Editor’s note: This article is by Robert Audette, of the Brattleboro Reformer, in which it was first published March 17, 2015.
BRATTLEBORO — A family whose 15-year-old daughter died less than two months after attempting suicide while a patient of the Brattleboro Retreat has filed suit in federal court, alleging its negligence led to her death.
“The injuries and death sustained by a teenager were caused by the Retreat’s failure to exercise reasonable care and skill in the care, monitoring, supervision and treatment provided to Laura B. Dipillo in connection with her depression and suicidal ideation,” according to the lawsuit filed by Joel T. Faxon, of the Faxon Law Group in New Haven, Conn.
The teen suffered “serious, painful and permanent injuries” including strangulation, unconsciousness, cardiorespiratory arrest, lack of oxygen to the brain, prolonged coma, physical pain and suffering and eventual death, according to the family’s lawsuit.
The Retreat is home to the Tyler 3 unit, the only child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in Vermont.
“This was a tragic event and the family has our deepest sympathy,” said a Retreat spokesman. “Since litigation has been initiated, further comment would be inappropriate.”
The lawsuit was filed late Monday afternoon on behalf of Margaret A. Russo, a resident of Massachusetts who is identified as the administrator and personal representative of the estate of the young woman.
Dipillo’s treatment at the Retreat began on April 29, 2014, and ended on May 5, when Dipillo attempted suicide by hanging herself with a pair of jeans from a door. According to court documents, CPR and an automated external defibrillator were utilized to resuscitate Dipillo, who was transferred to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.
Dipillo “has been deprived and will in the future be deprived of her ability to carry on and enjoy life’s activities and her earning capacity has been destroyed, in addition, she incurred medical expenses and costs of funeral and burial,” the lawsuit states. It adds, “Laura B. Dipillo’s next-of-kin, including Margaret Russo and Steven Dipillo … have incurred substantial pecuniary loss, grief, anguish, loss of support, pain and suffering all to their detriment.
The lawsuit seeks money damages and a trial by jury.
On June 12, 2014, another 15-year-old girl attempted suicide by strangulation with a piece of clothing, this time in the Tyler 3 bathroom. When she was found, her lips were blue and her face had a “pallid” color. Staff revived her and determined she did not require outside medical treatment as a result of the suicide attempt.
In January 2014, a teenager committed suicide in an outpatient facility it operates. Following an investigation, the Retreat was cleared of any liability in the death.
Reformer Editor’s Note: As a policy, the Reformer does not normally name those under the age of 16 who have died as a result of suicide, nor does it report on suicides themselves. In this case, the Reformer is naming the decedent because this matter has become a part of the public record due to the filings in federal court.
