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Critics call it Florida’s “free kill” law. It limits who can sue over a death from medical malpractice.
Earlier this month, 10 Investigates fact-checked the arguments that have kept this law on the books for more than 30 years. Florida lawmakers have filed five bills for the upcoming state legislative session to modify or repeal the law, which limits who can sue over a death from medical malpractice.
Cindy Jenkins’ daughter Taylor was rushed to the hospital after a car crash. She says doctors didn’t notice a torn artery until it was too late.
“I not only lost a child that day, I lost one of my best friends,” Jenkins said.
She wanted to sue over her daughter’s death, but no medical malpractice attorneys would take her case.
“She had just turned 25,” she said.
If you are 25 or older, unmarried or widowed, and have no children under the age of 25, you’re what critics of Florida’s law call a “free kill.” If that’s you, subsection 8 of Florida’s Wrongful Death Act says your loved ones can’t sue the doctor or healthcare facility for mental pain and suffering damages.
MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/investigations/10-investigates/florida-free-kill-law-medical-malpractice-bills-filed/67-dd568397-bd2e-4c77-9854-601809084199
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