A tragic case of alleged medical negligence has been brought to light as a family seeks justice for the death of their unborn child. The complaint, filed by Genevieve G. Redd, Esquire, as Administrator of the Estate of G.G.R., along with Elida Rodriguez-Munoz and Alberto Gutierrez-Coreia in their own right, was submitted to the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania on an unspecified date against multiple healthcare providers including Nicole M. Garcher, D.O., Carly W. Zuwiala, M.D., Alayna Butcher, M.D., and several others.
The plaintiffs allege that the defendants' failure to properly diagnose and manage gestational diabetes led to severe complications that resulted in the intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) of their unborn child, G.G.R. According to the complaint, Elida Rodriguez-Munoz came under the obstetrical care of Washington Health System OB/GYN Care on December 9, 2021. Despite being at high risk due to advanced maternal age and obesity, crucial screenings for pre-gestational or gestational diabetes were not conducted.
On January 3, 2022, Nurse Shareen McNinch documented that Rodriguez-Munoz weighed 201.2 pounds but failed to order appropriate diabetes screening or provide counseling on its prevention. Subsequent visits with Drs. Zuwiala and Butcher also noted normal pregnancies without addressing high-risk factors or conducting necessary tests for diabetes management.
A critical point in the case occurred on March 22, 2022, when an abnormal glucose test result indicated a high level of 308 mg/dL. Despite this alarming result and a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), proper measures were not taken to diagnose or manage pre-gestational diabetes. Follow-up visits continued without adequate documentation or action regarding Rodriguez-Munoz's glucose levels.
The situation escalated when an ultrasound performed by Dr. Coyne on May 12 revealed fetal abnormalities due to poor positioning but failed to address maternal diabetes concerns adequately. On July 27, Rodriguez-Munoz reported decreased fetal movement and was admitted to UPMC Magee - Womens Hospital where it was confirmed that there were no fetal heart tones.
The plaintiffs argue that the defendants' negligence directly caused severe injuries leading to G.G.R.'s death. They claim damages under both the Wrongful Death Act and Survival Act seeking compensation exceeding $50,000 exclusive of interest and costs.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Kila B. Baldwin, Paola Pearson, and Allison M. Goldberg from Anapol Weiss law firm based in Philadelphia.