Wrongful Death by Suicide over Termination

[tsbloop]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? AZ
My brother in law was fired from his job after 19 yrs for writing racial slures. He asked for help and was denied because they just activated a no tolerance policy. He committed suicide as of result. He sent his employer a letter stating that "he hoped they could sleep at night, he couldn't" "Maybe next time they will think twice before they kill someone else". The brass from the company came out to the house while the police and coroner and the body was still there telling my sister that they did not do this and tried to offer some type of explanation. My brother in law made sure that he left us a copy of what he sent to all three bosses along with his suicide letter explaining why he did this. The company has had 3 other suicide deaths as a result of their firing practices. I believe my brother in law was the 4th.

[Blue Meanie]

Originally Posted by tsbloop

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? AZ
My brother in law was fired from his job after 19 yrs for writing racial slures. He asked for help and was denied because they just activated a no tolerance policy. He committed suicide as of result. He sent his employer a letter stating that "he hoped they could sleep at night, he couldn't" "Maybe next time they will think twice before they kill someone else". The brass from the company came out to the house while the police and coroner and the body was still there telling my sister that they did not do this and tried to offer some type of explanation. My brother in law made sure that he left us a copy of what he sent to all three bosses along with his suicide letter explaining why he did this. The company has had 3 other suicide deaths as a result of their firing practices. I believe my brother in law was the 4th.

Did you have a question?

[FordForever]

I believe the OP would like to know if there is a case. Did the companies termination lead to a wrongful death via suicide?

[lealea1005]

I am sorry for your loss.

Your BIL violated his employer's no tolerance policy by writing racial slurs. He was fired for violating that policy. For whatever reason, HE made the unfortunate decision to take his life. Obviously, he had other underlying psychological issues which he was unable to deal with.

Did he have a history of depression or previous suicidal ideation?

[ecmst12]

His employer did not have any obligation to evaluate his mental state or suggest any type of treatment. They reacted appropriately to his very inappropriate behavior at work. People do not commit suicide because of bad things that happen to them. They commit suicide because they have a psychological illness. It is unfortunate that none of his family members recognized the signs before it was too late. The employer's only problem is apparently hiring too many people who were mentally unstable.