State settles case over suicide for $100,000

The state Board of Examiners voted Tuesday to settle a case involving a Southern Nevada suicide rather than go to court.

The agreement pays David Cook and his 5-year-old daughter, Ashley, $100,000 for the death of Cook's wife.

She was admitted to Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health after threatening to commit suicide. According to records, she had one parent who committed suicide and had attempted to kill herself in the past.

After examining her, the doctor ruled she was not a suicide risk and sent her home, said Deputy Attorney General Susanne Sliwa. She said the woman told the doctor she just wanted some attention from her husband and didn't actually intend to harm herself.

Just a day later, Sliwa told the board, the woman killed herself.

The family sued both the state and the doctor for releasing her and, based on recommendations by a specialist in such cases, the state decided to settle.

Members were told the deal settles not only the state's liability but that of the doctor.

The doctor has since left state service.

- Appeal Capitol Bureau