Hospital Negligence Liability Debate

Summary

Determining fault in a hospital negligence case involves examining the responsibilities of both the hospital staff and the third-party cleaning company. The hospital may be liable for failing to properly supervise a high-risk patient, while the cleaning company could be at fault for not securing hazardous materials. Legal outcomes depend on specific circumstances and evidence. Consulting a local attorney for personalized advice is recommended.

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I am trying to determine fault for a legal debate
Hello Chet, understanding fault can be complex as it often depends on the specific circumstances. Could you please provide more details about the situation you're discussing in your legal debate? This can help me provide more accurate information.
A patient in a hospital was placed on a suicide watch as they were an deemed and extreme danger to themself. The hospital staff failed to keep proper watch on the patient which led to the patient being able to leave his room and roam about the building freely. The patient was later found dead in a unlocked closet located in the hospital basement which was used by the cleaning staff to keep supplies, including chemicals. The cause of death was later determined to be chemical ingestion. The hospital contracts a third party company to handle the cleaning duties. The hospital is blaming the cleaning company for the death alleging that their failure to lock the closet which allowed the patient access to the chemicals and causing their death. The cleaning company is blaming the hospital staff because they failed to properly maintain supervision of a patient who had been placed on suicide watch and was a known risk to their own safety. The cleaning company alleges that If the patient was properly monitored by the hospital, the patient would have never been allowed to roam the hospital and eventually find the unlocked closet. Who is at fault? the hospital or the cleaning company?