Lawsuit Says Florida NICU Worker Broke Premature Baby’s Neck and Put Her Back in Incubator, Hospital Hiding Worker’s Identity

The parents of a baby girl who died after being born prematurely in 2022 have sued a hospital in Orlando, Florida. They allege that a hospital employee broke their daughter’s neck and concealed it, without notifying the police.

During a press conference outside Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, the family shared their pain and demanded answers. Jahxy’s mother expressed her sorrow, saying they only held their daughter a few times and never got to hear her cry or see her meet her siblings.

The lawsuit claims Jahxy was born at 24 weeks and was placed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). About two weeks later, the suit alleges that a hospital worker accidentally broke her neck but did not report it. Later, other staff members noticed she had stopped moving her limbs, and tests revealed a serious spinal injury that led to paralysis.

According to the family’s lawyer, Nicole Kruegel, the hospital never informed the police, and the staff member responsible has not been identified. Kruegel stated that parents should have the right to know who caused the injury, whether it was intentional or accidental.

The lawsuit further claims that the hospital delayed telling Jahxy’s parents about the incident, providing only limited information. The complaint suggests that an effort was made to keep the full details of the injury from the family.

Jahxy survived for several months but ultimately passed away on November 25, 2022, as her health declined. Her family’s attorney, Kruegel, explained that her organs began failing, leading to a slow and painful end.

Experts who reviewed Jahxy’s case said the injury couldn’t have happened accidentally and indicated it involved significant force. A nurse reportedly advised the family to seek legal help, noting that this type of injury “should not occur.”

The hospital initially admitted fault, but is now pushing for arbitration to cap damages under Florida law. Kruegel said this approach limits their liability, as the hospital aims to reduce its financial exposure.

A hospital spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing legal matter.