Suing for Wrongful Institutionalization Due to Medical Error

Being wrongfully institutionalized in a psychiatric facility is a devastating experience. For many individuals, the trauma of being confined without proper medical justification leaves lasting psychological and social consequences. These cases often stem from diagnostic errors, rushed hospital evaluations, or misinterpretation of symptoms — sometimes completely unrelated to mental illness.

The injustice can feel overwhelming, but the law provides avenues for accountability and compensation. This article explains the legal framework surrounding wrongful psychiatric institutionalization, who can be held responsible, how to build a case, and what you may be entitled to if your rights were violated.

 

What Is Wrongful Psychiatric Institutionalization?

Wrongful psychiatric institutionalization occurs when a person is involuntarily committed to a mental health facility without sufficient medical or legal basis. These commitments are typically initiated during medical crises, psychiatric emergencies, or based on third-party reports claiming the person is a danger to themselves or others.

Common Scenarios That Lead to Wrongful Holds

Situations that may lead to wrongful institutionalization include:

1. A physical illness being mistaken for a psychiatric condition
2. A medication side effect triggering mental health-like symptoms
3. Misinterpretation of behavior in high-stress environments
4. Racial, linguistic, or cultural biases influencing evaluations
5. Lack of due process or proper legal authorization

Lasting Harm from Unjust Commitment

The impact on the victim can be life-altering. Individuals may lose jobs, custody of children, reputations, and peace of mind. Families can be torn apart, and the psychological harm often lasts far beyond the release date.

 

Understanding Involuntary Psychiatric Holds

Across the United States, involuntary psychiatric holds are authorized under state laws that aim to protect individuals during acute mental health crises. These holds, often lasting 24 to 72 hours initially, are meant to stabilize individuals who appear to pose a danger to themselves or others.

The 5150 Hold Example

In California, the “5150” hold allows medical professionals, peace officers, or designated crisis workers to confine someone involuntarily for up to 72 hours under certain criteria. However, misuse is common.

How These Laws Are Misapplied

Wrongful use of involuntary holds can happen when:

1. A patient’s symptoms stem from a physical condition
2. The commitment was based on flawed or inaccurate information
3. Legal criteria were not met or improperly documented
4. The person was denied access to legal counsel or advocacy
5. Hospitals failed to reevaluate as required by law

 

What Can Lead to a Wrongful Commitment?

Several medical and systemic factors can lead to a person being wrongfully committed.

Medical Conditions That Mimic Mental Illness

Many physical health conditions can closely mimic psychiatric symptoms. These include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Seizures and epilepsy
• Urinary tract infections (particularly in older adults)
• Thyroid disorders
• Neurological infections or head trauma

If doctors do not conduct a thorough examination, these can easily be misinterpreted as mental illness.

Side Effects from Prescription Medications

Certain medications can cause confusion, hallucinations, agitation, or memory loss. If these effects are not properly investigated, staff may assume the individual is experiencing psychosis or mania, rather than a medication reaction.

Rushed or Biased Evaluations

Fast-paced ER settings often lead to incomplete evaluations. In some cases, cultural or language differences lead to misunderstandings. Clinicians may:

1. Skip physical exams
2. Fail to review full medical history
3. Rely too heavily on third-party reports
4. Jump to psychiatric conclusions without ruling out other causes

 

Legal Grounds for a Lawsuit

If you or a loved one was wrongfully committed, the law may entitle you to financial compensation and accountability from the responsible parties.

Medical Malpractice

A medical malpractice claim can be brought if a healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care. This might include:

1. Misdiagnosing physical symptoms as psychiatric
2. Failing to conduct standard evaluations
3. Ignoring contradictory evidence

Civil Rights Violations

Involuntary holds can also violate constitutional rights. Under federal law (specifically 42 U.S.C. § 1983), you may sue if your:

1. Detainment lacked due process
2. Civil liberties were violated during the hold
3. Rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments were breached

False Imprisonment

If you were held without proper legal authorization or beyond legal timeframes, your case may qualify as false imprisonment. This applies when:

1. There was no medical or legal justification for the hold
2. The hospital misrepresented your condition
3. You were held without court approval beyond permitted time

 

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Wrongful commitment can be the result of many people’s actions — or inactions.

Potentially Liable Parties

1. Hospitals – for failure to follow protocols or ensure proper evaluations
2. Emergency Room Physicians – who make rushed or negligent diagnoses
3. Psychiatrists or Evaluators – for conducting improper assessments
4. Law Enforcement Officers – if they detained you without sufficient cause
5. Crisis Teams or Social Workers – who made errors in judgment or reporting

Your attorney will determine who is liable based on who participated in the commitment and whether each party followed legal and medical guidelines.

 

How Do You Prove a Wrongful Commitment?

Winning your case depends on gathering strong, well-documented evidence.

1. Start with Medical Records

Request all documents related to your hospital visit, including:

• ER notes and charts
• Psychiatric evaluation forms
• Medication logs
• Discharge summaries

These can reveal gaps in procedure or signs of diagnostic error.

2. Collect Testimony and Timelines

Document your experience in detail, including:

• Symptoms you experienced
• What you told staff and how they responded
• When decisions were made and who was involved
• How you were treated during your hold

If friends or family witnessed the events, their written statements can support your version of events.

3. Consider Expert Review

Your attorney may recommend hiring a medical expert — such as an independent psychiatrist — to review your case and confirm that proper protocols were not followed.

 

What Damages Can You Recover?

Wrongful institutionalization can be deeply damaging. Fortunately, civil courts may award damages for:

1. Emotional and Psychological Trauma

This includes anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other long-term effects caused by the institutionalization.

2. Lost Wages or Career Harm

If you lost your job or missed income during the hold or afterward, you may be entitled to those losses.

3. Family Disruption and Reputational Damage

Wrongful psychiatric commitment can damage family relationships and social standing. In some cases, people lose custody of their children or suffer long-term stigma.

4. Punitive Damages

If the hospital or provider acted with gross negligence or malicious intent, courts may award additional punitive damages to punish the behavior and deter future misconduct.

 

Real Case Example: Medication Reaction Misinterpreted

A woman went to the ER with confusion and agitation caused by a reaction to a newly prescribed antidepressant. Instead of checking for medication interactions, the ER staff assumed she was having a psychotic episode and placed her on a 72-hour hold.

After several days and further testing, doctors discovered she had serotonin syndrome — a dangerous condition caused by too much serotonin in the brain. She had no psychiatric illness. She later sued the hospital and won compensation for emotional trauma, missed work, and violations of her civil rights.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue a hospital for wrongfully committing me?
Yes, you can sue a hospital or medical provider if you were involuntarily committed without proper medical justification or legal authority. These lawsuits often fall under medical malpractice, civil rights violations, or false imprisonment. If your rights were violated during the commitment process, or if the institutionalization resulted from a misdiagnosis or negligent evaluation, you may have a valid legal claim.

What kind of lawyer handles psychiatric misdiagnosis or wrongful institutionalization cases?
The right type of lawyer for this situation is typically one who specializes in medical malpractice, psychiatric malpractice, or civil rights law. It is crucial to work with an attorney who has experience in handling cases involving involuntary psychiatric holds, hospital negligence, and emotional distress claims. During your initial consultation, ask whether they have handled wrongful commitment cases specifically, as these require a unique combination of medical and legal expertise.

What if the psychiatric hold was based on a misdiagnosis? Do I still have a case?
Yes, a misdiagnosis can be the foundation of a legal case if it was made due to medical negligence. If you were diagnosed with a psychiatric condition that you do not have, and that incorrect diagnosis led to your wrongful commitment, then you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Courts will evaluate whether standard diagnostic procedures were followed and whether a reasonable physician in the same position would have made the same error.

Can I still sue if I wasn’t harmed financially but suffered emotionally?
Absolutely. Emotional and psychological harm are considered valid forms of damage in wrongful commitment cases. If you experienced trauma, anxiety, fear, embarrassment, or a decline in your mental health as a result of the institutionalization, you may be entitled to compensation. In many cases, emotional distress damages are a significant component of the lawsuit.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after being wrongfully institutionalized?
The amount of time you have to file a claim — known as the statute of limitations — varies by state and by the type of claim. In most states, medical malpractice and personal injury claims must be filed within one to three years from the date of the incident or from when the harm was discovered. Civil rights claims under federal law also have strict deadlines. It is essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss your opportunity to file.

 

Contact Matzus Law, LLC Today

If you were wrongfully institutionalized, or if someone you love was detained due to a medical or psychiatric error, you have legal rights. These events often involve serious emotional trauma and can have long-term consequences.

Contact Matzus Law, LLC today for a free consultation. The sooner you act, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to preserve key evidence and strengthen your case.