What happened to Roy Fred Giddens Jr. at the VA hospital?

Roy Fred Giddens Jr., a 75-year-old veteran, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while a patient at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.

Why is the Giddens family suing the VA?

The family filed a $37.5 million lawsuit, alleging the VA hospital staff ignored repeated warnings about Giddens' suicidal ideations and access to a firearm.

What are the family's demands in the lawsuit against the VA?

The Giddens family is seeking $37.5 million for wrongful death and common law negligence, demanding accountability and aiming to prevent future tragedies.

Home / Crime and Justice / Veteran's Fatal VA Shooting: Avoidable Tragedy?

Veteran's Fatal VA Shooting: Avoidable Tragedy?

20 Nov

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Summary

Veteran Roy Giddens Jr. died from a self-inflicted gunshot at a VA hospital.
Family alleges VA staff ignored repeated warnings of suicidal ideations.
A $37.5 million wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against the VA.

Veteran's Fatal VA Shooting: Avoidable Tragedy?

A $37.5 million wrongful death lawsuit accuses the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago of negligence following the self-inflicted gunshot death of 75-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran Roy Fred Giddens Jr. The family asserts that hospital staff were repeatedly warned that Giddens had a gun and was considering suicide, yet failed to take adequate preventive measures.

According to the complaint, Giddens expressed suicidal ideations on multiple occasions during his hospital stays in the months leading up to his death on December 31, 2023. His attorney stated Giddens sought medical care, not to harm himself, and that the hospital's inaction was "completely unfathomable."

The lawsuit details a pattern of alleged failures, including not removing a firearm from Giddens' home and not adequately supervising him. The family seeks justice for their loss and hopes to ensure veterans receive the care they deserve, aiming to prevent future tragedies.