A family has been awarded a substantial sum of money after a woman was mistakenly pronounced dead, only to show signs of life when her body bag was opened at a funeral home.
Timesha Beauchamp was declared deceased in September 2020 after paramedics responded to a medical emergency at her home in Southfield, a suburb of Detroit. The 20-year-old, who had cerebral palsy, was pronounced dead over the phone by a doctor following unsuccessful resuscitation attempts by paramedics.
The paramedics faced allegations of serious negligence when funeral workers witnessed Ms. Beauchamp open her eyes and gasp for air upon arrival at the James H Cole Home for Funerals. The city has agreed to compensate her distressed family with $3.25 million (£2.41 million).
A spokesperson for Southfield acknowledged the complexities of the case due to the challenges posed by the pandemic. They expressed regret over the tragic incident and emphasized the city’s commitment to providing top-quality emergency medical services.
Following the incident at the funeral home, Ms. Beauchamp was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to severe hypoxic brain damage weeks later. The family’s attorney, Steven Hurbis, revealed that she had suffered irreversible brain damage from oxygen deprivation before passing away in October 2020.
In a statement, the family mourned the loss of Timesha, emphasizing that she would not return this time. They initiated a civil lawsuit with the assistance of lawyer Geoffrey Fieger in October 2020, leading to a settlement agreement in December after a prolonged legal battle.
Mr. Hurbis, representing the family, expressed their pursuit of closure and healing after enduring a lengthy fight for justice. Although they finally achieved some measure of justice, he described the moment as poignant and bittersweet, reflecting on the family’s ordeal and loss.
This resolution represents a significant step towards closure and justice for Timesha Beauchamp and her grieving family after a prolonged legal battle.
