SUICIDE

          Lapierre v. Cumberland Lincoln Mercury          Worker's Compensation Commission          Portland, Maine

     Mr. Lapierre's widow sought compensation for her husband’s suicide which she alleged was work related.  Employer's expert Robinson conducted a psychological autopsy of the decedent and concluded that work related stressors (the decedent was on worker’s compensation at the time of his suicide by gunshot) were not the cause of Lapierre's suicide.  The Worker’s Compensation Commission concurred. 

                              Employer's Attorney:

                              Evan Hansen, Esq.                              Portland, Maine                              (207) 791-3000

                                      In re:  Mr. S          State of Maine Medical Review Panel          Biddeford, Maine

     Suit was brought by the Estate of Mr. S who suicided by carbon monoxide and an overdose of medication prescribed by the Defendant psychiatrist employed by the Defendant institution.  The late Mr. S had been seen by the psychiatrist hours before his suicide.  All medical malpractice cases in the State of Maine must first be reviewed by the Medical Review Panel composed of three members.  Unanimous votes in either direction must be reported to the jury.  Defendant's insurance carrier retained expert witness Dr. Charles Robinson who provided testimony to the Panel in regard to suicide and the standards of care for persons at risk for suicide.  The Medical Panel unanimously voted in favor of the Defendant psychiatrist and Defendant institution and no further action was taken. 

                              Defendant's Attorney:

                              Christopher Nyhan, Esq.                              Portland, Maine                              (207) 775-5831

          State v. Roberts           Kennebec County Superior Court           Augusta, Maine

     Mr. Roberts had acknowledged the shooting death of his best friend in the course of a night's drinking.  The State alleged that the shooting was an act of anger and sought conviction for murder.  Defendant's expert Dr. Charles Robinson testified that the crime scene, Roberts' history and witness statements were all consistent with a failed suicide attempt the victim tried to foil.  Roberts had a history of such attempts designed to bring about his "rescue" and thereby validate his right to live.  In remarkable compromise, the jury found Roberts not guilty by reason of insanity.  He was discharged from in-patient psychiatric care six months later. 

                                   Defendant's Attorney:

                                   Robert Sandy, Esq.                                    Waterville, Maine                                    (207) 872-7727

Back to the "WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW?" Topics list.