The family of Nichelle Nichols, the pioneering actress celebrated for her role as Lt. Uhura on ‘Star Trek,’ has been awarded $13 million in a wrongful death lawsuit against Gila Medical Center in Silver City, New Mexico. The jury’s decision comes after the family alleged that the medical center failed to provide adequate care, leading to Nichols’ untimely death.

Background of the Case

Nichols, who made history as the first Black woman to play a lead role on television, was treated at Gila Medical Center in 2022 for a new heart condition. According to the lawsuit, the medical center employed unqualified medical providers who inadequately diagnosed and treated her condition. Lisa Curtis, the attorney representing the Nichols family, stated that the hospital’s poor policies and failure to transfer Nichols to a more capable facility in Las Cruces contributed to her death.

Family’s Legal Battle

The lawsuit highlighted the hospital’s negligence in hiring and supervising its medical staff. Curtis emphasized that Nichols needed specialized care, which was not provided, resulting in her transfer to an assisted living facility where she passed away hours later. The family’s legal team argued that a simple transfer down I-25 to a better-equipped facility could have made a significant difference.

Hospital’s Response

Attempts to reach Gila Medical Center and its attorney for comment were unsuccessful. However, court filings from the hospital claimed that Nichols died of natural causes, a statement the jury evidently found unconvincing given the substantial award to the Nichols family.

This case underscores the critical importance of proper medical care and supervision, especially for vulnerable patients. The Nichols family’s victory serves as a reminder of the need for accountability in healthcare institutions.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.