Overland Park, Kansas — A jury awarded $5.7 million to Christopher Yates after finding that two medical professionals at a local hospital were negligent in the care of his wife, Kim Yates, who died by suicide. This groundbreaking verdict marks the largest recovery in Johnson County for a case involving medical negligence or wrongful death.
Following a two-week trial that concluded last Friday, the jurors determined that staff at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Medical Center failed in their duty of care. Christopher Yates, who took his wife to the hospital after her second suicide attempt, claimed that vital assessments were ignored. The medical team initially identified Kim as being at high risk for suicide but later recommended her discharge just hours after she was admitted on April 11, 2021.
Tragically, Kim Yates died three days later, echoing a previous attempt that her husband had witnessed. At 49 years old, she was described by family and colleagues as a successful businesswoman and a deeply caring mother and wife. Christopher Yates highlighted her impressive career, which included executive roles at notable companies such as Russell Stover and Lee Jeans.
Judge Robert J. Wonnell presided over the case, during which Christopher Yates shared the emotional weight carried by his family. Before proceeding with the lawsuit, he consulted his two children, Megan and Zachary, who expressed their support, emphasizing a desire to prevent others from suffering the same loss. “We were going to be there for each other,” he said, citing his daughter’s determination to advocate for change.
Despite their grief, the Yates family hopes this verdict will prompt a reevaluation of how medical professionals assess suicidal tendencies. Christopher expressed his disappointment in feeling that his wife’s crisis was not taken seriously when they sought help. His attorney, Scott Nutter, reinforced this by stating that suicide assessments should be treated with the same urgency as other life-threatening medical conditions.
In the aftermath of Kim’s death, the family has sought to honor her legacy. They organized a fundraiser for her 50th birthday that raised over $10,000 for the American Heart Association and have committed to increasing awareness about mental health issues. Christopher noted how they are determined to continue her memory, sharing stories that reflect her compassionate nature.
As mental health awareness grows, the Yates family and their legal team advocate for improved protocols in medical settings for individuals who may be suicidal. Their message is clear: such incidents must be treated with the seriousness they deserve, reinforcing the need for effective intervention.
This case not only holds significant implications for future interactions between patients and medical providers but also emphasizes the broader societal need for understanding and addressing mental health crises effectively.
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