Jury Awards $30 Million to Parents of Brain-Injured Boy

By Mary Mitchell

Published on February 26, 2007

The hospital’s attorney indicated that an appeal will be filed.

Medical experts for both sides disputed the quality of the prenatal care provided to Aaron’s mother, Mitzi Roden, who received the labor-inducing medication Pitocin as part of the delivery process. The family’s attorney, Jack Hill, alleged that a labor nurse did not heed warning signs that should have resulted in Roden being taken off the Pitocin.

The hospital contends that the brain injury was unforeseeable, and that a heart problem necessitated the emergency Caesarean section that resulted in Aaron’s injuries. Hill described how Aaron can do very little on his own, and will need lifelong care costing at least $18 million.

The $30 million verdict must be approved by the Florida Legislature before being released, because Lee Memorial Hospital is part of a special taxing district, according to the family’s attorneys. Lee Memorial’s status as a nonprofit could also result in a cap on this malpractice award, unless the Legislature passes an act allowing the total amount, with additional approval by the governor.

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