Court Throws Out Suit Against Florida Hospital

A Florida court has rejected Lambda Legal's lawsuit filed against Jackson Memorial Hospital in 2008 on behalf of Janice Langbehn, the Estate of Lisa Pond and their three adopted children.

In February 2007, the family was tragically kept apart by hospital staff for eight hours as Pond slipped into a coma and died. Surviving partner Janice Langbehn was told that she was in an antigay city and state and that she could expect to receive no information or acknowledgment as family.

Staff Attorney Beth Littrell says, "The court's decision paints a tragically stark picture for how vulnerable same-sex couples and their families are during times of crisis."

Lambda Legal has until October 16 to review the ruling with the family and consider all legal options.