Parents File Lawsuit Over Fatal NICU Incident at Florida Hospital

Neonatal Tragedy Sparks Legal Battle Over Alleged Staff Negligence

A devastating medical incident at a prominent Florida hospital has escalated into a legal battle as parents seek justice for their premature daughter’s death. The case, which involves allegations of severe medical negligence and subsequent concealment, has raised concerns about transparency and safety protocols in neonatal intensive care units. The incident has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities of premature infants and the critical importance of proper handling procedures in NICU environments.

5 Key Points

• Premature baby Jahxy Peets suffered a fatal neck injury while in NICU care.
• Parents claim hospital staff broke the infant’s neck and failed to report it.
• The baby was born at 24 weeks and died five months later in November 2022.
• Parents allege the hospital attempted to cover up the cause of the injury.
• The hospital maintains premature infant care is “complex and emotional work.”

Catastrophic NICU Injury Leads to Infant’s Death

The parents of Jahxy Peets have initiated legal action against Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies following their daughter’s death in November 2022. The lawsuit centers on allegations that hospital staff broke the infant’s neck while she was under NICU care, resulting in paralysis and eventual death. Born prematurely at 24 weeks in June 2022, Jahxy required immediate intensive care and intubation upon delivery. The legal documents state that approximately two weeks after birth, the baby sustained a severe neck injury that left her unable to breathe independently. The parents assert that hospital personnel returned the injured infant to her incubator without documenting or reporting the incident.

Grieving Parents Launch Campaign for Transparency

Gianna Lopera and Jamiah Peets, the infant’s parents, have publicly expressed their devastation and determination to uncover the truth about their daughter’s death. During an emotional press conference, Lopera shared the profound impact of their loss, revealing that they were only able to hold their daughter four times throughout her brief life. The parents’ testimony highlighted the absence of crucial developmental milestones and family connections that were permanently lost. Their legal action emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in neonatal care practices.

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Medical Facility Contests Allegations Amid Growing Scrutiny

The hospital has issued a measured response to the allegations, acknowledging the complexity of premature infant care while declining to address specific details of the case. Hospital representatives expressed sympathy for the family’s loss but preferred to address the facts in an appropriate legal forum. The case raises significant questions about NICU protocols, incident reporting procedures, and patient-family communication standards in cases of adverse events.

Undocumented Trauma Raises Protocol Questions

According to the lawsuit, the spinal cord injury could only have resulted from excessive force during handling. The legal documents indicate the absence of medical records documenting the injury-causing incident. This lack of documentation and the alleged absence of an investigation into the incident form the basis for the parents’ claims of a potential cover-up attempt.