A Georgia couple has filed a wrongful death suit against a hospital following the tragic passing of their 2-year-old daughter due to an allergic reaction to fire ant bites. Maya Getahun lost her life in October 2024 while at Piedmont Eastside Medical Center, as detailed in a complaint submitted in Gwinnett County on April 4. The lawsuit alleges that Maya’s death was a result of inadequate medical care provided at the hospital.
According to court documents, Bethelhem Getu Hundie and Getahun Birhanu rushed Maya to the hospital upon realizing she was having an allergic reaction. They claim that it took medical staff at least 20 minutes to administer the necessary epinephrine, a life-saving drug for allergic reactions. The suit further states that the emergency room lacked the proper equipment for pediatric intubation, leading to a devastating outcome for Maya.
Representatives from Bell Law Firm, who are representing the family, expressed deep concern over the tragic incident, highlighting the failure of the ER team to act swiftly in treating Maya’s condition. This is not the first case involving similar circumstances with the ER physician named in the complaint.
The family is seeking justice through a jury trial and financial compensation exceeding $10,000. The defendants, including Dr. Salazar and Piedmont Healthcare, have not yet responded to requests for comment.
