Mother files lawsuit against Albany hospital after her baby dies following several emergency room visits.
An upstate New York mother is pursuing legal action against Albany Medical Center following the tragic death of her one-month-old daughter, Milani Finch. This lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the hospital staff, claiming that the circumstances leading to Milani’s death were, according to the mother, entirely preventable. The lawsuit was filed on Friday in Albany County Court, as reported by local media outlets including CBS affiliate WRGB.
Shamaya Jackson, the mother, contends that she brought her daughter to the hospital’s pediatric emergency room multiple times in April 2025 due to concerning breathing difficulties. The family’s first visit to the emergency room occurred on April 9, when Milani was discharged without a substantial diagnosis or treatment, as indicated in the complaint. Jackson states that the medical staff provided little assistance and failed to address her daughter’s visible distress.
The situation escalated on April 25, when Jackson returned to the emergency room as Milani continued to exhibit severe respiratory issues, including wheezing and shortness of breath. The infant was admitted but was discharged the following day, with no clear justification provided to the family. Alarmed by the deterioration of her child’s health, Jackson returned to the hospital the next day; by this time, Milani was reportedly gasping for air and in respiratory failure.
Tragically, Milani Finch died the following day. Subsequent blood tests revealed that she was battling two serious bacterial infections—Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and E. coli. Jackson’s lawsuit emphasizes that, despite numerous hospital visits, the severity of Milani’s condition was not adequately acknowledged, leading to the infant’s untimely death.
In seeking justice, Jackson’s family is requesting unspecified damages for the emotional trauma associated with the loss, including conscious pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and economic damages.
In response to the lawsuit, Albany Medical Center’s spokesman, Matt Markham, affirmed that the hospital employs a team of pediatric intensive care specialists who are trained in advanced lifesaving techniques. He emphasized that the institution’s commitment to compassionate care and patient safety remains paramount. As the region’s only children’s hospital, Albany Medical Center treats over 1,100 critically ill or injured children annually.
As this case unfolds, it raises significant questions regarding patient care protocols and accountability in medical institutions. Milani Finch’s tragic death underscores the vital importance of thorough medical assessments, especially in pediatric cases where timely intervention can have life-altering consequences.
