Jacob

A Preventable Tragedy: How Medical Negligence Forever Changed One Family’s Beginning

When Rebekah Sclafani arrived at Boca Raton Regional Hospital on January 3, 2012, she was filled with anticipation and excitement to meet her baby boy, Jacob. At nearly 37 weeks pregnant, Rebekah and her unborn child were in stable condition, ready to begin the next chapter of their lives. Tragically, what should have been a moment of pure joy turned into an irreversible nightmare due to critical failures by her medical team.

The warning signs were there. The fetal monitor revealed clear and concerning signs of distress—red flags that demanded immediate attention and action. Yet, Rebekah’s healthcare providers failed to respond promptly. Hours passed without the necessary interventions, and when they finally acted, it was too late. The improper use of a vacuum during delivery compounded the damage, leaving Jacob with catastrophic, lifelong injuries.

Jacob was born with cerebral palsy, shoulder dystocia, severe physical disabilities, and significant neurological impairments. Every one of these injuries could have been avoided had Rebekah’s medical team upheld the standard of care she and her son deserved.

For the Sclafani family, the negligence of the hospital and its providers has forever changed the course of their lives. What should have been a celebration of new life became a lifelong struggle for Jacob and his parents.

At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we are steadfast in our commitment to families like the Sclafanis. We fight to hold negligent medical providers accountable and to secure justice for those whose lives have been shattered by preventable errors.

If your family has been impacted by a birth injury, we at Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa are here to support you. We will stand by your side, seek the answers you deserve, and work tirelessly to obtain the resources you need to move forward.