A Landmark Wrongful Death Case Explored

The loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy, made even more devastating when it results from medical negligence. The wrongful death case of Davartia Vadil Miller and Jalisa Maze Miller against Pediatric Emergency Specialists Professional Corporation highlights the profound emotional toll and legal complexities families face in these situations. This case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of holding medical professionals accountable when their actions fall below the accepted standard of care.

Losing a loved one due to another’s negligence is overwhelming. At Bill Easterly & Associates, our team of Nashville wrongful death lawyers has over 25 years of experience navigating these sensitive cases. We understand the immense difficulty of pursuing a wrongful death claim and provide every client with compassionate counsel and personalized attention.

Background of the Miller Case

In February 2017, the Miller family experienced a parent’s worst nightmare. Their son, Joshua Malek Miller, was treated by Dr. Tim O’Connor and/or Dr. Mindy Longjohn at a facility operated by Pediatric Emergency Specialists Professional Corporation. The core of the family’s claim was that these pediatric emergency physicians failed to provide the necessary standard of care, leading to Joshua’s tragic death.

After hearing the evidence, a jury was asked to decide a critical question: Did the doctors act with less than ordinary and reasonable care according to the recognized standard of acceptable professional practice in their field? 

The jury’s answer was a unanimous “Yes.” This decision affirmed that there was a failure in the medical care provided, and as a result, the jury awarded significant damages to the Miller family for their immense loss, including funeral expenses, loss of earning capacity, and the profound pain and suffering endured.

Legal Implications of the Verdict

This verdict underscores key legal principles in wrongful death claims, especially those involving medical malpractice. To succeed in such a case, the plaintiff must prove two main elements: negligence and causation.

Proving Negligence and Causation

• Negligence is the failure to exercise the degree of care that a reasonably prudent person would have exercised under the same circumstances. In medical malpractice, this is defined as failing to meet the “standard of care.”
• Causation means proving that the negligent act directly led to the injury or death. It’s not enough to show that a doctor made a mistake; you must also demonstrate that this specific mistake caused the tragic outcome.

The Need for Compassionate Legal Support

Navigating a wrongful death claim while grieving is a monumental challenge for any family. The legal process is intricate, and the emotional burden can be unbearable. This is why having experienced and empathetic legal support is so important.

The team at Bill Easterly & Associates understands the delicate nature of these cases. With over two decades of experience focusing on serious injury and wrongful death claims, we provide the individualized attention and compassionate counsel you deserve. We are committed to shouldering the legal burdens so that you can focus on healing.

Let Us Help You Seek Justice

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, you are not alone. While no amount of compensation can replace your loss, holding the responsible parties accountable can provide a sense of justice and closure. The Miller family’s case shows that it is possible to find justice through the legal system.

Our dedicated Nashville wrongful death lawyers are here to help you demand justice for your loved one. We are committed to supporting you through every step of the legal process with the care and dedication your family deserves.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help.