The Peterson family is suing a California hospital for allegedly taking 361 days to inform them of the death of their loved one, Jessie Peterson. Jessie checked into Mercy San Juan Medical Center after suffering a diabetic episode but passed away shortly after contacting her mother to pick her up. The hospital told her family that Jessie had discharged herself against medical advice, leading them to launch a state-wide search for her. Despite their efforts, the family did not receive confirmation of Jessie’s death until 361 days later.
During the time that Jessie’s family was searching for her, her body was stored in a cold storage facility at the hospital. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office eventually contacted the family to inform them of Jessie’s death after a year of searching. The hospital allegedly failed to follow state law by waiting 361 days to notify the family, rather than filing a death certificate within 15 hours of her passing. The family is now seeking answers and $25 million in damages for negligence in handling Jessie’s death.
The family’s search for Jessie included distributing flyers, contacting police departments and hospitals, and speaking with homeless individuals in the area where she went missing. Unfortunately, by the time her body was located, it had decomposed to a point where an autopsy could no longer be performed. This has left the family with many unanswered questions about what happened to Jessie and why it took so long for them to be informed of her death.
The hospital has expressed condolences to the Peterson family but declined to comment on the pending litigation. The family’s lawsuit alleges gross negligence on the part of the hospital in handling Jessie’s case, pointing to inconsistencies in medical records as evidence of wrongdoing. The family hopes that through legal action, they will be able to find closure and accountability for the mishandling of Jessie’s death.
This tragic case highlights the importance of transparency and timely communication in healthcare settings. The delay in informing Jessie’s family of her passing not only caused immense emotional distress but also prevented them from properly grieving and seeking closure. The family’s quest for answers and justice serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and responsibility in the healthcare system, especially in cases where negligence leads to such devastating outcomes.
