Doctor to pay $2.25M for posting baby’s gruesome autopsy photos online
A grieving family in Georgia has been awarded $2.25 million after a judge ruled that a pathologist violated their privacy by posting autopsy photos of their decapitated baby on social media. Dr. Jackson Gates and his company, Gates Rapid Diagnostic Laboratory of Atlanta, were found liable for the damages, with $2 million in compensatory damages and $250,000 in punitive damages being awarded to the parents of the baby.
The tragic incident occurred when the baby’s mother, Jessica Ross, experienced complications during delivery, leading to a rushed Cesarean section. The lawsuit filed by Jessica Ross and Treveon Taylor Sr. alleged that the OBGYN at Southern Regional Medical Center pulled on the baby’s head and neck so forcefully that the bones in his skull, face, and neck were broken. Despite the medical staff delivering the baby’s body and legs, his head remained in the vaginal canal.
The parents were misled by the hospital staff, who discouraged them from getting an autopsy, urged them to cremate the baby’s body, and failed to report the death to the medical examiner. Seeking answers, the parents hired Dr. Jackson Gates to perform a private autopsy. However, Gates allegedly shared graphic photos and videos of the child’s remains on Instagram without the couple’s consent, sparking outrage and further trauma for the grieving family.
The lawsuit against Gates, filed in September 2023, claimed that he reposted the photos even after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the family. Gates defended his actions by stating that the posts were for educational purposes and did not reveal the child’s identity. The jury ultimately held Gates accountable for his actions, punishing him for his lack of empathy and invasion of the family’s privacy.
The Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the child’s death a homicide earlier this year, but the case against the hospital and the physician who delivered the baby has yet to be tried in court. Southern Regional Medical Center has not responded to requests for comment, and Gates’ attorneys have not provided a statement on the matter.
Despite the legal victory, the parents of the baby boy continue to grapple with the unimaginable loss and trauma caused by the tragic events surrounding their child’s birth. The family’s attorneys expressed their satisfaction with the jury’s decision, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions in such devastating circumstances.
As the legal proceedings continue, the family remains determined to seek justice and closure for their beloved son, whose life was cut short in a horrific and preventable manner. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding privacy rights and maintaining empathy and professionalism in the medical field.
