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HB 6017

Recovery of Damages for Medical Negligence Resulting in Death

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Bankson and 12 co-sponsors

Vetoed bill would have expanded damages recoverable by families in medical negligence deaths, removing or raising statutory compensation limits in Florida malpractice cases.

Veto Message received (2025 Regular Session)
#subjectindex #torts
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 6017

Legislative bill overview

HB 6017 would have allowed families to recover damages for loss of life resulting from medical negligence in Florida. The bill modified existing tort law to expand compensation available to survivors when a healthcare provider's negligence directly causes a patient's death, moving beyond current statutory limitations on wrongful death damages.

Why is this important

Medical malpractice cases involving fatal outcomes currently face significant restrictions on recoverable damages in Florida. This bill directly affects whether families can obtain full compensation for economic and non-economic losses when medical negligence causes death, potentially impacting both healthcare liability costs and patient protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Healthcare costs and insurance: Expanded liability exposure could increase medical malpractice insurance premiums, potentially raising healthcare costs statewide
  • Jury award unpredictability: Removing or raising caps on damages in death cases may create inconsistent outcomes depending on juries, rather than predictable compensation standards
  • Balance between patients and providers: Tension between protecting patient rights through accountability versus protecting healthcare providers from unlimited liability that could affect physician availability and willingness to practice in high-risk specialties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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