Jonesboro Suicide Lawyer


Suicide Malpractice

Legal Support When Suicide Occurs Under Institutional Care

If your loved one died by suicide while under professional care—in a hospital, jail, treatment center, or psychiatric facility—you deserve answers. More importantly, you deserve action. Suicide malpractice isn’t about blaming the person who died. It’s about exposing institutional negligence that allowed it to happen.


At the Law Offices of Paul Ford, we bring legal action against those who failed to follow the rules that protect vulnerable people. Because suicide doesn’t “just happen.” It happens when red flags are missed, ignored, or dismissed. And when the system fails, we step in to make sure it answers for it.

A man is sitting on a hospital bed looking out a window.
Our Core Focus:

What Is a Suicide-Related Wrongful Death Claim?

Though suicide is not wrongful death by default, if it occurs while a person was under a duty of care—and that duty was breached—survivors may file a wrongful death or negligence lawsuit. Examples include:

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Ignoring or misreading elevated suicide risk
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Failing to monitor or supervise someone at high risk

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Discharging or releasing people without safety planning
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Leaving them access to means of self-harm
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Inadequate care in hospitals, psychological units, jails, or treatment centers
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Failure to provide timely mental health intervention or crisis response

The law holds these institutions responsible—when the standard of care is broken, and that breach leads to death, it is negligence under Arkansas law, and families have the right to pursue justice.

Who We Represent

We represent families whose loved ones died under the following conditions:

  • Psychiatric hospitals or inpatient mental health units
  • General hospitals with behavioral health services
  • Detox and residential addiction treatment facilities
  • County jails, prisons, or juvenile detention centers

Why Choose Our Firm Paul Ford 

Suicide-related liability cases demand deep legal knowledge and investigative precision. Our firm brings extensive experience in wrongful death litigation under Arkansas law, supported by a network of medical and institutional experts who help uncover the truth. We approach every case with trauma-sensitive advocacy, understanding the emotional toll these situations carry, while providing compassionate guidance throughout the legal process. With our contingency-fee model, families face no upfront costs—we only collect fees if we successfully secure compensation on your behalf.


Statistics That Demand Attention


These are not coincidences. They are the result of underfunded care, institutional neglect, and lack of accountability.

10th

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.

#1

It is the #1 cause of death in psychiatric hospitals.

First week

A majority of inpatient suicides occur within the first week of admission.

Rates

Suicide rates continue to rise—especially among young adults and veterans.

What We Offer Families After a Suicide in Care

We conduct thorough investigations, work with mental health and institutional experts, and take decisive legal action when facilities fail their duty. Here’s what you can expect:

01

A compassionate and private consultation to discuss your loved one’s case

02

In-depth knowledge of suicide risk protocols, institutional duties, and Arkansas wrongful death law

03

A trial-ready legal team prepared to hold hospitals, psychiatric units, jails, and treatment centers accountable

Skip Simpson

Hello. My name is Skip Simpson. I am an attorney from San Antonio Texas. I have dedicated the majority of my career to handling suicide malpractice cases. It is all I do. I am passionate about it. Very passionate.


You won't find many lawyers recommending other lawyers on websites, but this is an exception. I met Paul Ford several years ago, and we have worked together on numerous cases; he is an exceptionally skilled trial lawyer. Paul's life was changed when his brother, a physician, died by suicide. Paul has taken his unique perspective and used it to relate to our clients in a way few if any other lawyers can do.


As I continue my dedicated journey, I nevertheless, at this stage in my career, need to know someone exactly like Paul will carry on the good fight for our special clients. I take great pride in working with Paul as I teach him from my years of experience. I know he will continue to carry the torch and represent families who have been shattered by suicide. I highly recommend him.

If your loved one died by suicide under the care of a facility, talk to someone who understands both the legal and emotional weight of what you’re facing.

Call us now:  870-935-5400

Business Hours: 9 AM – 3 PM CT
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