By Kim Rahn
More than 150 parents have filed a class action suit against a postpartum care center in Seoul where babies were exposed to tuberculosis (TB) in August.
A law firm representing the claimants said the lawsuit, which is seeking a combined 695 million won in compensation, was filed in Seoul Central District Court last Friday against the center head and a worker who spread the disease.
At least 120 newborn babies and their families were exposed to TB when the worker, surnamed Lee, cared for the babies even though she showed symptoms of TB. Lee was told at a check-up in July that she might have TB, but she kept caring for the babies until receiving her test result at the end of August.
As a result, 30 babies were infected. Of the 30, 46 parents of 23 babies are taking part in the suit, demanding 8 million won for each baby and 4 million won for each parent. Another 57 babies did not test positive, but have been prescribed antibiotics in case they become infected. Their parents are demanding 3 million won for each baby and 1.5 million won for each parent.
“The center did not fulfill its duty to protect the newborns and their mothers, resulting in babies becoming infected with TB,” the plaintiffs say in the complaint.
“Lee especially was responsible for the babies’ hygiene and health, but she did not stop working although she knew the possibility of TB infection. She did not carry out her duty, whether it was intentional or a grave mistake. The center also failed to manage its workers.”
The parents say they had been giving the babies antibiotics for more than two months and that the babies have suffered from side effects such as jaundice, liver dysfunction, vomiting and diarrhea.
Earlier in September, they also filed a complaint against the center head and Lee with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.