Indianapolis, Indiana – An Indiana couple is fighting a legal battle after their two young children were taken into state custody when doctors allegedly misdiagnosed a rare genetic disorder as child abuse. The lawsuit claims their infant daughter’s fractures were wrongly attributed to violence, leading to the removal of both children and nearly a year of separation. The couple argues that officials ignored clear medical signs pointing to a different cause.
Incident Overview
According to the lawsuit filed by Grant and Myranda Phillips, their 2-month-old daughter was taken to Riley Hospital for Children on December 26, 2022, after Myranda noticed swelling in the infant’s legs. The family had been visiting relatives for the holiday season, and the baby had been held by several children. When hospital staff performed an X-ray, they found multiple fractures of different ages, prompting concern and leading doctors to contact the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS).
The lawsuit alleges that a DCS case manager, Rachel Lucas, consulted two doctors specializing in child abuse. One of those doctors reportedly told Lucas that the fractures were consistent with significant blunt force trauma and “highly suspicious of child abuse.” The doctor also allegedly stated that the injuries “could not have been caused by a child.” Importantly, the lawsuit notes this doctor never examined the baby in person.
Timeline of Events
The Phillipses claim that before making any conclusions, hospital doctors observed the infant had blue sclera, a condition where the whites of the eyes appear blue or purple. This symptom is commonly associated with brittle bone diseases and can be an indicator of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome — a rare genetic condition known to increase fracture risk in children.
Despite this, the couple alleges doctors and DCS officials did not conduct the full medical testing necessary to rule out a genetic disorder. Instead, the state moved quickly, determining that the child’s injuries were caused by abuse.
Just two days after Christmas, DCS removed not only the infant but also her 3-year-old sibling. The “preliminary inquiry” presented to the Marion County Superior Court reportedly contained incorrect information, including a false claim that the baby suffered broken fibulas; the lawsuit states she actually had a tibia fracture.
Details From the Lawsuit
The parents argue their due process rights were violated throughout the investigation. The lawsuit asserts that DCS and the medical staff failed to properly investigate other explanations for the injuries.
Grant Phillips shared with the Indianapolis Star:
“There was no proper investigation before they took our children. And it was an uphill battle in getting them back.”
The couple said they complied with every requirement DCS imposed, but reunification efforts never moved forward. Their children remained out of their home for almost a year before a fact-finding hearing finally determined that DCS did not prove abuse or neglect had occurred.
Grant told the IndyStar:
“The judge railed against DCS… She told them they were essentially ‘grasping at straws.’ They admitted during court proceedings that they were not making any efforts to unify our family.”
The couple now seeks accountability from both state officials and the hospital, arguing that serious harm was done to their family.
Witness Accounts
Grant Phillips expressed the emotional toll the ordeal had on their lives, saying:
“They are literally ripping families apart.”
The family believes the state’s failure to explore medical explanations before assuming abuse was both reckless and devastating.
What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a hereditary connective tissue disorder that can make bones fragile and more prone to fractures, especially in infants. Symptoms can include blue sclera, joint hypermobility, chronic pain, and easy bruising. Misdiagnosis is not uncommon, especially when fractures occur in young children who cannot verbalize pain.
Experts say misidentifying medical conditions as abuse can have severe consequences, including unnecessary family separation, emotional trauma, and lengthy legal battles.
Statement From DCS and Hospital Response
In response to the lawsuit, DCS denied wrongdoing and stated the plaintiffs are not entitled to relief. In a statement to the IndyStar, the agency said:
“Family case managers are often put in challenging situations and must make difficult life or death decisions about child safety… We support them in keeping Hoosier children safe.”
Riley Hospital for Children has not issued any public comment about the lawsuit.
Safety & Awareness: Why Accurate Medical Review Matters
Child abuse cases require urgent and careful investigation, but experts say misdiagnosis can cause irreversible harm. Parents and advocates argue for improved training, mandatory genetic testing in fracture cases involving infants, and greater oversight when state agencies remove children from homes.
Child welfare specialists emphasize the importance of balancing child protection with parental rights — especially when rare medical conditions mimic symptoms of abuse.
Conclusion
The Phillips family’s case highlights the complexities and risks involved when medical uncertainty intersects with child protective decisions. Their lawsuit aims to bring attention to what they believe was a preventable and traumatic separation.
Have you or someone you know experienced a similar situation? Share your experiences in the comments below.
