Rhines v. Herzel

OPINION OF THE COURT

NIX, Justice.

This is a wrongful death and survival action brought by the administrator of the estate of Beverly L. Rhines, deceased. The complaint alleged that the deceased, a patient at Harrisburg State Hospital, was killed by another patient, Henry Miller. Decedent’s death, according to the facts alleged by plaintiff-appellant, was due to the failure of hospital personnel to provide for adequate supervision of Miller, a patient with known homicidal tendencies. Joined as defendants in the cause of action were the superintendent of Harrisburg State Hospital, various staff…