FL H0545

Appropriates $7,500,000 from the University of South Florida to Daniel and Amara Estrada as compensation for the wrongful birth of their son Caleb Estrada due to medical negligence.

Addresses a medical malpractice case where Dr. Boris Kousseff, Director of Medical Genetics at USF, failed to diagnose Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in the Estradas' first child and incorrectly told parents they could expect normal children in future pregnancies.

A jury awarded $23,553,000 in damages; USF tendered the statutory maximum of $200,000 under Florida law, and this bill provides an additional $7,500,000 to reach partial compensation for lifetime care costs.

Limits attorney's fees, lobbying fees, costs, and other similar expenses to 25 percent of the total amount awarded under the act.

Combined statutory payment and legislative appropriation are designated as sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from Caleb Estrada's condition.