Couple Wins $2.25M Over Baby's Autopsy Video Post

Couple Wins $2.25M Over Baby's Autopsy Video Post

Introduction

A Georgia jury has awarded $2.25 million to a couple who sued a pathologist for posting graphic videos of their decapitated infant’s autopsy on social media.

The Fulton County jury issued the verdict against the doctor who had been hired to conduct a private autopsy following the tragic death of their newborn in July 2023.

Videos Posted Without Consent

According to the lawsuit filed in September 2023, the couple claimed the doctor uploaded several autopsy videos of their child to Instagram without obtaining their consent. While the videos were initially taken down after the couple’s attorneys issued a cease-and-desist letter, the doctor later reposted them, worsening the family's distress, their legal team said.

Pending Lawsuit Against Hospital and Delivering Doctor

In addition to the case against the pathologist, the couple has filed a separate lawsuit against the physician who delivered their baby and the hospital involved in the birth. That case remains ongoing.

Doctor’s Defense and Purpose Behind Posts

The doctor’s attorney argued that the videos were shared to educate other pathologists and to promote independent autopsies in situations where hospital error is suspected. He insisted there was no intent to cause harm, and his client deeply regrets any pain caused to the couple.

Default Judgment and Jury Decision

The court issued a default judgment against the doctor for intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and fraud after he failed to respond promptly to the lawsuit. During the trial, the doctor expressed remorse, claiming he would never have shared the videos had he known the parents would recognize their child.

Family's Reaction

Attorneys for the couple condemned the doctor’s actions, saying he betrayed their trust. “He poured salt into their already deep wounds,” they stated. “They entrusted him with their child’s remains, and he exploited that trust.”