The family of Robert Carradine has filed a wrongful death and elder abuse lawsuit against the University of California, Los Angeles, five months after the actor died by suicide.
According to The Wrap, Carradine's children filed the lawsuit on Friday (7 August), accusing UCLA of wrongful death, as well as elder abuse and neglect. The 71-year-old actor had voluntarily checked into UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital in January for treatment of suicidal ideation.
Allegations of negligence
The filing, obtained by The Wrap, claims the facility failed to ensure his safety by allowing Carradine to walk into the locked unit with a belt, despite it being "standard" procedure to remove such items in psychiatric hospitals. UCLA's own policy classifies "belts and buckles" as contraband.
The document alleged that "Robert's hopes for successful treatment didn't match the reality he had stepped into." It also stated that UCLA left a rolling bedside table in the actor's bedroom, which was not typically allowed in the unit, and failed to check on him "every 15 minutes," leaving him alone for "long periods of time."
Death and family statement
Nineteen hours after entering the facility, Carradine attempted suicide, resulting in an "anoxic brain injury." After five weeks in intensive care, he was unable to regain consciousness and passed away on February 23.
Confirming his passing, the family released a statement: "It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and brother Robert Carradine has passed away." They added: "In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of 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 concluded: "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."
