Hospital officials in Northern California allegedly informed the family of a woman, 31, that she had checked out, while in fact, she had died and her body was kept in storage for a year. Jessie Marie Peterson, who had Type 1 diabetes, was admitted to Mercy San Juan Medical Center on April 6 last year. Relatives has since filed a lawsuit in Sacramento County Superior Court, claiming negligence and emotional distress for the hospital’s actions regarding her death, according to NBC News.

After Peterson’s admission, her mother called the hospital to inquire about her, only to be told she had been discharged. The family then reported her missing and searched for her after failing to hear from her.

“The family searched and searched for Jessie. It was not until April 12, 2024, that the Sacramento County Detective’s Office notified Jessie’s family that she was found deceased at Mercy San Juan Hospital,”

per the lawsuit.

The suit added,

“At this point, Jessie’s body was so decomposed that an open casket funeral was not feasible, and Jessie’s fingerprints were not even obtainable for any keepsake.”

Due to decomposition, an autopsy couldn’t confirm if medical malpractice contributed to Peterson’s death. The family learned she died on April 8, but the death certificate was signed by Dr. Nadeem Mukhtar an entire year later.

Her family is seeking $25 million, claiming negligence by the hospital.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?