The heartbreaking story of baby Faith Ziaty, who tragically lost her life after swallowing a watch battery, has led to her family taking legal action against their apartment complex’s landlord. The lawsuit alleges that Faith found the watch battery under a broken dishwasher kick plate in their Des Moines, Iowa, apartment, an issue that the landlord had reportedly ignored despite multiple reminders.
Faith’s parents, Haja Sesay and Barbejo Ziaty, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking damages for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and other losses. The lawsuit, filed on August 17, 2023, names Conlin Properties, Inc. as the defendant, accusing them of negligence in maintaining a safe environment in the apartment. So far, the company has not responded to the allegations.
The Ziaty family had moved into the apartment in September 2022, and during the move-in inspection, it was noted that the dishwasher needed repairs, specifically mentioning the broken kick plate. Despite repeated reminders, the landlord failed to address the issue, leading to the tragic incident involving Faith and the watch battery. The lawsuit argues that Faith’s death could have been prevented if the necessary repairs had been made promptly.
In her final moments, Faith, who was not even a year old, was exploring the kitchen when she found the watch battery under the broken dishwasher kick plate and swallowed it. The battery’s acid caused severe damage to her esophagus, resulting in life-threatening bleeding. Despite her mother’s desperate attempts to save her by rushing her to a nearby veterinary clinic and then to a hospital, Faith tragically passed away the next day due to the internal injuries caused by the battery.
Faith was described as a joyful and easygoing baby who had recently started learning to walk and loved to follow her family members around the house. She enjoyed watching her favorite cartoon, Cocomelon, and being surrounded by her loved ones.
The loss of Faith has had a devastating impact on her family, who are seeking justice through the legal system. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of property maintenance and tenant safety. As the lawsuit progresses, it will continue to highlight the dangers of negligence on the part of landlords and the potential legal repercussions they may face for failing to ensure a safe living environment for their tenants.
