Aaron Edwards, formerly of Fort Myers and now of Canon, Colo., in a 2009 photo.
TALLAHASSEE — Lee Memorial hospital would have to pay $15 million to a brain-damaged Colorado boy under a bill that's on its way to Gov. Rick Scott.
The Senate passed the bill (HB 965) on Wednesday as 14-year-old Aaron Edwards, who cannot walk or talk, watched from the gallery.
Aaron suffers from cerebral palsy and other injuries due to negligence by Lee County's public hospital system when he was born.
He squirmed in delight on his mother's lap after the 32-4 roll call.
The bill cuts about in half a $30.8 million jury verdict.
Lee Memorial Health System initially opposed any payment but Wednesday backed a proposal to cut the compensation to $7.25 million, but the Senate rejected that proposal.
The House previously approved the $15 million award.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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