An Atlanta-area hospital is facing a lawsuit after a horrifying incident in which a baby was allegedly decapitated during birth.
Jessica Ross, 20, arrived at Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale on July 9 after her water broke earlier that day. According to FOX Atlanta, at 8:40 p.m., Ross was fully dilated and began pushing.
The lawsuit claims that the baby's descent was halted due to shoulder dystocia, a condition in which the baby's shoulders cannot fit through the pelvic area during vaginal delivery. Dr. Tracey St. Julian, the attending physician, reportedly attempted various methods to deliver the baby vaginally, including applying traction to the baby's head.
Roderick Edmond, one of Ross' attorneys, stated during a news conference, "In the process of trying to deliver this baby, [the doctor] pulled on the head and neck so hard, and manipulated them so hard, that the bones in the baby's skull, face, and neck were broken."
At approximately 11:50 p.m., Dr. St. Julian decided to perform an emergency Cesarean section. The baby's body and legs were delivered at 12:11 a.m., while the baby's head was delivered vaginally. Shockingly, the lawsuit alleges that Dr. St. Julian failed to inform Ross and her family about the decapitation.
Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that the hospital discouraged Ross and the baby's father, Treveon Taylor, from seeking an autopsy. Instead, they were advised to have their son cremated rather than taking him to a funeral home.
During a news conference announcing the lawsuit, attorney Cory Lynch revealed that the alleged decapitation was never reported to the authorities. It was only flagged by a funeral home.
"They did everything in their power to not let the family know what happened," Lynch stated.
The lawsuit also names Dr. St. Julian, accusing her of "grossly negligently applying excessive traction on Treveon Isiah Taylor Jr.'s head and neck and grossly negligently failing to do a Cesarean section in a timely and proper manner, resulting in Treveon Isaiah Taylor Jr.'s decapitation and death."
When approached for comment, the hospital cited patient privacy laws and declined to discuss the specifics of the case. However, they expressed their condolences to the family and extended their thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the tragic event.
"While our sympathies go out to the family, Southern Regional Medical Center denies the allegations in the Complaint referencing the hospital," the hospital stated. "Since this matter is in litigation, we cannot provide additional statements. As far as Dr. St. Julian, she is not an employee of the hospital. The hospital has taken the appropriate steps in response to this unfortunate situation."
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the baby's life, including loss of earnings and loss of enjoyment of life. The family is determined to hold the hospital accountable for the devastating loss they have suffered.
Login