Springfield, MO — A 17-year-old student at Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) has filed a lawsuit alleging that toxic construction fumes inside a campus building forced her into extreme preterm labor, causing her baby to be born 16 weeks early.
The suit, filed in Greene County Circuit Court on Thursday, states the teen was attending a math class on the third floor of a campus building where renovations were underway beneath her classroom. The construction project was reportedly addressing water damage, but the air quality allegedly became unsafe during the work.
Students Experienced Burning Sensations and Dizziness, Lawsuit Says
According to the filing, both the instructor and multiple students in the classroom reported feeling symptoms such as:
- Lightheadedness
- Sickness
- Burning throat and nose
- A strong chemical or paint-like smell
The pregnant student indicated in the lawsuit that the fumes were “overwhelmingly severe”, leaving her extremely ill.
Her condition worsened significantly that evening — she began vomiting continuously and, the following day, went into rapid preterm labor. Emergency medical services transported her to Mercy Hospital.
Baby Born at Just 24 Weeks With Serious, Life-Threatening Complications
Doctors performed an emergency C-section on September 30, delivering her son at only 24 weeks gestation.
The newborn weighed 1 lb. 6 oz. and measured 11 inches, making him extremely fragile. He spent 14 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as a critical patient, battling several major medical complications, including:
- Respiratory failure
- Low blood pressure
- Jaundice and anemia
- Lung infections
- Bleeding in the brain
- Retinopathy, which threatens vision
According to The Independent, the lawsuit claims the child will face lifelong medical needs, with a heightened risk of:
- Cerebral palsy
- Chronic respiratory illness
- Hearing and vision impairment
- Developmental delays
School and Contractor Accused of Negligence
The lawsuit argues that OTC and the construction contractor failed to provide basic safety protection. The complaint says they:
- Did not seal off the construction area
- Did not relocate classes
- Did not monitor air quality
- Did not use proper ventilation or negative air pressure
The student’s pregnancy was reportedly normal just one week prior, during a September 23 medical checkup — a key point her attorneys emphasize.
Seeking Justice Through Jury Trial
The teen, represented by her guardian, is seeking:
- A jury trial
- Compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma
- Coverage for long-term medical expenses
- Damages for the loss of a normal pregnancy experience
- Compensation for ongoing health risks affecting both her and her son
So far, no public comment has been issued by Ozarks Technical Community College or the contractor named in the filing.
What’s Your Opinion?
Should schools be required to relocate students any time construction is happening indoors — especially when pregnant students are present? Join the discussion in the comments below.
