Opinion ID: 1094056
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: conclusion

Text: ¶ 36. We conclude that the learned trial judge abused his discretion in denying the defendants' motion to transfer venue. At the time of Wa'Landra's death, the plaintiffs knew or reasonably should have known enough to recognize that negligent conduct had occurred in connection with her medical treatment. Moreover, the heirs were not reasonably diligent in investigating the cause of Wa'Landra's injuries. As a result, the discovery rule does not apply in this case. The plaintiffs' claims against the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Dr. Mark Dabagia, and Dr. Avinash Gulanikar (UMMC Defendants) were, therefore, time-barred, and the UMMC Defendants were never proper parties to this lawsuit. Second, venue is improper in Hinds County as to the remaining defendants because the plaintiffs failed to assert a reasonable claim of liability against the UMMC Defendants; therefore, pursuant to Frazier, venue is not proper in Hinds County as to the remaining defendants since the resident UMMC Defendants have been dismissed. Third, Wayne General Hospital is a community hospital for purposes of the MTCA and is therefore entitled to venue in the county in which the principal offices of its governing body are located, i.e., Wayne County. Finally, we decline to pass on whether WGH's motion for dismissal should have been granted since that issue is not properly before this Court. Therefore, we reverse the trial court's order denying the defendants' motion to transfer venue, and we remand this case to the trial court with directions that it promptly transfer the venue of this case to the Circuit Court of Wayne County for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. ¶ 37. REVERSED AND REMANDED. PITTMAN, C.J., WALLER, P.J., COBB, CARLSON AND DICKINSON, JJ., CONCUR. EASLEY, J., DISSENTS WITHOUT SEPARATE WRITTEN OPINION. DIAZ AND GRAVES, JJ., NOT PARTICIPATING.