Mother files lawsuit against Georgia hospital after baby allegedly decapitated during delivery
A mother has filed a lawsuit against a Georgia hospital and others involved in the delivery of her baby, alleging that the hospital attempted to conceal the manner of death. The complaint, filed in Clayton County, accuses Southern Regional Medical Center of hiding the cause of death from the family, including the mother, Jessica Ross, and her boyfriend, Treveon Isaiah Taylor Sr. The medical center, located in Riverdale, has denied the allegations.
According to the lawsuit, Ross went into labor on July 9 and her doctor attempted to deliver the baby vaginally using different methods, including applying traction to the baby’s head. However, the baby did not properly descend due to shoulder dystocia, a condition where the baby’s shoulders become stuck in the vaginal canal. The complaint alleges that the physician failed to practice according to medical standards and negligently applied excessive traction on the baby’s head and neck, resulting in the baby’s decapitation and death.
The family’s spokesperson stated that when Ross and Taylor demanded to see and hold their baby, hospital staff told them they were not allowed to touch or hold their child. The couple was only allowed to view their dead child, who was wrapped tightly in a blanket with his head propped on top of his body in a way that concealed the decapitation.
The Southern Regional Medical Center said it is unable to discuss the care and treatment of specific patients due to patient privacy laws. The hospital expressed condolences to the family and stated that their commitment is to provide compassionate, quality care to every patient. The physician involved in the delivery is not an employee of the hospital.
The lawsuit alleges negligence by the defendants, including the medical center and the physician, Dr. Tracey St. Julian. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages, including compensation for the value of the baby’s life, funeral and burial costs, and more.
The county medical examiner’s office is still working on completing the baby’s autopsy and expects to release a statement about its findings soon.
What are the allegations against Southern Regional Medical Center in relation to the alleged decapitation during delivery?
The fact that the baby was allegedly decapitated during delivery.
According to the lawsuit, the mother went into labor at Southern Regional Medical Center in Clayton County. During the delivery process, it is claimed that the baby’s head was forcefully pulled, resulting in decapitation. The mother alleges that hospital staff attempted to cover up the incident by quickly removing the baby from the delivery room and delaying the notification of the tragic outcome.
The lawsuit further accuses other individuals involved in the delivery, including the doctors and nurses, of negligence and malpractice. It states that they failed to provide proper care and followed improper delivery techniques, ultimately leading to the horrific incident.
The mother’s attorney, Mark Hampton, stated, “This is an unspeakable tragedy that no family should have to endure. The hospital’s alleged attempt to conceal the manner of death is both shocking and deeply concerning. We are determined to seek justice for our client and ensure that such negligence and misconduct will not be tolerated.”
The family is seeking compensation for their emotional pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages. In addition to financial compensation, they hope to bring attention to the alleged cover-up and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The lawsuit comes at a time when the healthcare industry is under increased scrutiny for patient safety and the handling of medical malpractice cases. Instances like this emphasize the importance of thorough investigations and transparency in healthcare facilities, ensuring accountability and preventing tragedies from being concealed or ignored.
Southern Regional Medical Center has not yet responded to the lawsuit publicly.
This is absolutely horrifying and heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to the mother and her family during this unimaginable tragedy.