Nearly two years after their daughter died in a Florida hospital, an Orlando couple filed suit. Gianna Lopera gave birth to her daughter, Jahxy Peets, at 24-weeks gestation in June 2022 at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. Lopera and Jahxy’s father, Jahmiah Peets, claim a healthcare worker broke Jahxy’s neck two weeks after her birth. The injury ultimately lead to the infant’s death. Now, they want justice for their daughter.
According to a press release from Rafferty Dominick Cunningham & Yaffa, the law firm representing the family, Orlando Health allegedly withheld information about Jahxy’s health after the tragic accident. Now, the family wants justice for their daughter.
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A healthcare worker allegedly broke the infant's neck and didn't tell anyone.
According to the news release, someone injured Jahxy shortly after birth. “Roughly two weeks later, her neck was broken by a healthcare provider, an injury that experts say could only result from excessive force. The individual responsible put Jahxy back in the incubator without notifying anyone, leaving her untreated until other healthcare providers noticed she was no longer moving her limbs.”
Per the Miami Herald, Jahxy’s parents attorney, Nicole Kruegel, told McClatchy News the baby suffered.
“She wasn’t able to breathe on her own, her organs started shutting down … it was just a very slow death.”
An MRI reportedly discovered the injury on June 29.
According to court documents obtained by the Miami Herald, the hospital discovered the injury after a sensory-motor exam and an MRI.
“This traumatic event was either not recognized or was not reported and it appears from the records that an attempt to cover up the cause of Jahxy’s injuries was made,” the complaint says.
The hospital reportedly admitted responsibility.
Prior to Lopera and Peets’ lawsuit, Orlando Health admitted liability under Florida statute 766.207. According to the law firm, this limits damages for the family.
“The statute is meant to expedite cases and reduce litigation for families, but Jahxy’s parents are rejecting the admission, choosing instead to fight for justice. While Orlando Health acknowledges their negligence, they refuse to disclose who killed Jahxy Peets,” the release explains.
The family's attorney expressed disgust with Orlando Health.
Nicole Kreugel said in the news release,
“In any other circumstance, a parent would have the right to know who was responsible for the death of their child and be granted the opportunity to pursue justice. Orlando Health is using a loophole in the law to diminish the life and death of a baby girl. Their admission of liability and the cap simply gives hospital systems a license to act recklessly and not face consequences.”
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Jahxy's mom wants justice for her baby.
Lopera posted on Facebook on October 20, “We will get justice for you, baby girl. I may had never gotten the chance to hear your cry or see you grow up but you will always have my heart. Your death will no longer be a secret and everyone will know what happen to you my love.”
The family intends to hold a press conference on October 21 at 3:30 p.m. They will stand outside Orlando Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, demanding justice for Jahxy.
