We often write about situations that could result in medical malpractice lawsuits involving problems with procedures. There are times however when hospitals may be negligent without workers even coming into physical contact with the patient. This is the basis of a lawsuit that was recently filed in Pennsylvania.

The medical malpractice lawsuit alleges a hospital located in the state was negligent in the way it treated one of its patients. The 30-year- old woman was reportedly at the hospital due to what appeared to be suicidal tendencies. Despite these reportedly obvious issues, manifested in the patient's repeated messages to caregivers that she wanted to die, the woman nonetheless was left alone.

This made it possible for the woman to leave the hospital, which she did. After leaving, she made her way to a road and was struck by a car. The woman died as a result of her injuries.

The woman's mother alleges the negligent behavior of workers at the hospital led to the wrongful death of her daughter. She also claims that her daughter was not the first patient at the hospital who was allowed to sneak off. In the months preceding the woman's death reportedly at least eight others did the exact same thing. It is unclear if any of those escapes resulted in death.

As we all know, there is nothing that can be done to bring the woman who died back. In some cases however, obtaining a financial award from the parties responsible for the loss, makes everything a bit easier. In this case, the woman's mother is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages.

Source: Penn Live, "Estate of deceased mental health patient sues Holy Spirit Hospital for negligence," Charles Thompson, April 29, 2013