. Additional facts about preventable suicide claims include:
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When an active duty member of the military takes their own life through medical negligence, the remedy for family members falls under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Survivors file a claim with the respective service branch.
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The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) applies to situations of failure to prevent suicide among veterans.
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To recover compensation under NDAA or FTCA, you must prove that the military or VA physician did not take action despite having knowledge that the patient was at risk of committing suicide.
How a Knowledgeable Lawyer Can Help
It is possible to obtain amounts for loss of consortium, education, guidance, and love under NDAA and FTCA, as well as the decedent’s financial contributions. Our Albuquerque military medical malpractice attorneys at Bertling Law Group will guide you through the legal process by:
- Gathering evidence;
- Completing forms and submitting necessary documentation;
- Attempting to work out a NDAA claim with the Secretary of Defense and/or Secretary of the Treasure for claims in excess of $100,000; and,
- Discussing settlement with the Veterans Administration (VA) for a FTCA claim.
The government’s decision with a NDAA claim is final and not appealable, so we will work diligently to ensure you receive fair compensation. If we cannot settle your FTCA claim with the VA, we will sue in court to get proper monetary damages.
Set Up a Free Consultation with an Albuquerque Military Medical Malpractice Lawyer
To learn more about your legal remedies after negligent medical care leads to suicide, please contact Bertling Law Group. You can set up your complimentary case review by calling 844-25-7558 or visiting our website. After learning about your situation, we can advise you on the details.
