An Arizona family filed a lawsuit against a hospital for allegedly discharging their son in a critical condition and leaving him on a sidewalk, where he later died.
An Arizona family is pursuing legal action against Abrazo Health Arrowhead hospital after the tragic death of their 27-year-old son, Kaelen Lachica, who they claim was improperly discharged and left outside in a vulnerable state. According to the wrongful death lawsuit, hospital staff arranged for Lachica to be transported via Uber to a nearby homeless shelter, despite his deteriorating health following a possible stroke and severe anorexia. His condition had reportedly worsened significantly, rendering him delusional and immobile days before he was discharged.
The family details how Kaelen had battled anorexia for nearly a decade but had shown improvement prior to his hospitalization. His father, Seth Lachica, stated that the hospital's actions amounted to abandonment and directly contributed to his son's death. He expressed profound grief and anger, asserting that the hospital essentially 'killed' their son by neglecting to provide the necessary care and support.
This case has raised concerns about hospital discharge practices, particularly concerning vulnerable patients with serious health issues. The family is now calling for accountability from Abrazo Health and seeks to promote changes in how hospitals handle situations involving patients who are at risk of harm if discharged prematurely. The implications of this lawsuit could extend beyond the Lachica family, potentially influencing policies aimed at protecting patients in similar circumstances from inadequate medical care and oversight.
