HCA Wanted Gag Order In Nurse Leela Case Citing “Surge in Online Hate”—Judge Said No

In a key development during a Thursday court hearing, Judge G. Joseph Curley Jr. denied a gag order requested by HCA Florida’s legal team, marking a pivotal moment in the legal battle following the brutal February attack on nurse Leelamma Lal at Palms West Hospital.

The request, submitted by HCA Florida attorney Adam Rhys, aimed to limit public commentary on the case. Rhys argued that recent media coverage, particularly quotes from Lal’s attorney, Karen Terry, could taint a potential jury pool.

“Whenever these statements are published, there is a surge of online hate and negativity,” Rhys told the court.

Terry forcefully opposed the motion, saying, “A gag order is entirely inappropriate in this case. Is the court going to gag the lawyers? Is the court going to gag the media?”

Speaking to local media after the hearing, Terry praised the ruling. “I think the judge made the right decision on the gag order,” she told WPTV. “Palms West Hospital was trying to keep the media and lawyers from speaking about this case's public importance.”

Legal Push for Transparency: Motion to Dismiss Discovery Denied

Judge Curley also heard arguments on a second motion—HCA’s attempt to dismiss Terry’s bill of discovery. Terry initially filed this legal tool in March, seeking crucial documentation and records related to the incident.

"I'm missing the videotape of what happened at the hospital for two straight days that he was there," Terry said in an interview. “They are refusing to produce the incident report, based on a privilege, and they have not produced any of the phone calls that they may have made and maybe didn't make to any Baker Act facilities that may have taken over Mr. (Stephen) Scantlebury's care.”

In response, Rhys maintained that the hospital had already provided some of the requested records. “We have expedited access for Ms. Terry to Mr. Scantlebury's chart,” he stated. “They now have the complete medical record for Mr. Scantlebury, which is one of the things they have requested.”

HCA Florida declined direct comment from their legal counsel but released a statement emphasizing that the hearing was not about “media-related issues,” but about “preventing disparaging remarks from being made about Palms West in public.”

Judge Curley denied the motion to dismiss the bill of discovery, allowing the pursuit of additional documentation to continue.

Condition Update: Lal Still Recovering After Brutal Attack

Lal has remained hospitalized since February 18, when she sustained critical, life-altering injuries in an unprovoked attack by a patient, 33-year-old Stephen Scantlebury. According to investigators, the assault resulted in severe trauma, requiring intensive interventions.

A spokesperson for Lal’s legal team shared that she has begun walking short distances in her hospital room and spends hours daily in physical therapy. However, Terry noted that Lal continues to face significant cognitive challenges and will require another surgery to remove hardware placed in her jaw following the attack.

"She's a fighter. She's trying to get back to the best that she can be, but it's a long haul for her," Terry said.

Terry confirmed she is preparing to file a civil suit against HCA Florida, stating, “I'd be suing them for negligence, I'd be suing them for other causes of action as well, and I'd be suing for a full recovery for Ms. Lal.”

Criminal Charges Against Attacker Move Forward

Scantlebury is facing a charge of attempted murder with a hate crime enhancement. Despite motions for mental health evaluations, a judge has denied a competency review. He remains in custody at the Palm Beach County jail.

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