Maternity care mismanagement is a common problem, reported by 20 percent of pregnant women in the US.1 In some cases, it can be a form of medical malpractice that comes with grave consequences.

If tragedy strikes as the result of negligence by a healthcare provider, most unsuspecting families are left in shock. They aren’t capable of taking on the medical-industrial complex on their own. Jason Matzus helps put people back on their feet in the face of unthinkable circumstances. 

This case study features a family who suffered a devastating loss and found justice with Jason.

Meet the Jeter Family

When Danielle Jeter found out she was expecting Mono-Di twins, she knew there was a rough road ahead. But she and her husband, Shaka, never expected to be betrayed by their trusted healthcare providers. After one twin was stillborn, the Jeters needed to find a way to care for their surviving daughter, Gabriella, who had severe brain damage.

When searching for legal representation, Jason’s many accolades sparked Shaka’s interest. But ultimately, Shaka was more impressed that Jason’s accomplishments weren’t at the forefront of their conversations. Instead, the Jeters were sold on Jason’s empathy and genuine commitment to helping them navigate this treacherous time. Shaka explained that with Jason, “You know you have a lawyer that’s gonna work for you.”

The Diagnosis: Mono-Di Twins

Monochorionic diamniotic (Mono-Di) twins comprise about 0.0035 percent of live births and 20 percent of twins.2 These identical twins develop in separate amniotic sacs but share the same placenta and blood supply. 

Mono-Di twins have a higher risk of complications, including prematurity and low birth weight.3 Red blood cells may be unequally shared between twins in the womb, leading to twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS). There’s also a risk of rapid blood transfer from one fetus to the other, which can cause fatal heart failure. This is referred to as Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS).

Additional complications may include:

  • Amniotic fluid abnormalities
  • Developmental delays
  • Heart and neural tube defects
  • Umbilical cord complications

Mothers of Mono-Di twins have a higher risk of preeclampsia and postpartum hemorrhage. As a result, Mono-Di twins require specialized care during pregnancy with close monitoring. Mothers typically receive more frequent ultrasounds and fetal echocardiograms. Additional testing should begin at 32 weeks, such as Biophysical Profile testing and Non-Stress Tests, to specifically monitor the health of the babies in utero. It’s also not unusual for this type of pregnancy to include intrauterine procedures, MRIs, genetic testing, hospitalization, and planned delivery by 37 weeks.

Danielle underwent the specialized testing at 32 weeks, but after a couple of weeks, the doctors simply stopped performing the testing as required. The failure to perform the testing caused the early warning signs of TTTS to be missed. Had the testing been performed, those warning signs would have been identified, and Danielle could have had an early delivery, which would have resulted in both babes being born alive and healthy. 

The failure to test caused the doctors to miss a preventable and treatable problem that caused one twin to be born stillborn and the surviving twin, Gabriela, to be born with profound brain damage. Gabriella stayed in the NICU for 30 days before Danielle and Shaka were informed about the scope of her medical conditions. She will require 24-hour intensive care for life. “They let us know about five days before she was released that she had a severe brain injury. And that’s when we found out about all of the damage,” shared Danielle.

Shaka described feeling blindsided as a new parent with no medical knowledge. Danielle was angry. “I was so mad and hurt because we had asked from the beginning to be transferred for care…but they didn’t trust my maternal instincts,” she said. “I trusted them with not only my life but my two daughters’, and they failed me.”

Finding a Road to Recovery

No one can replace the Jeter’s tragic loss. However, Jason Matzus ensured that negligent medical staff had to answer for their mistakes. As a result of Jason’s tactful litigation, the Jeters received a settlement to buy a new house to accommodate Gabriela’s needs, purchase a handicapped-accessible van, and obtain other adaptive equipment to foster Gabriella’s growth. “There’s no way I can repay him. I could never say thank you enough. He’s a blessing,” said Shaka.

“We were successful and able to achieve a financial result that will provide Danielle and Shaka with the money necessary to pay for all Gabriella’s future care needs so that Gabriella can live the most meaningful and fulfilling life possible under the circumstances,” Jason explained. He said that Danielle and Shaka’s love for Gabriella has inspired him—not just to be a better person or a better lawyer but to be a better father.

You’re Not Alone

Does this story hit close to home? 

High-risk pregnancies happen every day. And too often, parents don’t receive the proper attention and care they need before it’s too late.  

If you’ve suffered a loss or injury at the hands of medical malpractice, you need an attorney who knows the law, gets the science, and, most importantly, cares about people like you. Jason has over 30 years of experience in handling birth injury cases. In the wake of distress and devastation, you’re not prepared to battle the billion-dollar healthcare industry. Jason is.

Jason can help restore your hope for a brighter tomorrow, even on your darkest days. His track record demonstrates that justice is possible. It’s time to stop fighting by yourself. 

Call (412) 206-5300 and get the support you deserve.

 1Mohamoud YA, Cassidy E, Fuchs E, et al. Vital Signs: Maternity Care Experiences — United States, April 2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:961–967. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7235e1

 2Monochorionic Diamniotic Twin Gestation. University of Michigan Medicine. Accessed March 3, 2025.

 3Monochorionic Twins. Texas Children’s. Accessed March 3, 2025.

Anastasia Climan

Written by

Anastasia Climan
Aron Solomon

Fact Checked by

Aron Solomon
Jason

Legally Reviewed by

Jason Matzus

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