Government decides to settle lawsuit
Monday, Sept. 7, 1998 | 9:21 a.m.
The agreement settles a lawsuit filed by the family of Doug Babcock, who committed suicide in 1994. The lawsuit claimed Babcock killed himself because of negligence by the medical center.
In settling the case, the federal government did not admit blame in the death of the Vietnam veteran.
The lawsuit contended the VA discharged Babcock even though they were aware he was suicidal.
In a suicide note, Babcock faulted the VA for having "no understanding" of his problems with post traumatic stress disorder and for turning him out.
"I think that my brother is a peace now," said Sandra Hummel, of Kent, Wash. "And I have finally been able to and my father also has been able to let go of Doug's pain, which we carried for four years."
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