MINOT, N.D. (AP) – The mother of a North Dakota woman is suing the Indian Health Service’s regional office in South Dakota and three of its doctors over what she alleges is her daughter’s wrongful death.

Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa member Shiree Wilson of Belcourt, 24, died about a week after she gave birth via Cesarean section in January 2014.

Her mother, Christine Fluhrer, alleges in court documents that the IHS and three doctors at the IHS hospital in Belcourt were negligent in Wilson’s care. The lawsuit accuses them of failing to conduct tests to follow up on Wilson’s high white blood cell count, which indicated a possible infection, and a cough.

A week after giving birth, Wilson went to the emergency room, where she reported shortness of breath that had started suddenly and was getting worse, as well as a persistent dry cough that was increasing in frequency. She was discharged after one of the doctors named in the lawsuit told her she could be treated for “bilateral atypical pneumonia and treated as an outpatient with decongestants and oral antibiotics.”

Wilson collapsed and died the following day. An autopsy showed that she had severe pulmonary congestion and edema.

Fluhrer alleges that should’ve ordered follow up tests, consulted with specialists and admitted her to the hospital. She is seeking at least $75,000 in economic damages, plus non-economic damages and attorney fees.

The defendants’ attorney, Tara Iversen, denies the allegations in a response filed with the court, the Minot Daily News reported.

Quality of care at IHS facilities has been an issue recently. IHS Principal Deputy Director Mary Smith told Great Plains tribal leaders last week that the agency will work to enact swift and long-lasting reforms.

–––

Information from: Minot Daily News, http://www.minotdailynews.com