and I just need to talk about it, so here goes.

My grandma, who pretty much raised me as a teenager, died last summer (2002) while I was staying with my fiance's family. It was very unexpected. She was fine when we left my home in June, and she died going into surgery in August. She'd had a few health problems in between those months, but certainly nothing we thought she'd be dying of anytime soon.

We're suing because the hospital was supposed to do an autopsy, but didn't because in the time between her death and the autopsy they "misplaced" the body and it decomposed to the point where it had to be cremated for sanitation reasons.

My grandma did NOT want to be cremated. She joked about it a lot ("Why burn twice?" was her favorite quip) but at other times was a lot more serious, talking about how the idea disturbed her and she just wanted a plain old closed casket funeral. She had bought a plot in a mortuary and everything where her parents remains are, but since she had to be cremated they wouldn't let us use the slot and we had to borrow a plot from the other side of the family.

I'm being listed as a plaintiff in the suit because it caused me "pain and emotional distress". I'm not sure how I feel about it all. I don't really think the hospital should be allowed to get away with stuff like that, but on the other hand, I don't know if we really gain anything from taking their money. My grandma is dead, she gains nothing from any of it anyway.

What do you guys think? I need a hug...

~NS~

Don't know what to tell you...I see both points that you've made. But, you asked for hugs, so here goes: :hug: :hug: :hug:

:hug:

I am terribly sorry that you lost your Grandma.

I can not really comment on the lawsuit, since only you know what is best for you. Listen to your heart.

:hug:

:hug:

:hug: :hug: :hug:

Sorry about your gramma. I see both of your points but only you know what you should do. Just think it through, listen to your heart and do whatever you believe is right.

I am sorry to hear about that. My grandmother recently died, and a doctor put down a completely wrong cause of death bc he didn't have her medical records. It bothers me that he could be so lazy. As if she was just another old person. It will also cause legal headaches for my family getting another opinion added (it cannot be corrected), and various problems with insurance, etc.

Very sorry to hear about that. If you receive money and do not feel good about it, donate it to a good cause. At the very least even just the threat of the lawsuit might encourage the hospital to examine their procedures.

Very sorry to hear about that. If you receive money and do not feel good about it, donate it to a good cause. At the very least even just the threat of the lawsuit might encourage the hospital to examine their procedures.

I think donating the money is a good idea, and I will definitely suggest it to my mother if we "win". The hospital here seems to attract incidents like that, but I'm pretty sure all hospitals do.

That's what I love about this place... all you have to do is ask for a hug and BAM! Hugs everywhere. :smitten: Thanks.

~NS~

:hug: I'm sorry you're going through this, nightshade. :( I agree about the donating, too. Let us know how things go! :)

hey there!
I just have to say something strong here which is SUE THEIR ASSES. unfortunately the only way to punish them is to hit them where it hurts, their wallets. many people take issue with this, as they feel our legal system has gotten out of hand with lawsuits. but the fact of the matter is, money is what impacts these people. they need to learn that this is not acceptable.

I have to say I'm also suspicious about their story. are you concerned that there was some malpractice that caused her death, and they conveniently "misplaced" her?

I am so sorry you have to go through this, but please also realize that their mistakes DID cause you emotional distress.

and maybe I'm a jerk, but I don't think donating the money is necessary. why not use it to pay your bills, school, etc. or invest it so you can pass it on to your family later. I'm sure your grandma would want that. you absolutely shouldn't feel guilty getting money from someone who made a terrible mistake that hurt you and your loved ones. if they would learn other ways, fine. but money is what gets the message across.

my heart goes out to you. I'm sure your grandma would want you to make the best of this situation. it is not taking advantage, it is warranted in this case.

hugs!
XOXOXO
beth

:hug: :hug:

I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother and how the hospital failed the standards required of them. I think the lawsuit will serve also to sort of teach the hospital a lesson that they are going to be held responsible and that family members suffered due to the lack of diligence.

As a hospital employee, I have to say, I am absolutely outraged by this. They *misplaced* her?!?! That is unebelievable! I can't believe they'd be so negligent!!

I have no idea how this could have happened but I am truly, truly saddened by what happened to your grandmother. It goes beyond the limits of being unacceptable. You have all of my sympathy. They should absolutely be sued - something like this should never, even happen. Not even in your wildest nightmares.

This is just terrible.. I'm so sorry :(

:hug: :hug: :hug:

:hug:

I have to say I'm also suspicious about their story. are you concerned that there was some malpractice that caused her death, and they conveniently "misplaced" her?

The funny thing is that until yesterday I had never even considered the possibility, but I'm, uh, trusting (read: stupid) like that. The more I think about it the more likely it seems. How exactly do you "lose" a body? More importantly, why? Fishy stuff.

If we get monetary compensation, I think I'd like to see it divided up, some to charity, some to help my mom with her bills and with my siblings education. I'm trying to think about what my grandma would want. One of her favorite phrases was "Charity begins at home." Hrm.

Thanks again to all, I'll try to keep you posted on what's going on. But for all I know, this could take years.

~NS~