FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Fulton County jury has awarded $2.25 million in damages to the parents of a baby who was decapitated during delivery, a tragic case compounded by the unauthorized posting of the child’s autopsy on social media. The decision comes amid serious allegations against the pathologist involved, marking a significant legal outcome for the bereaved parents.
Treveon Taylor and Jessica Ross will receive $2 million in compensatory damages and an additional $250,000 in punitive damages. They filed their lawsuit in September 2023, claiming that Dr. Jackson Gates of Medical Diagnostic Choices in Atlanta invaded their privacy, engaged in fraud, and intentionally inflicted emotional distress. The family’s attorneys expressed relief that the jury held Gates accountable, yet emphasized that no financial verdict could alleviate the profound grief caused by the loss of their child.
According to the lawsuit, the infant died during delivery on July 10, 2023. Two days later, Ross contracted Gates for an autopsy, having made it clear that they would not permit him to share images from the procedure. Nonetheless, Gates reportedly posted multiple videos on Instagram showcasing the autopsy in graphic detail. His social media activity, which has now been removed, included similar posts from other autopsies, although he maintains at least one active YouTube account.
The family’s attorneys condemned Gates’ actions, suggesting he further harmed the couple during an already devastating time. Gates responded to the controversy by asserting that he had not violated federal privacy laws, citing a clause that allows medical professionals to inform the public about health concerns. He defended his practice of sharing autopsy details as a way to highlight violence and victimization.
In August 2023, after discovering the videos of their child online, Ross and Taylor issued a cease-and-desist letter demanding their removal. The couple’s legal battle extended beyond Gates; they also filed suit against Southern Regional Medical Center and obstetrician Dr. Tracey St. Julian, alleging excessive force was applied during the delivery that led to their son’s death.
The newborn reportedly experienced shoulder dystocia, a condition where a baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pubic bone. Despite Ross requesting a Cesarean section, she was allegedly instructed to continue pushing for three hours, eventually leading to an emergency C-section that the suit claims was not performed promptly.
Southern Regional Medical Center repudiated the allegations, asserting that the infant’s death had occurred in utero prior to delivery. The Clayton County Medical Examiner later ruled the baby’s death a homicide, attributing it to injuries caused during delivery.
The legal ramifications surrounding this case are being closely monitored, as it addresses both medical malpractice and privacy concerns within the healthcare system.
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