The recent ruling involves the case of a boy who was injured at birth as a result of negligence at Lee County's public hospital almost two decades ago.

In 2012, the Legislature agreed to pay $15 million to Aaron Edwards, who suffers from cerebral palsy and other injuries.

This amount was actually less than half of the original jury award, but government agencies are only liable for $200,000 in civil lawsuit unless the state approves a higher amount through a claims bill.

Limits unconstitutional

However, lawyers representing the Aaron were only paid $100,000 due to the law setting legal fee limits, even though they spent more than $500,000 on the case. The court agreed the limits in such cases are unconstitutional.

Sources: The Ledger, Daily Business Review