In a compelling legal battle that underscores the grave consequences of alleged medical negligence, Melissa Miguel Devaux has filed a lawsuit against BayCare Health System Inc., doing business as BayCare Urgent Care, LLC, and Peter Baker, PA-C. The complaint was filed on December 20, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida. The lawsuit arises from the tragic death of Steven Thomas Devaux Jr., who suffered a fatal cardiac event on July 7, 2023.
The case revolves around allegations that Peter Baker, a physician's assistant at BayCare Urgent Care, failed to provide adequate medical care to Steven Devaux Jr., leading to his untimely death. According to the complaint filed by Melissa Miguel Devaux, who is acting as the personal representative of her late husband's estate, there existed a healthcare provider/patient relationship between Steven and the defendants. It is claimed that Baker breached his duty by not performing necessary diagnostic tests or referring Mr. Devaux to an emergency room despite evident cardiac risk factors. This breach allegedly resulted in Steven's fatal cardiac event later that day.
Melissa Miguel Devaux asserts that due to this negligence, she and her children have suffered significant emotional and financial damages. "As a direct and proximate result of Steven Devaux Jr.'s death," she states in her filing, "his wife has suffered lost support and services...and mental pain and suffering." Furthermore, their minor children are said to endure lost parental companionship and guidance.
The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages for these losses as well as medical and funeral expenses incurred due to Steven's death. She argues that BayCare Urgent Care should be held vicariously liable for Baker's actions since he was acting within the scope of his employment when treating Steven. The lawsuit cites Florida’s Medical Malpractice Act as grounds for action against both defendants.
In addition to compensatory damages exceeding $50,000—exclusive of costs and interest—the plaintiff demands a jury trial. The complaint emphasizes that all conditions precedent to bringing this action have been met or waived and notes that pre-suit notices were formally rejected by the defendants.
Representing Melissa Miguel Devaux is attorney Russell Artille from Morgan & Morgan P.A., known for their expertise in handling complex personal injury cases. The case ID is 24-005616-CI with Ken Burke serving as Clerk of the Circuit Court for Pinellas County.