Chapter 7 - A complex case of neglect and mental disability

Abstract

In this case, a 43 years old mentally disabled man died of septic shock, caused by severe and untreated burns. He lived in an apartment in a flat complex, owned and also inhabited by his mother and various relatives who, beyond denying any knowledge of his living conditions, did not seek any medical assistance after a fire broke out into his apartment a few days before death. The carcasses of a dog, a cat and a turtle in different stages of decomposition were also found in the apartment. The following investigation, beyond cause, mode and manner of death, was directed to assess the timeline of the deceased’s mental disability, thus the duration of potential neglect from the family part. The investigation was multidisciplinary, and it revealed about 20 years of neglect of a person whose mental disability was completely unknown by health, social and welfare services. The veterinary forensics assessment determined that also the pets were neglected, and most likely starved to death.