FRESNO — A family is suing a Clovis medical facility, alleging improper treatment of the remains of a deceased relative.
Norita Riley, Leslie Curtis Riley, Jr., Aaron Riley and Stephon Riley filed a complaint on Oct. 10 in Fresno County Superior Court against Clovis Community Medical Center, and Does 1 through 50, alleging the defendants failed to follow proper procedures for handling a dead person's remains.
According to the complaint, on July 27, Leslie Curtis Riley Sr. was transported by ambulance to the defendant's hospital where he received medical treatment but died that night at 10:35 p.m. The suit says the defendants took possession of Riley's remains, failing to transfer the body to a proper facility. The lawsuit states his family has suffered emotional pain and loss of a loved one.
The plaintiffs allege Clovis Community Medical Center failed to timely transfer Riley's remains and allowed his remains to decompose, preventing a full and complete autopsy and a timely and proper burial.
The Rileys seek trial by jury special, economic, general and non-economic damages, pre-judgment interest, costs of suit, and all other relief as determined by the court. They are represented by attorney James J. Mele of Mele Law Office in Fresno.
Fresno County Superior Court case number 17CECG03391