Robert Carradine's family sues hospital over wrongful death and elder abuse
Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
More than six months on from the death of beloved actor Robert Carradine, his family has launched a lawsuit against the hospital that cared for him.
Carradine had a long struggle with bipolar disorder and sadly passed away in February at the age of 71, and he was admitted into the University of California's locked psychiatric unit earlier this year.
However, less than 24 hours after being admitted, the Lizzie McGuire actor attempted suicide. He never regained consciousness and died five weeks later in intensive care.
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His family are suing the hospital for wrongful death and elder abuse.
The filing, which has been obtained by The Wrap, stated: “Robert walked into UCLA’s locked psychiatric unit ‘feeling relieved to be hospitalised’ and hoped that ‘additional inpatient treatment would’ reduce his anxiety. He was happy to be in a ‘locked, structured environment’ where he could rest – one that felt ‘containing and helpful.’
“But Robert’s hopes for successful treatment didn’t match the reality he had stepped into."
The suit argued that UCLA 'took shortcuts with safeguards that were meant to protect Robert’s life'.
The family also raised serious concerns about the amount of time it took staff to check on the actor, suggesting that he should have been seen every 15 minutes but the reality was that 'no one watched him or checked on him for long periods of time'.
They even allege they recorded the mandatory 15-minute checks in paperwork without actually performing them.
The suit reads: "On paper, UCLA produced a perfect record, making it look like they were checking on suicidal patients every 15 minutes.
“In reality, UCLA allowed staff to cut corners knowing that doing so placed its patients with suicidal ideation, including Robert at risk of suicide and death.”
It also claims Carradine was recorded as 'participating in group therapy' when he had already been found 'unresponsive' in his room.
After his suicide attempt, Carradine entered cardiac arrest and suffered an 'anoxic brain injury' which saw him spend the next five weeks in an intensive care unit, never regaining consciousness, before he passed away on 23 February.
Following his death, his family paid tribute to the Los Angeles-born actor on social media.
"It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away," read a statement issued to Deadline on behalf of the Carradine family.
"In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon on light to everyone around him. We are bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobby’s valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with bipolar disorder.
The statement continued: "We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness. At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion."
LADbible has contacted UCLA Health for comment.
Topics: Mental Health, Celebrity News, Entertainment
James Moorhouse