Larkins v. Department of Mental Health

This case presents yet another addition to this Court’s swelling jurisprudence on governmental immunity.

Lorrell Williams’ mother filed a petition for his admission to the Detroit Psychiatric Institute on October 28, 1978. The petition was accompanied by statements from two doctors who had examined him and detailed his behavioral problems. According to plaintiffs’ complaint, Williams was examined upon his admission the next day by defendant Dr. Murthy, a psychiatrist with the Institute; five days later, Williams was discharged by defendants Pearlman, a social worker with the Institute, and…