A Lowcountry mother has filed a lawsuit against the Medical University of South Carolina, alleging that a medical technician dropped her newborn daughter just days after birth at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.
Lacey Oppelt said her baby had been admitted to the children’s hospital for treatment of jaundice shortly after birth. Eight days after the baby was born, Oppelt said a technician was transporting the infant in a car seat to the family’s vehicle during discharge when the employee slipped on what appeared to be liquid on the floor. According to Oppelt, the technician fell and dropped the baby, and the car seat ended up upside down.
Oppelt said there were no warning signs indicating a wet floor and that it was unclear what substance caused the slip, though it appeared to be water. She described the technician as apologetic and said the employee was also injured in the fall. Hospital staff evaluated the baby, but Oppelt said the response did not feel urgent to her despite the traumatic nature of the event.
Allegations of Negligence
The lawsuit alleges that MUSC failed to adequately warn patrons of a dangerous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to eliminate the risk of harm. Oppelt claims she has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and continues to experience nightmares and anxiety, particularly when taking her child out in public.
According to the complaint, while a pediatrician determined the baby appeared to be physically okay the day after the fall, the long-term effects remain unknown. Oppelt’s attorney, Allison Fultz, argued that the hospital failed to maintain a safe environment and that there had been prior incidents involving liquid on the floor without corrective action.
Hospital Response and Ongoing Case
Oppelt is seeking monetary damages and accountability through the lawsuit. She said her goal is to prevent other families from experiencing a similar ordeal after what she described as an already stressful NICU stay.
When contacted for comment, MUSC declined to discuss the matter, citing ongoing litigation.
