FL H0965

Aaron Edwards, born September 5, 1997, suffered permanent brain injuries due to acute hypoxic ischemic episode at birth at Lee Memorial Hospital caused by medical negligence.

A Lee County jury awarded $28,477,966.48 in damages plus $174,969.65 in court costs to the Guardianship of Aaron Edwards; Lee Memorial Health System tendered $200,000 under statutory liability limits.

Lee Memorial Health System is directed to pay $10,000,000 by December 31, 2012, and $1,000,000 annually from 2013 through 2017 for a total of $15,000,000 to a special needs trust for Aaron Edwards' exclusive benefit.

The combined payments from Lee Memorial Health System and this appropriation provide sole compensation for all present and future claims related to Aaron Edwards' injuries.

Total fees and costs for attorney's fees, lobbying fees, and similar expenses may not exceed $100,000.