Attorneys obtained dismissal of a professional liability claim against defendant, a private, non-profit which provides a variety of health care services

Attorneys obtained dismissal of a professional liability claim against defendant, a private, non-profit which provides a variety of health care services. Part of the services provided include mental health screening, which is furnished by certified screeners employed by the defendant. Several days after defendant conducted an initial assessment of an inmate at the county jail, the inmate committed suicide. His relatives, as Plaintiff, filed a complaint against defendant, as well as others, alleging negligence in failing to make proper recommendations and/or assessments with regard to plaintiff's mental status. Defense attorneys filed a Motion to Dismiss on the grounds that Plaintiff failed to produce an Affidavit of Merit within the time permitted required and, therefore, failed to establish any breach of the applicable standard of care.