On April 4, 2025, a Georgia medical malpractice wrongful death lawsuit was filed by the estate of a two-year-old, and her grieving parents, alleging that medical malpractice that occurred in an emergency department of a local hospital led to the unnecessary death of the young child.
The lawsuit alleges, in part: “This is a case about the wrongful death of 2-year-old Maya Getahun who died needlessly because of sub-standard medical care she received at Piedmont Eastside Medical Center in Snellville, Georgia. Maya’s parents brought her to the emergency department after she was bitten by ants and developed an allergic reaction. While recognizing this was an allergic reaction, the medical staff waited over 20 minutes before administering epinephrine, causing Maya’s condition to worsen. The ER physician, Dr. Richisa Salazar, attempted to intubate Maya, but once she started the procedure, Dr. Salazar realized the ER did not have the correctly sized equipment necessary for a young child. Maya’s parents looked on helplessly as their daughter slowly died from lack of oxygen.”
In particular: “On or about October 7, 2024, Ms. Hundie and Mr. Birhanu brought their minor child, Maya Getahun, to the emergency department of Piedmont Eastside Medical Center South Campus in Snellville, Georgia (“Hospital”). Maya had been bitten by fire ants. Dr. Salazar was assigned as Maya’s attending physician. Roshayla Bracely, RN, triaged Maya. Maya had wheezing, labored breathing, and a rash. Ms. Bracely assigned Maya to Acuity Level 2. Maya was exhibiting signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. The allergic reaction was causing Maya respiratory distress. Maya required immediate medical attention, including the rapid administration of epinephrine to halt the allergic response. Providers at the Hospital allowed more than 20 minutes to pass before administering epinephrine to Maya.”
“One dose of intramuscular epinephrine was administered to Maya. Though Maya had a blood oxygen saturation of 97%, Dr. Salazar decided to intubate Maya using rapid sequence intubation (RSI) drugs etomidate and succinylcholine.
Dr. Salazar was not prepared to intubate Maya because Dr. Salazar did not confirm she had correctly sized pediatric intubation equipment available before she began the RSI attempt. As the RSI drugs paralyzed Maya, Dr. Salazar discovered that the Hospital lacked the equipment needed to complete the pediatric intubation. Maya died under the care of Dr. Salazar, Ms. Bracely, and the other healthcare professionals at the Hospital.”
The lawsuit seeks both compensatory damages and punitive damages, alleging both ordinary negligence and gross negligence.
Hundie v. Piedmont Healthcare, Inc., State Court of Gwinnett County, 25-C-04275-S3.
If you or a loved one may have been injured (or worse) as a result of medical malpractice in Georgia or in another U.S. state, you should promptly find a Georgia medical malpractice lawyer, or a medical malpractice lawyer in your state, who may investigate your medical malpractice claim for you and represent you or your loved one in a medical malpractice case, if appropriate.
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