The medical & economic impact of treating nonaccidental trauma was determined by following up all victims of intentional injury admitted between July 1, 1985 & June 30, 1986 to a Seattle hospital. 2% of all admissions were because of suicidal behaviors. Patients who died as a result of their suicide attempt were in hospital for an average of 2 days before death; those who survived were hospitalized for an average of 17.5 days. The average cost of hospitalization for suicides was $13,000.