Infant Died After Swallowing Watch Battery Found Under Broken Dishwasher Kick Plate

The family of Faith Ziaty, a baby who tragically died after swallowing a watch battery, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against their apartment complex’s landlord.

Tragic Incident Leads to Legal Action

According to the lawsuit, the incident occurred when Faith found an old watch battery under a broken dishwasher kick plate in their Des Moines, Iowa, apartment—a repair the landlord allegedly neglected despite repeated reminders. Faith’s parents, Haja Sesay and Barbejo Ziaty are seeking damages for medical expenses, pain, and suffering, along with other losses. The lawsuit, filed on August 17, 2023, targets Conlin Properties, Inc., accusing them of negligence in maintaining the apartment’s safety. The company has not yet commented on the case.

The Broken Dishwasher Kick Plate

The lawsuit reveals that the Ziaty family moved into the Des Moines apartment on September 27, 2022. During the move-in inspection, a Resident’s Move-In Inventory Sheet indicated the dishwasher needed repairs, specifically noting the broken kick plate. Over time, the family provided both written and verbal reminders to the landlord about the unresolved issue. Despite these efforts, the broken kick plate was never fixed or replaced, leading to the tragic incident. The lawsuit accuses the apartment management of negligence, arguing that the death of Faith was preventable had the repairs been made. “As a result of the defendant’s negligence, Faith Ziaty unnecessarily suffered from preventable physical and mental pain, loss of function, and ultimately death,” the lawsuit claims.

Faith’s Final Moments

Faith, who wasn’t even a year old at the time of her death, was exploring the kitchen when she crawled toward the broken dishwasher. Reaching under the faulty kick plate, she found an old watch battery amid the debris and swallowed it. The battery acid severely burned her esophagus, causing life-threatening bleeding. In a desperate attempt to save her daughter, Faith’s mother rushed her to a nearby veterinary clinic across the street, and from there, she was transferred to a hospital. Despite medical efforts, Faith passed away the following morning due to the severe internal injuries caused by the battery.

Remembering Baby Faith

Faith Ziaty’s obituary described her as a joyful and easygoing baby. She had recently started learning to walk and loved to crawl quickly, always eager to follow her family members around the house. Faith was happiest watching her favorite cartoon, Cocomelon, and being surrounded by her loved ones.

The loss of Faith has left her family devastated. The lawsuit seeks to hold Conlin Properties accountable for failing to repair the dishwasher and the immense grief and suffering the family has endured. As the case progresses, it will continue to shine a light on the dangers of neglected property maintenance and the potential legal consequences for landlords who fail to ensure tenant safety.