NEW HAVEN, CT – A Connecticut family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging a 1-year-old boy was sent home from Yale New Haven Hospital despite symptoms consistent with sepsis, dying less than a day after his evaluation.
According to the complaint, Liam Hallissey was brought to the hospital in December at the direction of his pediatrician, who reported a 102-degree fever and symptoms including “lethargy, hypotonia, drooping appearance, acute illness, and a positive test result for Influenza A.” The lawsuit claims a physician assistant failed to act on those findings and discharged the child shortly after evaluation.
Hospital visit and discharge timeline
The complaint states Liam’s vital signs were taken at approximately 4:39 p.m., showing a temperature of 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit and an elevated heart rate of 169. He was evaluated at 5:58 p.m., when the physician assistant documented that he was “well appearing” and that there was “no concern for bacterial illness, sepsis, or bacteremia.”
“The patient was … discharged 21 minutes after his medical evaluation,” the complaint alleges. “Other than a repeat nasal swab, the providers failed to perform any other comprehensive work-up including, but not limited to, repeat vital signs, laboratory studies, imaging, and/or observation.”
The lawsuit further claims the provider “ignored the minor decedent’s tachycardia, lethargy, and pediatrician concern” during the visit.
Emergency response and cause of death
The following morning, Liam’s mother found him unresponsive in his crib and called 911. She began CPR before emergency crews arrived.
“Upon the arrival of EMS personnel, the minor decedent was cold, pale, and cyanotic,” the complaint states. “EMS personnel attempted defibrillation, chest compressions, and ventilation and transported the minor decedent to St. Vincent’s Medical Center.”
Medical staff intubated the child and administered CPR, defibrillation, and multiple doses of epinephrine, but he was pronounced dead less than 20 minutes after arrival.
“The pathologist who performed the minor decedent’s autopsy concluded that the cause of death was septic complications of acute influenza A and rhinovirus respiratory infections,” the complaint says.
Legal response and hospital statement
Liam’s parents allege his death resulted from “carelessness and negligence” by the hospital and its staff.
In a statement, Yale New Haven Hospital said: “Yale New Haven Hospital is aware of this lawsuit and extends our deepest condolences to the family for the loss of their child. This is a heartbreaking situation, and our thoughts are with all those who loved and cared for him. We remain deeply committed to providing safe, compassionate and high-quality care to every patient and family we serve. Because this matter is currently in litigation, we are unable to comment on the specific allegations.”
The family’s attorney, Jennifer L. Amdur, told WTNH that Liam was the victim of “a system in which patients and families are too often rushed through the hospital without the safeguards they deserve.”
“Liam was more than a patient, he was a cherished son and brother whose life mattered deeply to his family,” Amdur said. “The loss they have endured is unimaginable, and they continue to live with the consequences of failures that should never have occurred.”
