A plaintiff has launched a significant legal battle against a major healthcare system, alleging malpractice and negligence that have led to personal injury and emotional distress. The complaint was filed by Lonnie Ward III in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on November 14, 2025, targeting BayCare Health System and its associated entities.
The lawsuit accuses BayCare Health System, along with several of its facilities including Morton Plant Mease Health Care, St. Anthony’s Hospital, Renal Hypertension Center, and others of multiple violations. Ward claims these entities engaged in practices that resulted in malpractice and negligence, violating statutory obligations under Florida law. According to the filing, the plaintiff has suffered from personal injuries and emotional distress due to these alleged malpractices. “This is an action for Monetary, Punitive, Injunctive, and Statutory relief,” states the complaint. Ward seeks compensation exceeding $49,900 exclusive of attorney fees.
The allegations stem from incidents occurring within BayCare’s operations in Pinellas County. The plaintiff contends that his attempts to obtain medical records were met with obstacles and non-compliance from the defendants. Despite sending certified requests for medical records on September 18, 2025, responses were either delayed or incomplete. For instance, Morton Plant Mease Health Care cited missing authorization as a reason for non-compliance on September 23rd. Meanwhile, St. Anthony’s Hospital eventually complied by providing requested data via email and mail on September 29th.
BayCare Health System responded on October 3rd stating they could not process the request without knowing which facility provided services to the patient—a requirement under federal regulations (45 CFR 164.508). Additionally, Renal Hypertension Center reportedly ignored requests entirely until November 13th when further responses were documented by Ward.
Ward argues that these actions constitute statutory violations affecting one judicial circuit in Florida and seeks both monetary damages and injunctive relief to prevent future occurrences of similar acts by BayCare Health System or its affiliates. The complaint also calls for civil penalties against defendants who are found liable.
In terms of relief sought from this case; Ward requests permanent injunctions against further statutory violations by defendants alongside civil penalties assessment upon them if applicable under Florida statutes like FS 95:11 (5a) & (5c). He demands reimbursement covering all expenses incurred during litigation proceedings including court costs plus attorneys’ fees while seeking actual damages resulting directly from alleged misconducts committed hereinbefore mentioned above.
Representing himself without legal counsel listed within documentation provided.
Source: 2510150CI_Lonnie_Ward_v_BayCare_Health_Complaint_Pinellas_County_Florida.pdf
