Proposal calls for Miami-Dade health trust to pay $5M for rendering boy quadriplegic

A lab technician's error left the boy quadriplegic, epileptic, unable to speak and subject to painful, involuntary muscle spasms.


Florida lawmakers next year are expected to consider a proposal that would clear a $5 million settlement payment to the family of a young boy who was severely disabled through negligence at a Miami-Dade County public health care facility.

Republican Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez of Doral filed a bill this week that, if approved next year, would authorize the group that oversees Jackson Health System, the county’s public health care provider, to pay the family of Harry Augustin Shumow.

Rodriguez did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday.

Rodriguez’s bill is classified as a “claims” bill or “relief act,” as it is intended to compensate a person or entity for injuries or losses caused by the negligence or error of a public officer or agency.

Such bills often arise when appropriate damages due to a person or entity exceed what’s allowable under Florida’s sovereign immunity laws, which protect government agencies from costly lawsuits by capping payouts without legislative action at $300,000.

Read more: https://floridapolitics.com/archives/446662-proposal-calls-for-miami-dade-health-trust-to-pay-5m-for-rendering-boy-quadriplegic/