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Mar 31, 2025
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Florida House Votes to End 'Free Kill' Law – Major Win for Justice" This concise, engaging headline highlights the legislative action while


Florida House Votes to End 'Free Kill' Law – Major Win for Justice"  This concise, engaging headline highlights the legislative action while

# Florida House Votes to Repeal Controversial "Free Kill" Law

**BNN Breaking Now**

In a landmark decision, the Florida House has passed a bill aiming to repeal the state's controversial **"Free Kill" law**, which has long prevented families from pursuing wrongful death claims in medical malpractice cases involving adult children or parents of adult victims.

## What is the "Free Kill" Law?

Florida’s **"Free Kill" law**, officially known as **Section 768.21(8)** of the Florida Statutes, has been a major point of contention for years. The law states:

- Only spouses or minor children can file **wrongful death lawsuits** in medical malpractice cases.
- Parents of adult children or adult children of deceased parents **cannot sue** for wrongful death.
- Doctors and medical facilities have effectively been **shielded from liability** in these cases.

## Why the Push for Repeal?

Advocates argue the law is **unjust and outdated**, creating a loophole that denies justice to grieving families.

- **Disproportionate Impact**: Families of adult victims have **no legal recourse**, even in clear malpractice cases.
- **Lack of Accountability**: Critics say the law has allowed negligent healthcare providers to **escape consequences**.
- **National Outlier**: Florida is one of the **few states** with such restrictive wrongful death laws.

## The Fight for Justice

The push for reform has been led by **families who lost loved ones** due to medical errors but were barred from seeking justice.

- **Michelle Davis**, whose 30-year-old son died due to alleged negligence, has been a vocal advocate.
- **Civil rights groups** argue the law discriminates against unmarried individuals and parents of adult children.

## What’s Next?

The bill now moves to the **Florida Senate**, where its fate remains uncertain. If passed, it would mark a **significant shift** in Florida’s medical malpractice laws.

### Key Changes if the Bill Becomes Law
✔ **Expands who can sue**: Parents of adult children and adult children of deceased parents **gain standing**.
✔ **Increases accountability**: Hospitals and doctors could face **more litigation**.
✔ **Restores legal rights**: Families would no longer be **blocked from justice**.

## What Do You Think?

- **Should Florida fully repeal the "Free Kill" law, or does it serve a purpose in preventing excessive lawsuits?**
- **Does protecting medical professionals outweigh the rights of grieving families?**
- **Could repealing the law lead to a surge in medical malpractice claims, driving up healthcare costs?**
- **Is this law outdated, or does Florida need further legal reforms?**

Share your thoughts below!

**BNN – Keeping You Informed**

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Source Credit

Marcus Johnson
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Marcus Johnson

An accomplished journalist with over a decade of experience in investigative reporting. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism, Marcus began his career in local news in Washington, D.C. His tenacity and skill have led him to uncover significant stories related to social justice, political corruption, & community affairs. Marcus’s reporting has earned him multiple accolades. Known for his deep commitment to ethical journalism, he often speaks at universities & seminars about the integrity in media

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