The children of the late actor Robert Carradine have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Regents of the University of California, alleging that failures in staffing and security protocols at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital led to their father's death.
Robert Carradine, known for his role in "Revenge of the Nerds," died at age 71 on February 23 from an anoxic brain injury caused by a suicide attempt. His daughters, Ever and Marika Carradine, and son, Ian Carradine, filed the lawsuit, which also includes claims of elder abuse and neglect.
According to court documents, Carradine voluntarily admitted himself to the Resnick hospital twice in January. He was initially discharged on January 9 after a seven-day stay but returned on January 16, citing a "manic episode suicidal ideation." The lawsuit states Carradine sought hospitalization hoping for successful treatment to reduce his anxiety.
However, the complaint alleges that the hospital failed to provide a safe environment. Specifically, the suit claims that Carradine was not stripped of a belt, which is considered contraband in psychiatric facilities. The lawsuit also states that a rolling bedside table, not standard for a locked psychiatric unit, was left in his room. These items are cited as potential means used in his suicide attempt.
The family's lawsuit further contends that hospital staff failed to adequately monitor Carradine, despite orders for 15-minute checks. The complaint alleges that a staff member assigned to watch him remained in the hallway and entered observations into an iPad without visually checking on him. The lawsuit claims this practice created a false record of diligent observation, allowing staff to log checks without actually performing them, thereby putting suicidal patients like Carradine at risk.
Carradine's manner of death was officially ruled a suicide in June. He had a documented history of bipolar disorder, severe depression with psychotic features, and anxiety, and had previously expressed suicidal ideation. The medical examiner's report listed the cause of death as sequelae of anoxic brain injury due to hanging, with no foul play suspected.
Prior to his final hospitalization, family members believed Carradine may have been discharged too early from an earlier treatment stay. The lawsuit claims that UCLA "did not investigate reality" and recorded events contradicted by video surveillance.
The plaintiffs are seeking general, special, economic, and wrongful death damages. UCLA and UC Regents have been contacted for comment.