Reviewed by the legal team at Estey & Bomberger, LLP · Updated November 14, 2026
Support for your family right now
If your child is in danger right now, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) any time, day or night.
The days and weeks after a suicide attempt can feel overwhelming for everyone. Your child will need ongoing care, and you will need support too. Follow the safety plan from your child's care team, keep in close touch with their providers, and lean on people you trust.
Many young people who survive an attempt go on to live full, meaningful lives. Recovery takes time, but it is possible.
Brothers and sisters may be scared or confused, and parents often carry guilt they do not deserve. Counseling for the whole family can help. You did not cause this, and reaching out for help, for your child and for yourself, is a sign of strength.
Why families are looking at TikTok
After an attempt, many parents look for answers. Some find that their child had been spending many hours a day on TikTok, often late at night, and that their feed was full of hopeless or harmful content.
The lawsuits allege that TikTok designed its app to maximize time spent, not safety. They point to the For You algorithm, which families say can push struggling teens deeper into dark content; to infinite scroll and autoplay; to notifications that disrupt sleep; and to weak age verification and parental controls. Our page on how TikTok addicts kids explains these design features.
How a suicide attempt claim works
A suicide attempt is one of the most serious harms in the social media addiction cases. Federal cases are consolidated in MDL No. 3047 in the Northern District of California. California state cases are coordinated in JCCP 5255 in Los Angeles before Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl.
The claims are design defect and failure to warn. In November 2023, the federal court allowed these claims to proceed. Each case is individual, and there is no global settlement yet. You can follow developments on our TikTok lawsuit settlements page.
Records that may help
- Emergency, hospital, and ICU records
- Inpatient psychiatric and step-down program records
- Therapy, psychiatry, and medication records
- School records and counselor notes
- The phone, screen-time data, and TikTok account information
We know it may feel natural to delete the app or reset the phone. Please wait. That data may be important. Our guide to saving evidence explains how to keep it safely, away from your child.
What compensation may cover
Medical bills after an attempt can be large, and care often continues for a long time. A claim may seek past and future medical costs, psychiatric treatment, therapy, any lasting physical injuries, and damages for pain and suffering. We cannot promise any outcome, but we will fight for the full value of your child's claim.
A careful, caring approach
At Estey & Bomberger, LLP, we understand that your family is going through something very painful. We will move at a pace that works for you. Your consultation is free and confidential, and you pay nothing unless we win. We can meet by phone or video, or come to you anywhere in the country. Contact us for a free case review.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should we contact a lawyer after an attempt?
Your child's safety comes first. When things are more stable, a brief call can help you understand deadlines. There is no pressure and no cost.
Will my child need to talk about the attempt?
We start with parents and existing records. Any conversation with your child would only happen with your consent and their care team's guidance.
What if other things in my child's life also played a role?
That is very common. A claim does not require that TikTok was the only factor. We will look at the whole picture with you.
Can young adults file for themselves?
Yes, adults may be able to file on their own behalf. Learn who may qualify.
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