A heart-wrenching account of medical negligence took center stage during a recent government meeting, as a grieving son shared the tragic story of his father's death in a Pasco County hospital. The 87-year-old man passed away on January 4, 2025, after a harrowing five-day ordeal that began with a visit to the emergency room for minor back pain.

The son recounted the painful experience, stating, "I would never have imagined that I would take my father to the ER for minor back pain and then four days later, I would be holding his hand as I hear his last heartbeat." He described the suffering endured as his father received substandard care, highlighting the dangers of administering strong medications like Seroquel to elderly patients with pre-existing conditions such as AFib and dementia.

The testimony revealed a shocking delay in critical care, as the hospital had a life-saving machine, CRRT, but failed to use it due to staff discomfort. "It would then take six plus hours for a transfer to a new hospital," he lamented, emphasizing that such delays in care are unacceptable.

The son argued that wrongful death lawsuits are not merely about financial compensation but serve to hold medical professionals accountable and deter negligence. He criticized the opaque nature of medical investigations, stating, "Much of the investigation is done behind closed doors," leaving families feeling dehumanized and unheard.

With success rates for proving medical negligence claims in Florida hovering between 20 to 30 percent, he called for a system that ensures justice for families affected by medical malpractice. His poignant testimony underscored the urgent need for reforms in healthcare accountability and patient safety.