Rodriguez-Escobar v. Goss

In this health care liability case, Dr. Diego Rodriguen-Escobar examined Beverly Goss to determine whether she met the criteria for involuntary hospitalization for psychiatric care. He decided she did not and released her. Three days later she committed suicide, which precipitated this suit based on allegations that Dr. Rodriguez-Escobar’s failure to involuntarily hospitalize her was negligence. A jury found against Dr. Rodríguez-Escobar and awarded damages. The trial court rendered judgment on the verdict and the court of appeals affirmed. We reverse and render.

Goss had a history of suicidal…