FLORIDA (CBS12) — Some state lawmakers are taking aim at a controversial law known to many as Florida’s “free kill” law. The law blocks some families from suing for certain damages – like grief or loss of companionship – when loved ones die from medical malpractice.
Florida House representatives passed a bill during Wednesday’s committee meeting that would remove certain restrictions.
Florida father Daryl Perritt has taken his fight to lawmakers. He started a non-profit called Florida Free Kill a few months ago to raise awareness about the law and even put up billboards to pressure lawmakers to repeal it.
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When Perritt talks about his son Cameron he can’t help but smile.
“He loved people,” Perritt said. “He was an entertainer. He was happy. He was extremely handsome, gregarious, and always trying to make everybody happy.”
Perritt says his 33-year-old son died from a blood clot last November after he rushed him to a Florida hospital.
He claims doctors waited three days to operate and says that delay cost his son his life.
“His internal organs had been denied oxygen because of the blood clot,” he said. “When I talk about it, I do a lot of crying.”
Under Florida law, Perritt can’t sue for medical malpractice because his son was older than 25, not married and didn’t have children.
The law also blocks adult children – 25 or older – from suing if a parent dies from medical negligence.
It’s known to many as Florida’s “free kill” law.
“I don’t need money,” Perritt said. “I don’t want money. I have plenty of money. I need justice, and I need answers.”
Perritt took his fight to lawmakers during a House committee meeting Wednesday where representatives voted to advance a bill that would repeal the controversial law.
“If you don’t want to be sued, don’t be negligent,” said Alyssa Crocker, a supporter of the bill.
Critics argue a change in the law would drive up malpractice insurance costs.
“I can’t tell you how many new lawsuits there would be, but it would increase the medical malpractice crisis that our providers are facing,” said Vivian Gallo of Howden Insurance.
A similar bill was passed by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in May but Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed it arguing it lacked limits on how much money could be awarded.
For Perritt, it’s about accountability.
“I’m not trying to sue to get millions of dollars,” Perritt said. “I’m trying to find out why my son is dead.”
The bill now heads to another committee before it can reach the full House for a vote.