On behalf of Hastings Law Firm posted in Hospital Negligence on Monday, March 23, 2015.

The family members of an Army veteran believes that the VA let their loved one down when it came to his medical care. Like many others who have served in combat zones, the Texas man suffered from PTSD and depression. He sought help for both of these illnesses at local VA facilities, but his family says hospital negligence from those in charge contributed to his death.

The veteran first went to the VA on July 31, 2012 for symptoms related to his PTSD and depression. According to his family, the man was extremely suicidal and reaching out for help. He was denied inpatient treatment and sent home, only to return the next day on Aug. 1, 2012. He was again denied any type of inpatient treatment.

His family members believe that the denial of proper and timely treatment left their loved one with what he felt like were no other options. On Aug. 2, 2012, only a day after trying to get help for the second time, the veteran’s life ended tragically. Without help for his mental illnesses, the veteran ended his life through suicide.

The dangers presented by serious mental illnesses resulting from deployments are typically well known to most people. Veterans who have served and fought for the United States may need serious, specialized treatment following their returns from overseas tours, but one family believes the VA may not be prepared to handle their needs. Since they believe their loved one was a victim of hospital negligence, this veteran’s family filed a medical malpractice claim against the local office that allegedly failed to handle their loved one’s needs. If successful, they may be compensated for their loss.

Source: kwtx.com, “Harker Heights: VA Sued Over Veteran’s Suicide”, Paul J. Gately, March 21, 2015