Sources: Woman Who Lost Limbs Got Small Settlement

A woman checked into a hospital to give birth, but she left with no arms or legs. Eyewitness News learned a settlement given to her by the hospital, may not be enough to pay her medical bills.

Claudia Mejia checked into South Seminole Hospital in 2005 to deliver a baby, but while she was there Mejia contracted flesh-eating bacteria that caused doctors to amputate all four of her limbs.

According to sources, Mejia received far less than she should have in the settlement. Claudia Mejia settled for less than $10 million. Experts say she should have received tens of millions of dollars and was low-balled.

Mejia has been in a legal battle with Orlando Regional Healthcare Systems since 2005 and her attorney recently settled with the hospital last month.

The hospital cited flesh-eating bacteria that spread quickly throughout her body, but that settlement could be placed on hold because another attorney is trying to object to the amount.

"We feel the amount of the settlement is too low given the gravity of the Mejia's injuries," said West Palm Beach Attorney Ted Babbitt.

Babbitt is asking a judge to review the settlement. He represents the Bob Montgomery law firm. Montgomery worked on the case for three years and recently died of lung cancer.

Local attorney Ron Gilbert closed out the case. Babbitt would not reveal exactly how much Mejia received, but stated in court documents that she will not be able to take care of future medical expenses.

Experts told Eyewitness News that a case like Mejias should settle in upwards of $40 to $50 million. Sources said she received less than $10 million and once she pays her attorneys 40 percent, she will be left with $5- 6 million.

Babbitt is also asking the judge for Montgomery's portion of legal fees, an amount he claims Gilbert has failed to pay.

A hearing is set for Monday at 10:30am at the Seminole County courthouse.

Previous Stories: April 2, 2007: Woman Files Lawsuit After Losing Both Legs, Arms January 20, 2006: Woman Becomes Quadruple Amputee After Giving Birth