Jessie Peterson’s Family Sues California Hospital over Hidden-Death Case
In a shocking revelation, the family of California resident Jessie Marie Peterson is suing Mercy San Juan Medical Center after discovering their relative was dead and decomposing in the hospital’s off-site warehouse morgue for an entire year without their knowledge. The 31-year-old woman died from cardiopulmonary arrest on April 8, 2023, but her family was not informed of her demise until April 12, 2024.
A Desperate Family Search for a Year
Peterson checked into Mercy San Juan on April 6, 2023, after suffering a diabetic episode. The hospital falsely claimed that she discharged herself against medical advice on April 8, creating a false impression of her whereabouts and initiating a desperate year-long search by her loved-c ones. They filed a missing person’s report with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and made countless efforts to locate Peterson.
Her mother, Ginger Congi, expressed to the media her heartbreaking thoughts that her daughter might be decomposing somewhere, unknown and unreachable. Little did she know that her worst fears would come true.
Jessie Peterson’s Hidden Death and Negligent Hospital
According to the lawsuit filed on August 7 in Sacramento Superior Court, Peterson died at the hospital and her body was transferred to a storage facility less than 24 hours after her death. The complaint further alleges that the hospital completed Peterson’s death certificate nearly a year after her death. The Sacramento County Detective’s Office finally informed the family about Jessie Peterson’s whereabouts and condition on April 12, 2024.
The lawsuit also highlights an alarming pattern at the hospital. Other people reached out to the family’s attorney, Marc Greenberg, revealing similarly grim experiences at facilities under Dignity Health, the parent company of Mercy San Juan Medical Center.
Who Was Jessie Marie Peterson?
Jessie Peterson was not just another patient or a statistic. She was a vibrant young woman who loved her family. She was a member of the water polo and dance teams at Roseville High School and later attended Sierra College in Rocklin, California. Proving her commitment to justice, Jessie also served as a prosecuting attorney for the Placer County Peer Court.
Diagnosed with Type I diabetes at a young age, Jessie had faced her share of health struggles – but her life was so much more than her medical history. Despite her health issues, Jessie was energetic and loving, making her sudden demise a painful loss for those who loved and knew her.
Seeking Justice and Closure
Lasting grief and anger spurred Jessie Peterson’s family to sue Mercy San Juan Medical Center, seeking $5 million in damages and punitive damages five times the jury’s award of actual damages. The family believes the hospital needs to be held accountable for its gross negligence, failure to communicate, and complete disregard for their loved one’s dignity and wellbeing. The lawsuit also indicates that the medical center has not yet apologized to Jessie’s family members.
The case of Jessie Peterson is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of empathy, transparency, and accountability in the healthcare sector. As the lawsuit unfolds and reveals more details, perhaps it will also serve as a catalyst for change in hospital protocol and patient treatment in the future.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
