Professional Negligence Law Reporter

After experiencing anxiety, John Pieraccini, 26, consulted general practitioner Jameson Estes, who prescribed Xanax and citalopram. Pieraccini suffered worsening symptoms after taking the medications, including sleep disturbances and more frequent panic attacks. He subsequently died by suicide less than four weeks after beginning the medications. He is survived by his parents and fiancée.

Pieraccini’s father, individually and on behalf of his estate, and Pieraccini’s mother sued Estes and his practice, alleging failure to perform a proper evaluation. The plaintiffs asserted that the physician had not performed a suicide assessment and failed to follow up with Pieraccini within 14 days. Suit also asserted that Estes should have educated Pieraccini about the danger of consuming alcohol while on SSRIs.

The defense argued that Pieraccini should have called a doctor about his symptoms and should have known not to consume alcohol while taking the medications.

The jury awarded $8.5 million, finding the defendants 51% at fault.

Citation: Pieraccini v. Estes, No. 18SV486JTH (Ga. St. Ct. Henry Cnty. Oct. 6, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Andrew Conn, Atlanta; and AAJ member Jeffrey Harris, Savannah, Ga.