The loss of a loved one to suicide is devastating. When that loss was preventable—and someone in a position of responsibility failed to act—it becomes even more painful. You can be left struggling with overwhelming questions. Why did no one intervene? Could this have been stopped? In some cases, those responsible for a person’s care or custody—whether in a hospital, jail, school, or treatment facility—can be legally liable for failing to prevent a suicide.
A skilled Chicago failure to prevent suicide lawyer at our firm can help your family find answers and explore whether a legal claim is appropriate. At Kaveny + Kroll, we understand that you are not simply looking for compensation. You are looking for accountability, truth, and change. Our compassionate personal injury attorneys can help you navigate this complex and emotional legal process with empathy and strength.
Suicide Prevention and Legal Duty
Under Illinois law, institutions and individuals in certain positions must protect vulnerable people in their care. This is especially true in settings such as:
- Psychiatric hospitals
- Emergency rooms
- Correctional facilities
- Schools
- Residential treatment centers
When someone is a known suicide risk and appropriate safeguards are not put in place, the result can be catastrophic.
However, for there to be liability issues, the person in charge must be aware that a person is potentially suicidal—and in a position to prevent that suicide. Often, that translates into that person having some type of power over the at-risk person. In many instances, the victims are children, but they can include anyone in a vulnerable position.
In these cases, liability can arise under a theory of medical malpractice, negligence, or wrongful death. Hospitals can fail to conduct proper suicide risk assessments, correctional officers can ignore clear warning signs, and mental health providers can discharge a patient prematurely or neglect to monitor them. Each case must be carefully investigated to determine who knew what—and when—and whether that knowledge triggered a legal obligation to act. Our knowledgeable and experienced Chicago attorneys can investigate whether such a lapse prevented a suicide intervention.
What Makes These Cases Different?
Failure to prevent suicide cases are uniquely complex. These claims often involve multiple parties, overlapping systems of care, and deeply personal subject matter. They require attorneys with both technical knowledge and a deep understanding of mental health law, institutional protocols, and standards of care.
At Kaveny + Kroll, our attorneys work with leading psychiatric professionals, review facility records, and examine systemic failures that possibly contributed to your loved one’s death. We understand the sensitivities involved in bringing these claims and approach every case with the compassion it deserves. Our attorneys’ goals are not only to help your family find a measure of justice but also to push for institutional changes that can prevent system failures and future suicide tragedies in Chicago.
Support, Clarity, and Legal Action
Choosing to pursue a legal claim after a suicide is never easy. Many families worry about judgment, stigma, or the emotional toll of litigation. At Kaveny + Kroll, we take the time to listen. We offer clear guidance on whether you have a case, what the legal process involves, and what outcomes are possible. We handle each step with care, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to your family’s dignity and healing.
If you believe a hospital, facility, or other party failed to prevent your loved one’s suicide in Chicago, our lawyers are ready to help you explore your legal options.
Contact Our Chicago Attorneys About Suicide Prevention Negligence
You do not have to face this alone. A Chicago failure to prevent suicide lawyer at Kaveny + Kroll can offer the clarity and support you need. While no lawsuit can bring your loved one back, legal action can help you uncover the truth, seek accountability, and potentially protect others from a similar fate.
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you find the path forward.
