Mental Health Expert Witness Opines on Inadequate Patient Protection

Case Overview

In this case a mental health expert witness was requested to testify on behalf of a plaintiff who allegedly assaulted during his stay at a mental health facility in Alabama. The patient had a range of mental disabilities that he was receiving care for at the facility in question. During his stay at the facility, he was housed in a wing of the building that also contained individuals with psychiatric disorders, but otherwise normal levels of intelligence. At some point, one of the other patients in the health care facility developed a compulsive obsession with the plaintiff, who became the victim of repeated threats of violence. Nevertheless, both the plaintiff and the defendant were allowed to roam the facility with relative freedom, even after staff observed the threatening behavior. Eventually, the plaintiff was assaulted by the other patient, suffering severe injuries.

Questions to the Psychiatry expert and their responses

Do you have extensive experience managing/directing psychiatric wards?

I was the clinical psychopharmacology director of a major state hospital for 4.5 years and before that was the director of child psychiatric services at a mental healthcare center for 10 years.

What kind of steps and protocols are in place to prevent this type of injury?

All hospitals should have protocols in place to keep patients from harming each other and themselves.

About the expert

This highly qualified and triple board certified psychiatrist earned his BS and MD at the University of Kansas where also completed internship and residency training. He completed fellowship training at Johns Hopkins. This expert is a member of the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and several other professional organizations. Formerly he was the Clinical Director of the South Mississippi State Hospital. Currently, he the Medical Director and attending physician at a private practice.

E-001060

Specialties:

Psychiatry