Wofford v. Eastern State Hospital

SUMMERS, Justice:

We are asked to examine the liability of a mental institution for the release of a patient who later killed his stepfather. We conclude that although the State of Oklahoma recognizes such a cause of action under certain circumstances, in this case summary judgment was properly granted in favor of the Hospital.

Plaintiff is the mother of the patient, and was the wife of the deceased victim. She sued the Hospital for negligent release and failure to supervise. The trial court found the fatal act to be too remote and unforeseeable to render the Hospital liable, and granted…