First-of-its-kind decision confirms Medicaid and emergency room patients are entitled to full legal protections when medical negligence occurs
TAMPA, FL – In a precedent-setting decision, a Florida court has determined for the first time that Medicaid patients who seek emergency medical care are entitled to the same dignity, respect, compensation, and full legal protections afforded to all patients in cases of medical negligence. This landmark ruling rejected an attempt to overturn part of a $70.8 million verdict on the basis that the injured patient was covered by Medicaid.
The ruling marks a significant milestone in Florida healthcare accountability, affirming that patients are not second-class citizens simply because of their insurance status. The court determined that when negligent medical care causes harm in an emergency room setting, patients are entitled to pursue full justice and accountability under the law.
Trial attorneys Adam S. Hecht and Edward V. Ricci of Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A. represented Ms. Stewart in her case against Tampa General Hospital, Inphynet Contracting Services, LLC, and Heather Anderson, APRN.
In September of 2025, a Hillsborough County jury awarded $70,832,502 to 42-year-old Chiaka Stewart, who suffered catastrophic and permanent injuries after medical providers at Tampa General Hospital’s Brandon Healthplex Emergency Department failed to diagnose and treat a life-threatening condition in a timely manner. As a result of the negligence, Ms. Stewart is now permanently disabled, suffering from blindness, a neurogenic stutter, left-sided paralysis, and severe cognitive deficits.
However, the verdict faced potential partial reversal after the defense argued that portions of the damages should be eliminated because the plaintiff was a Medicaid patient. On Wednesday December 31, 2025 the Florida Court upheld the full verdict in a first-of-its-kind decision.
“This decision reinforces a fundamental principle,” said attorney Adam Hecht. “Hospitals must be held accountable regardless of a patient’s income, insurance status, or background.”
“This is the first court in Florida to recognize that everyone, regardless of Medicaid status, who come into emergency rooms in need of medical care are entitled to dignity and respect,” added Ed Ricci.
The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for medical negligence cases statewide and sets a new legal standard for patient rights in emergency medical care.
Case Information
Case Name: Chiaka Stewart vs. Tampa General Hospital, Inphynet Contracting Services, LLC, and Heather Anderson, APRN
Venue: Hillsborough County, Florida
Verdict: $70,832,502
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