Family of mentally ill man killed after taking staff hostage can sue hospital

By Andrew Maloney Law Bulletin staff writer

Posted May 15, 2018 2:31 PM

The family of a mentally ill man who was shot and killed in a standoff with police at a suburban hospital can go forward with claims against the institution.An appeals court ruled Monday that Provena Mercy Medical Center in Aurora could be held liable for the death of Johnnie Russell, a schizophrenic who was killed by police after taking hospital staff and patients hostage in 2006.The court ruling held the hospital could be liable because employees failed to search Russell and confiscate the firearm he used during the …

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