ATLANTA — A couple in Georgia has been awarded $2.25 million by a jury after a pathologist posted graphic videos of their decapitated baby’s autopsy online. The jury’s decision came on Wednesday against Dr. Jackson Gates, who conducted the autopsy on Treveon Taylor Jr., the couple’s son, who died during delivery in July 2023.
Jessica Ross and Treveon Isaiah Taylor Sr. initially employed Gates to perform the autopsy, which became the subject of considerable distress for the family when videos were shared on Instagram without their consent. The couple filed a lawsuit in September 2023, asserting that Gates had first removed the videos upon request but later reposted them, intensifying their emotional suffering.
In addition to Gates, the couple has also filed a lawsuit against the doctor who delivered their baby and the hospital involved, with that case still pending in court.
Gates’ attorney, Ira Livnat, expressed disappointment with the jury’s verdict and argued that the decision contradicts the claim that Gates intended to harm the plaintiffs. Livnat emphasized that his client shared such videos to provide educational content to fellow pathologists and to advocate for accountability in hospitals.
Following the jury’s finding, the couple secured a default judgment citing intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and fraud after Gates failed to respond promptly to their legal actions. Livnat noted that Gates conveyed regret for any unintended harm caused, stating that had he known the couple would see the videos, he never would have posted them.
In a statement, the couple’s legal representatives described Gates’ actions as exacerbating their grief. They highlighted the betrayal felt by the couple, who had placed their trust in the pathologist to handle their child’s remains with dignity.
The case has drawn significant attention, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals in handling sensitive situations involving families in distress. The ramifications of this verdict could influence how pathologists and medical staff manage similar cases in the future.
Details regarding the pending lawsuits against the delivery doctor and hospital are not yet available, as the couple seeks additional accountability for the circumstances surrounding their child’s tragic death.
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