Family Stunned by Murder-Suicide Tragedy

The surviving family of a man and his daughter are mourning the devastating loss that occurred recently in a local Atlanta home. While detailed reports have not been released by authorities, information from the DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office and county police show that 50-year-old E.W. and his daughter died of gunshot wounds. There were several family members at the home when E.W. and his 30-year-old daughter, M.W., began arguing. Investigators have not stated what the argument was concerning but apparently it started to get more heated and then E.W. pulled out a gun. Police say E.W. fired a single fatal shot at his daughter and then shot himself. Police and emergency crews arrived at the home but both individuals had died of their injuries. Investigators are continuing to look into the incident in an attempt to piece together exactly what factors led to the tragic incident. Current reports and information that have been released do not state any underlying elements such as long term disagreements between the father and daughter, domestic violence, alcohol problems, illegal drug use or if the father had been under treatment for depression or other mental circumstances. If you lost a loved one due to a suicide while he or she was on antidepressants or other psychiatric drugs then it is possible that there is a valid medical negligence case. Discuss your case with a medical malpractice lawyer right away to learn more about your legal rights.

About Suicide and Medical Malpractice Cases

There are many anti-depressant drugs prescribed by psychiatrists and some medical doctors which claim to treat depression but can have severe side effects. The FDA requires such drugs to carry "black box warnings" which point out that these drugs can increase the occurrence of suicide by those taking the anti-depressant. Drugs with the black box warning include Chantix®, Paxil®, Strattera®, Wellbutrin®, Zoloft® as well as some drugs that are prescribed for non anti-depressant treatments (such as the eczema treatment drugs Elidel® and Protopic® for cancer risks). Psychiatrists and doctors who prescribe anti-depressants have a responsibility to follow the Hippocratic Oath and not cause harm to those they treat—negligence in prescribing these drugs could result in a patient taking his or her own life.

Did you lose a family member to suicide?

If your loved one attempted or committed suicide while under the care of a medical professional who prescribed him or her antidepressants then you should contact our firm immediately. Our medical malpractice team at the Tolson Firm is dedicated to helping individuals and families get the justice they deserve. Make sure those liable for your loss or injuries are held fully accountable.