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Veteran's Fatal VA Shooting: Avoidable Tragedy?
20 Nov
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.
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.
