$70.8 Million Verdict Secured for Woman Left Blind and Hemiplegic After Tampa General Hospital Emergency Department Negligence

TAMPA, FL – 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.

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. The verdict was awarded on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

In July of 2021, Ms. Stewart, then age 38, experienced the worst headache of her life. Her 16-year-old son called 911, and she was transported by ambulance to Tampa General Hospital’s Brandon Healthplex. Despite reporting extreme head pain, and her medical history including diabetes and recent birth control use—both risk factors for blood clots—APRN Heather Anderson did not order a CT scan or consult a neurologist. Instead, Ms. Stewart was administered a “headache cocktail” and discharged after four hours.

Over the next 30 hours, Ms. Stewart’s condition deteriorated. She suffered a stroke and was transported to Tampa General Hospital’s main campus, where imaging revealed Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis—extensive blood clots in the veins of her brain. Only then was she given the gold-standard treatment, intravenous Heparin which saved her life, but the delay left her with devastating, irreversible injuries.

Attorneys Hecht and Ricci successfully argued that had a CT scan been performed during her initial ER visit, the clots would have been identified and treated, preventing the stroke entirely. Andrew Harris of Harris Appeals assisted with emergency issues that arose during the trial and will be handling appellate proceedings. His valuable support and appellate expertise were instrumental to the success of the case.

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.

After a two-week trial, the jury returned a verdict of $70.8 million in favor of Ms. Stewart, providing her with the resources necessary to live with dignity and access lifelong care.

“This case highlights the devastating consequences of failing to recognize and treat a medical emergency,” said attorney Adam Hecht. “Our client’s life was permanently altered, but this verdict provides her family with justice and the means to move forward.”

“Ms. Stewart’s strength throughout this process has been extraordinary,” added attorney Ed Ricci. “The jury’s decision sends a clear message about accountability in patient care.”

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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

About Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley
For more than 45 years, Searcy Law has stood up for those harmed by negligence, dangerous products, and corporate wrongdoing. With a history of landmark cases and a reputation for excellence, the firm fights for justice and accountability on behalf of individuals and families across the country.