In a heartbreaking turn of events, a Florida couple is pursuing legal action against a hospital after their premature daughter, born at just 24 weeks, died from a broken neck in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The parents, Gianna Lopera and Jahmiah Peets, allege that the hospital staff’s mishandling led to the injury and subsequent death of their child, sparking outrage and raising serious questions about accountability in medical care for vulnerable newborns.
The lawsuit, filed against Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, asserts that their daughter, Jahxy Peets, suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury due to “excessive force” while in the hospital’s care. The family claims there was no evidence of trauma during birth, emphasizing that such a severe injury could not occur without significant mishandling. “There is no note in the medical record documenting the excessive-force event which caused this traumatic injury, and no indication in the medical record that an investigation was performed,” the lawsuit states, highlighting a disturbing lack of oversight.
Reflecting on their loss, Lopera shared the profound sorrow of never celebrating a single milestone with their child. “We only held her four times. It should never have been that way,” she lamented. Weighing just 1 pound 1.8 ounces at birth, Jahxy was a fighter, but her life was tragically cut short, leaving her parents devastated and searching for answers.
Nicole Kruegel, the family’s attorney, contends that Orlando Health has acknowledged its negligence regarding Jahxy’s death but is attempting to shield itself from full accountability. “While Orlando Health acknowledges their negligence, they refuse to disclose who killed Jahxy Peets,” Kruegel asserted. This raises alarming concerns: if the hospital admits fault, why is there a lack of transparency about who is responsible for this horrific event?
Kruegel emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Somebody in the NICU broke her neck, and they didn’t tell anybody.” She pointed out that the nature of Jahxy’s injury should have triggered mandatory reporting to the Department of Children and Families, as well as law enforcement, indicating a significant failure in protocol that could protect future patients.
Moreover, the emotional toll on the Peets family is palpable. They are now apprehensive about the prospect of expanding their family. “Now we’re scared to even get pregnant because we don’t know if our next baby is going to make it,” Lopera confessed at a press conference. “We don’t know if the next hospital is going to make the same mistake with my second baby.” This fear speaks volumes about the lasting impact of their tragedy, casting doubt on the very institutions meant to provide care and safety.
In response to the allegations, Orlando Health released a statement that refrained from addressing specific medical cases but acknowledged the emotional complexity surrounding the care of extremely premature babies. They extended their sympathies to the grieving family while insisting that care providers should be judged based on factual evidence, not speculation. However, many critics question whether this is enough, particularly in light of the serious claims made against their practices.
As this tragic case unfolds, it highlights a critical issue within the healthcare system: the need for accountability and transparency when it comes to the care of our most vulnerable citizens. The Peets family’s fight for justice not only seeks answers for their own heartbreaking loss but also aims to ensure that no other family has to endure a similar nightmare in the future. As they pursue their case, the eyes of concerned citizens will undoubtedly be upon them, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes safety and accountability in healthcare.
