Can a mental hospital be held liable for not informing family of the death of a love one?

Question

I had an uncle that had been in and out of a mental institution. We did not know where he was. I happen to find his death record while checking the Social Security Death Index. The hospital never notified the next of kin.

Answer 1

Are you sure they knew who the next of kin was?

And if it was not a case of homicide then I don;t think they HAVE TO report it because he was an adult , although they should have told someone anyway.

Answer 2

You say he was in and out.  If he was out when he passed they had no responsibility to you.  If he was in & they had your info. then they should have called you.  If you didn't know where he was though maybe he didn't list you as family when he checked in.  It is not their reponsibility to track you down if they don't know about you.

Answer 3

Sue the heartless b******s. So sorry for your loss.