A Zanesville father has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Nationwide Children’s Hospital after his 27-day-old daughter died following a fall from her crib.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Sued Over Infant’s Death
A Zanesville father has filed a death lawsuit against Nationwide Children’s Hospital, alleging medical negligence after his 27-day-old daughter died following a fall from her hospital crib.
According to court records, Tyler Peyton filed the lawsuit on Jan. 23 in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas in connection with the death of his daughter, Ellieana Peyton, in 2025.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital, located at 700 Children’s Drive in Columbus, said it cannot comment on the matter because the case is pending litigation.
The lawsuit states that Ellieana was born at the hospital on March 4 and was diagnosed shortly after birth with congenital dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart muscle. She was admitted to the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit the same day.
Hospital staff monitored Ellieana for several weeks, during which time she reportedly tolerated feedings, had normal neurological evaluations, and showed normal or near-normal heart function. Doctors later determined she was stable and planned for her discharge around March 28.
However, the filing alleges that on March 25 at approximately 9:30 p.m., a patient care assistant left one rail of Ellieana’s crib lowered while monitoring wires remained attached to the infant. The wires were reportedly connected to a telemetry device carried by the staff member. When the assistant moved away, the wires pulled the infant from the crib, causing her to fall an estimated three to four feet to the floor.
Medical imaging performed that night showed that Ellieana suffered a skull fracture and brain bleeding, along with visible swelling and bruising at the point of impact, according to the lawsuit.
In the days that followed, Ellieana’s condition declined. Records show she experienced low blood pressure, an elevated heart rate, and reduced oxygen levels. Her heart function continued to worsen, and she died on the evening of March 31.
The Franklin County Coroner determined that Ellieana’s cause of death was congenital dilated cardiomyopathy complicated by head injuries resulting from a fall from a crib. The death was ruled accidental.
The lawsuit alleges that Nationwide Children’s Hospital failed to maintain a safe environment, implement proper fall-prevention measures, and adequately supervise a high-risk infant. The filing describes Ellieana’s death as preventable.
An obituary described Ellieana as a joyful and alert infant with a bright smile and expressive brown eyes. It noted that she loved being held by her parents and family.
The lawsuit seeks damages related to wrongful death, medical negligence, and misconduct.
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