An Arlington family is demanding an apology from a local medical center for failing to notify next of kin after a fatal car accident involving their son.
Tomi Denzel Davis, 27, died after an early morning car accident on Dec. 4. Even though he had identification on him, his family says they were never notified that he was in transport to the hospital and did not learn of their son’s death until eight hours later, when the medical examiner had contacted them.
Over the past several months, the family has contacted administrators at the Medical City of Arlington several times requesting an explanation and an apology, but they have not heard from anyone for nearly two months.
“We are still grieving and are devastated to lose Toni so tragically,” the Davis family said in a statement released today. “Medical City staff failed to live their values of accountability, compassion and putting patients first. More importantly, they failed to follow their own policies to notify next of kin.”
According to reports, police said the crash occurred at about 7:55 a.m. on Dec. 4 on the 2300 block of S. SH 360. A BMW 381i sedan with three occupants was travelling southbound on 360 when it stalled in a lane of traffic. One of the passengers had already exited the vehicle when a Toyota Tacoma suddenly ran into the BMW from behind. Davis was thrown from the car, suffering severe injuries, and died at the Medical City of Arlington. The family was not contacted until 4:30 p.m. by the medical examiner’s office.
In its statement, the family says:
“The medical examiner acted quickly to treat our family with dignity and respect. Hospital staff did not bother to perform the critical notification to Tomi’s next of kin.
“Because of Medical City personnel’s inaction, we were denied an opportunity to see Tomi until a day before his funeral service and after his body had been prepared for funeral services.
“It has been nearly two months since we were given the assurance that the hospital was giving this matter the attention it deserves. …
“At this juncture, we can only assume that your team has no intention of investigating the matter and sharing any results. We are requesting that Medical City conducts a thorough investigation of this matter and hold those accountable for such deplorable behavior.
“No family should be subjected to such horrendous and deplorable behavior directed to their loved one. We intend to continue to escalate my complaint and concerns until it is given the proper attention it deserves.”
