After removing a medical malpractice lawsuit to federal court, the U.S. seeks to be replaced as defendant in a mother’s suit alleging she was discharged from the hospital at 39 weeks pregnant despite signs of preeclampsia, resulting in the death of her unborn baby.
The U.S. filed a motion to dismiss on Feb. 11 through attorneys Steven Weinhoeft and David Pfeffer, seeking to be substituted as defendant for Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation Inc., Dr. Geoffrey Turner and Dr. Jamie Hardman.
The U.S. argues that Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation (SIHF), Turner and Hardman are “deemed” federal employees eligible for coverage under the Federally Supported Health Centers Assistance Act.
Plaintiff Shantela Stackhouse filed the complaint individually and as administrator of the estate of C.M. on July 22, 2021, in the Madison County Circuit Court. The suit was filed against Alton Memorial Hospital, nurse Diane Lahey, SIHF, Turner and Hardman. The U.S. filed a notice of removal to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois on Feb. 11.
According to the complaint, Stackhouse went to Alton Memorial Hospital on July 23, 2019, at 39 weeks pregnant with a baby boy. At the time, her baby was full-term and healthy. Stackhouse was complaining of cramps and contractions at 9:35 a.m. She and her baby were monitored in the Women’s Health and Childbirth Center, where tests allegedly revealed elevated blood pressure and protein in her urine. However, she was discharged at 11:50 a.m.
Later that afternoon, Stackhouse was taken via emergency medical services to Gateway Regional Medical Center. Her baby was delivered by emergent cesarean section after doctors discovered Stackhouse suffered 100 percent placenta abruption.
The suit states that CPR was initiated on C.M., but was unsuccessful. Stackhouse was later treated for hemorrhage post placenta abruption.
Stackhouse claims the defendants failed to notify SIHF, Turner or Hardman of her elevated blood pressure and protein levels. She also alleges the defendants negligently failed to recognize that her complaints, vital signs and lab findings indicated that she was too unstable for discharge, failed to consider alternative diagnoses, and failed to deliver her baby.
As a result, Stackhouse allegedly developed preeclampsia and suffered complete abruption of the placenta.
She lost the ability to experience the birth of her child, lost the opportunity to enjoy the birth and life of her son, suffers from side effects of hemorrhagic shock, temporary and permanent disabilities, suffers from emotional distress, depression and anxiety, incurred medical expenses, and has lost income.
Stackhouse seeks in excess of $50,000 for each count, plus court costs. She is represented by Keith Short of Keith Short and Associates PC in Alton.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois case number 3:22-cv-246