A lawsuit alleges that failures in prenatal care resulted in severe injuries to both a mother and her child following treatment at a local hospital. The complaint was filed by Latreace Parker and Marcus Washington, individually and as parents of K.W., a minor, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida on March 24, 2026. The defendants named are Mary Elizabeth Girling, M.D., OB Hospitalist Group, LLC., and Morton Plant Hospital Association, Inc.
According to the complaint, Latreace Parker was admitted to Morton Plant Hospital on September 11, 2024 while she was 30 weeks and five days pregnant with K.W. She reported contraction pains which were later attributed to placental abruption—a serious pregnancy complication where the placenta detaches from the uterus. The plaintiffs allege that Dr. Girling evaluated Ms. Parker but did not order an obstetric ultrasound or other diagnostic studies necessary to assess the health of the unborn child or properly diagnose the cause of Ms. Parker’s symptoms.
The filing states: “While Mrs. Parker and unborn K.W. were under the care of Defendant, MARY ELIZABETH GIRLING, M.D., at Defendant MORTON PLANT HOSPITAL, an obstetric ultrasound was never ordered to evaluate the uterine environment or the health of the unborn Plaintiff, K.W.” The plaintiffs claim that this omission contributed to delayed diagnosis and treatment as Ms. Parker’s condition worsened into an emergency requiring surgery and delivery.
The lawsuit asserts that Dr. Girling breached her duty by failing to perform appropriate examinations or workups necessary for proper diagnosis; failing to evaluate for premature labor; failing to diagnose placental abruption; failing to order needed diagnostic studies; failing to make referrals; and otherwise not providing proper medical care as required by applicable standards.
The complaint further alleges vicarious liability against OB Hospitalist Group, LLC., stating that Dr. Girling was acting as its employee or agent during her treatment of Ms. Parker and K.W.: “At all material times, Defendant, OB HOSPITALIST GROUP, LLC., by and through its employees… owed Plaintiff… a duty to provide reasonable and appropriate medical care.” Under this doctrine of vicarious liability, OB Hospitalist Group is claimed liable for any negligence committed by Dr. Girling.
Morton Plant Hospital is also named under theories of apparent agency regarding both mother and child’s claims. The plaintiffs state they had no choice in selecting their obstetrician when presenting at Morton Plant Hospital: “Plaintiff… was provided no choice in who would be providing her with obstetrics and gynecology services… merely accepted care… specifically Co-Defendant MARY ELIZABETH GIRLING.” They allege that Morton Plant Hospital held itself out as having qualified staff for such care and thus should be held responsible for any resulting negligence.
Damages sought include compensation for bodily injury, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life capacity, expenses related to hospitalization or ongoing medical care for both mother (Latreace Parker) and child (K.W.), as well as lost earnings or earning capacity where applicable. Marcus Washington seeks damages for loss of consortium due to his wife’s injuries—citing loss of companionship and household support—and both parents seek damages for loss of filial consortium due to their child’s permanent disability.
The complaint certifies compliance with pre-suit requirements under Chapter 766 of Florida Statutes: “Counsel for the Plaintiffs certifies that a reasonable investigation into the underlying matter has been performed and a good faith basis for each of the underlying claims exists at this time pursuant to Section 766.104(1), Florida Statutes.” Each count demands judgment exceeding $50,000 plus costs incurred and attorney fees if applicable.
The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys Dennis E. Lopez (Florida Bar No.: 1048768), Martin W. Palmer (Florida Bar No.: 0150347), and Joseph K. Lopez Jr. (Florida Bar No.: 106080) from Palmer Lopez P.A., Lutz FL. The case number is 26-001831-CI.
Source: 26001831CI_Latreace_Parker_v_Mary_Elizabeth_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
