Attempted Suicide

Actions for Discussion 3.3: Attempted Suicide Locked after
Monday, April 24, 2017 12:00 AM MDT. Must post first. Chapter 9.
Scenario (based on a real California case): A female patient has
been taken to the emergency room of a local hospital for an
attempted suicide by overdosing on medication. Due to the medical
staff determining she posed a danger to herself, they admitted her
to the hospital and put her on a 72-hour hold. The patient’s
primary physician was contacted and agreed to the admission for
treatment related to the overdose. During the 72-hour hold, a
nurse, following the physician’s order, assisted the patient as she
walked down a hospital corridor. The patient was wearing a rubber
slipper that caught on the floor, causing her to fall and fracture
a bone in her leg. The patient sued the hospital for negligence and
premises liability. Applying the principle elements of a negligence
cause of action, discuss the possible theories by which liability
could be found in this case. If the nurse is found negligent, how
is the hospital also liable? Does the hospital have any possible
defenses? How should the court or jury rule?