Family Suing Psychiatric Hospital Over Son’s Death

A 19-year-old young man died in a psychiatric hospital for children in November 2016. Now, his parents are fighting for justice. The parents of the young man are suing Laurel Heights.

On the day that the young man died, a call was made to 911. In that recording, the caller can be heard telling dispatchers that the child was not breathing. The caller declined CPR instructions, instead asking for an ambulance. The young man officially passed away at 1:54 p.m., having choked on his own vomit. The official cause of death was homicide.

The parents are suing the facility for wrongful death after discovering that the young man was placed in a restraint hold that could potentially have inhibited his ability to breathe correctly. It is said that the young man was struggling with a worker in the facility and was taken to the ground. One worker straddled the young man’s midsection and, once he was on his stomach, the young man has a staff member sitting on his back.

It was only three minutes later, according to the video, that the young man was turned over onto his back, appearing unconscious. It was then that 911 was called.

This is not the first accusation of wrongdoing on the part of the facility. Previously, a child was burned and another was allegedly sexually assaulted.

If a loved one has died at the hands of another in Atlanta, you may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. Call our office today to schedule a free case evaluation.