Funeral Services by Gregory, Inc. v. Bluefield Community Hospital

BROTHERTON, Justice:

In this case, we are asked to determine whether a mortician who embalmed a corpse, unaware that it was infected with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, was subjected to a battery. The appellants, Keith Gregory and his wife, Cassandra Miller Gregory, appeal from August 17, 1989, and November 14, 1989, rulings of the Circuit Court of Mercer County which dismissed all of their claims against the appellees, Bluefield Community Hospital, Dr. Naeem Qazi, and other unnamed individuals.

Keith Gregory is a mortician who embalmed the body of “John Doe,” a man who died at Bluefield…