Partner Daniel Harwin, Esq. and Attorney Melissa Gunion, Esq., both with Fort Lauderdale-based Freedland Harwin Valori, PL (FHV), achieved a $15,277,819.90 arbitration award for their clients, a married couple and their three children, against respondent Kendall Regional Medical Center.
On April 2, 2018, after giving birth to the couple’s third child at Kendall Regional Medical Center, the mother developed severe hypertension which led to her stroke. Due to her catastrophic brain injury, she is now in a minimally conscious state and requires full-time attendant care. She came home in September 2018; her husband and family members are caring for her.
The major issues in the case were future life expectancy and her future care needs. Kendall Regional Medical Center initially claimed that the client was in a persistent vegetative state ― a position that the FHV legal team was able to contradict through detailed analysis using objective data and medical records. Ultimately, the respondent was forced to concede that the claimant is in a minimally conscious state.
Kendall Regional Medical Center then attempted to drastically reduce the damages awarded by claiming an otherwise significantly reduced life expectancy. Through fact- and science-based testimony, the FHV legal team was able to demonstrate that the respondent’s argument on life expectancy was not valid.
After a four-day arbitration, the panel awarded damages for future medical care, past and future lost wages, past and future loss of services, past medical bills, and fees and costs. This is believed to be one of the largest medical malpractice arbitration awards in 25 years in South Florida.
“While this case is an extreme tragedy for this couple and their children, we are very pleased to have achieved an over $15 million arbitration award for the family,” said Harwin. “We take great pride in dedicating all of the firm’s resources to make sure all our clients are properly compensated when a tragedy like this occurs.”
“Proving negligence and damages is the most challenging part of medical malpractice lawsuits. At Freedland Harwin Valori, PL, our attorneys are highly experienced with medical and legal issues.” Harwin continued, “We have the expertise and experience to prove negligence and damages to achieve the awards that our clients deserve.”
About Freedland Harwin Valori, PL
Freedland Harwin Valori, PL is a consumer justice law firm that has been involved in some of the nation’s most significant litigation. Its practice areas include medical malpractice, defective drugs and medical devices, nursing home negligence, birth injury, auto accidents, and premises liability. Freedland Harwin Valori’s main office is located at 110 SE 6th Street, #2300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Its Weston office is located at 2400 N. Commerce Parkway, #109, Weston, FL 33326. To reach Freedland Harwin Valori, call (954) 467-6400. For more information, visit www.fhvlegal.com.
