In a case that could redefine medical accountability in Liberia, the family of Lovette Tamba has launched a $25 million wrongful death lawsuit against the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK) and Dr. Gonkerneu Nuahn, accusing both parties of negligence and misconduct that allegedly led to the death of Tamba and her unborn child. The legal action, filed through Cllr. Sayma Syrenius Cephus and AFDASA Consultancy, claims that Tamba—who was 26 weeks pregnant—died due to substandard care and professional lapses at the country’s leading referral hospital. The suit seeks $17 million in damages from JFK and $8 million from Dr. Nuahn, citing both special and general damages. According to the complaint, the tragedy has left Tamba’s four-year-old daughter, Destiny Kerkula, and the rest of the family grappling with severe emotional and financial distress. The filing emphasizes that while no financial award can truly compensate for the loss, the damages requested reflect the depth of suffering endured. In addition to the malpractice claims, the suit alleges that Dr. Nuahn attempted to obstruct justice by intimidating colleagues who may have had knowledge of the incident. The physician is accused of orchestrating threats to suppress critical testimony that could surface during trial proceedings. The plaintiffs are calling for a full judicial hearing and are urging the court to hold both defendants jointly accountable. They’ve requested any additional reliefs the court considers fair and appropriate. This lawsuit is poised to become one of Liberia’s most consequential medical malpractice cases, potentially setting a precedent for institutional responsibility and patient rights in the country’s healthcare system.
