Baby’s Death

* Re “Ruling Limits Damages in Girl’s Death at Hospital,” March 26: Mychelle Williams, 18 months old, appeared at an emergency room with a history of vomiting, diarrhea and difficulty breathing. On examination she showed a temperature of 106.6, “an abnormally high pulse and respiratory rate,” vomiting, dehydration and a seizure. She was not a candidate for stabilization and transport. Rather she should have immediately received emergency medical treatment to save her life. Failure to provide the treatment constitutes malpractice and should be treated as such by the law.

Why was this verdict rendered? Because saving the HMO a few dollars was more important than saving a child’s life? Or was it because she was a poor, black child?

DELORES ALLEYNE MD

Pediatrician, Los Angeles