This presentation will examine the past 10 years of data relating to suicides among incarcerated individuals, with special emphasis on the period since the beginning of the pandemic. We will explore historic and emerging types of claims brought against correctional mental health care staff after a patient suicide, including how statistical evidence is being used in discovery and allowed at trial. Finally, we will discuss the role this information plays in the valuation of a suicide case.

Educational Objectives

• Identify the historic difference between claims involving suicides in the incarcerated population versus individuals living in the free world
• Discuss ways in which the increase in suicidality is changing the types of claims and allegations filed against correctional behavioral health care staff
• Debate how statistics and jurors' personal experience can impact the valuation of correctional suicide cases, both at present and going forward

Level: Intermediate