A 1-year-old Connecticut boy was found dead in his crib the morning after a hospital emergency department sent him home with what his parents describe as a cursory 21-minute evaluation that ignored multiple warning signs of serious illness, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed against Yale New Haven Hospital and its staff.
Background
Liam Hallissey was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital in early December 2025 at the direction of his pediatrician, who had examined the toddler earlier that day and documented concerning symptoms including a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, lethargy, hypotonia, a "drooping appearance," acute illness, and a positive test result for Influenza A. The lawsuit alleges the hospital's emergency department failed to provide adequate care for the critically ill child.
According to the legal complaint filed by Liam's parents through attorney Jennifer L. Amdur, their son arrived at the hospital with vital signs obtained at approximately 4:39 p.m., showing an elevated heart rate of 169 beats per minute and a temperature of 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. A physician assistant evaluated Liam more than an hour later, at approximately 5:58 p.m.
"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 Charges
The lawsuit claims the physician assistant "ignored" symptoms consistent with sepsis, including tachycardia, lethargy, and the pediatrician's concerns. In her evaluation notes, the PA reportedly documented that Liam appeared "well appearing" and stated there was "no concern for bacterial illness, sepsis, or bacteremia."
Liam's parents allege his death resulted from "carelessness and negligence" by the hospital and its staff. The pathologist who performed the autopsy concluded the cause of death was septic complications of acute influenza A and rhinovirus respiratory infections.
"Liam was more than a patient, he was a cherished son and brother whose life mattered deeply to his family," attorney Amdur told local ABC affiliate WTNH. "The loss they have endured is unimaginable, and they continue to live with the consequences of failures that should never have occurred."
Yale New Haven Hospital provided a statement in response to the lawsuit: "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."
Key Takeaways
- Liam Hallissey, 1 year old, was evaluated at Yale New Haven Hospital's emergency department for symptoms including fever, lethargy, and a positive Influenza A test result
- The lawsuit alleges a physician assistant discharged the child just 21 minutes after evaluation without conducting laboratory studies, imaging, or repeat vital signs
- Liam was found "limp, cyanotic and not breathing" in his crib by his mother less than 24 hours later
- Medical staff at St. Vincent's Medical Center attempted resuscitation efforts including CPR, defibrillation, and epinephrine, but could not revive him
- The autopsy determined the cause of death as septic complications from influenza A and rhinovirus infections
- Liam's parents are seeking damages for wrongful death, alleging negligent evaluation and treatment by hospital staff
What's Next
The lawsuit names Yale New Haven Hospital, the physician assistant who evaluated Liam, and other unnamed medical providers as defendants. The family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for what their attorney described as "a system in which patients and families are too often rushed through the hospital without the safeguards they deserve." No trial date has been set, and the hospital has indicated it will vigorously defend against the allegations.