The parents of a two-year-old child who died following an allergic reaction have filed a wrongful death and medical malpractice lawsuit against Piedmont Eastside Medical Center, alleging fatal delays in treatment and inadequate emergency preparedness.
Filed this week in Gwinnett County State Court, the lawsuit stems from the October 7, 2024 death of Maya Getahun, who went into anaphylactic shock after being bitten by fire ants at her home in Snellville.
According to the complaint, Maya’s parents, Bethelhem Getu Hundie and Getahun Birhanu, brought her to Piedmont Eastside’s emergency department showing clear signs of respiratory distress, rash, and labored breathing. Despite these symptoms, the lawsuit states that emergency physician Dr. Richisa Salazar waited more than 20 minutes to administer epinephrine, the standard treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions.
The suit further alleges that when Dr. Salazar attempted intubation, she was unable to do so due to a lack of appropriately sized pediatric equipment, an error the plaintiffs say was directly responsible for Maya’s death.
“This is not a case of unforeseeable tragedy. This is about gross negligence and a complete failure to meet the standard of care,” said Lloyd Bell, founding attorney of Bell Law Firm, which represents the family alongside Andersen, Tate & Carr.
Named Defendants and Allegations
The complaint names as defendants:
- Piedmont Healthcare, Inc.
- Piedmont Eastside Hospital, Inc.
- Eastside Medical Center LLC
- Dr. Richisa Salazar
The plaintiffs allege violations of established emergency medical standards, citing both delayed administration of epinephrine and the absence of critical pediatric equipment as breaches of duty that caused Maya’s death. The suit seeks compensatory damages for wrongful death, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
“Hospitals have a legal obligation to be prepared for pediatric emergencies,” Bell said. “This death was preventable with timely intervention and proper equipment. Instead, this child lost her life, and her parents are left shattered.”
Prior Allegations Against Emergency Physician
In a statement released with the filing, Bell also revealed that Dr. Salazar has been named in two previous medical malpractice lawsuits filed by the firm, raising concerns about recurring issues of negligent care.
“When the same provider is repeatedly involved in lawsuits concerning patient safety, it demands scrutiny,” Bell added. “The public deserves to know whether systemic problems exist within Piedmont’s staffing and emergency protocols.”
Broader Implications for Hospital Liability
The case underscores legal questions about hospital liability in pediatric emergency care and the standard of readiness required under Georgia law for foreseeable medical emergencies, including anaphylaxis.
“This case is ultimately about accountability,” said Bell. “Our goal is not only to secure justice for Maya’s family but also to prevent future tragedies by holding hospitals and physicians responsible when they fall short.”
The lawsuit seeks a jury trial. No public comment has yet been made by Piedmont Healthcare or Dr. Salazar in response to the filing.
For more information about the legal team or to follow developments in the case, visit www.belllawfirm.com.
