Hospital liable for discharging mentally ill mother into the care of 17-year-old

Hospital liable for discharging mentally ill mother into the care of 17-year-old

Ebony

Ebony had a history of mental illness and had tragically attempted suicide multiple times. After an attempted valium overdose, the hospital released Ebony into the care of her 17-year-old daughter. Days later, she jumped from a balcony and crushed her vertebrae. The injuries left her paraplegic and in need of daily assistance. We proved the hospital was negligent and helped secure Ebony’s financial future.

After her first attempt, Ebony was admitted to a public hospital. The hospital made an order for Ebony’s involuntary treatment. The next day, they removed the order and Ebony was sent home to her daughter. A community nurse followed up with Ebony once a day. Shortly after, she reattempted by jumping from the balcony.

The resulting paraplegia has exacerbated her existing mental health issues. She also requires help with many aspects of day-to-day life including showering, transport and housework.

We worked with three expert psychiatrists to conclude that the hospital staff were negligent in discharging Ebony into the care of her daughter. They added that the follow-up was an inadequate response to the severity of her condition.

The hospital fought hard against the matter throughout both mediations. A resolution of $2.5 million was reached in the second mediation. This was an excellent result, especially given the complexities of the medical issues and the defence’s powerful expert evidence.

Explore more past case results

Julia’s insurer argued her injury was pre-existing — here’s how we proved them wrong
Workers Compensation

Julia’s insurer argued her injury was pre-existing — here’s how we proved them wrong

Julia* suffered a serious work-related injury to her right shoulder that required arthroscopic acromioplasty surgery. When she filed a workers...

Read more

$112,010

Peter secures large lump sum for three conditions — despite only one being work-related
Workers Compensation

Peter secures large lump sum for three conditions — despite only one being work-related

Peter’s job took a serious toll on his body. He injured his left shoulder so severely that he needed arthroscopic...

Read more

$1.5 million

Esther wins $1.5mil settlement after hospital fails to find cancer
Medical Negligence

Esther wins $1.5mil settlement after hospital fails to find cancer

When Esther* went to a public hospital with groin pain, she underwent ultrasounds and x-rays, but the hospital failed to...

Read more

$300,000

Adelle’s super fund delayed her TPD benefit — we stepped in and secured it quickly
Total and Permanent Disability

Adelle’s super fund delayed her TPD benefit — we stepped in and secured it quickly

Adelle suffers from several debilitating and painful conditions, including Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease, Pre-Scleroderma, Fibromyalgia, and Functional Neurological Disorder. Unable...

Read more

$700,000

Juliette secures $700k in just 4 weeks — despite claims her skills were transferrable
Total and Permanent Disability

Juliette secures $700k in just 4 weeks — despite claims her skills were transferrable

Juliette, 44, had to stop working as a regional supervisor due to severe psychiatric and physical illnesses. She suffered from...

Read more

$460,000

Sally wins TPD payout despite insurer’s claims of incomplete treatment
Total and Permanent Disability

Sally wins TPD payout despite insurer’s claims of incomplete treatment

At just 42, Sally, a registered nurse, was forced to stop work due to a severe mental health condition. When...

Read more

$500,000

Expert evidence secures Travis’ TPD payout despite insurer claiming he could return to work
Total and Permanent Disability

Expert evidence secures Travis’ TPD payout despite insurer claiming he could return to work

Travis suffered from severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that left him unable to work. He was just 35 years old...

Read more

$1 million

Mario wins large TPD payout for psychological condition despite strict policy definition
Total and Permanent Disability

Mario wins large TPD payout for psychological condition despite strict policy definition

After Mario stopped working due to psychological illness, his insurer attempted to deny his Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim,...

Read more

$815,000

Tina gets substantial compensation after car crash, despite pre-existing injuries
Motor Vehicle Accidents

Tina gets substantial compensation after car crash, despite pre-existing injuries

When Tina’s car was rear-ended, she collided with the vehicle in front, leaving her with significant neck, shoulder, and lower...

Read more

$1 million

Injured influencer Emily awarded compensation for her potential future earnings
Motor Vehicle Accidents

Injured influencer Emily awarded compensation for her potential future earnings

Emily, a rising social media star, faced a major setback when a car accident left her with neck and back...

Read more

Get free claim advice

We offer a free consultation to assess your case, explain your options, and answer your questions. It's fast, confidential, and obligation-free.