Legal issues of professional negligence in suicide cases

摘要: Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death, accounting for almost 30,000 deaths each year in United States. The loss a patient to suicide most feared outcome among mental health professionals, while fear litigation and liability after such may be close second. This article will familiarize professionals with legal issues professional negligence cases. We begin an introduction malpractice suicidal patients, followed by explanation essential elements relevant terminology. then discuss general theories involving suicide, provide illustrative case examples. conclude discussion risk management procedures that can substantially reduce one's exposure liability. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.