Jenna Frerichs' Fight Against Texas's Malpractice Silence: A Crowdfunded Call for Justice

Jenna Frerichs' Fight Against Systemic Silence in Texas Malpractice Cases

In a bold stand against what she calls a broken healthcare system, Jenna Frerichs has filed a Motion for New Trial after her medical malpractice case was summarily dismissed in Harris County District Court. This legal battle arises from a troubling incident in 2023 involving a knee procedure performed by a Houston orthopedic surgeon. Frerichs’ decision to refuse a proposed settlement laden with a confidentiality clause has prompted her to advocate for change in the way malpractice cases are handled in Texas.

On November 5, 2025, Frerichs submitted her Motion for New Trial, expressing that the dismissal of her case was akin to being silenced further. The constraints of the Texas malpractice system, notably its $250,000 cap on non-economic damages, have made it challenging for patients to secure legal representation. Frerichs' attorney withdrew from her case after asserting that the financial risks associated with the state's malpractice law were too high.

With no legal guidance, Frerichs has decided to proceed pro se, arguing that the court failed to consider her documents or the sworn testimonies from the defendant before dismissing the case. Her motions claim that judicial priorities focusing on efficiency have neglected due process and accountability in patient care.

Frerichs’s case embodies broader issues of patient rights in Texas, where laws often appear to favor medical institutions over individuals seeking justice. She insists that procedures such as her malpractice case highlight a disturbing trend where systemic barriers contribute to injustices faced by victims.

To mobilize support for her plight, she has launched a crowdfunding initiative named “I Refused to Be Silenced. Now I Need Your Help to Be Heard.” This campaign is not merely about funding legal costs; it's also an effort to shine a light on how non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and statutory constraints on malpractice damages can inhibit transparency and access to justice within the medical field.

In her words, Frerichs describes her campaign as an “urgent, transparent attempt” to continue her legal battle against a system that prioritizes institutional authority over individual well-being. Highlighting the absurdity of needing to crowdfund for access to legal representation, she states, “Silence only convinces lawmakers that the system's working.”

As part of her advocacy, the GoFundMe campaign aims to not only assist with her legal expenses but also serve as a conduit for legislative reform. She seeks to illustrate how restrictive malpractice laws can stifle the pursuit of justice for individuals and calls for increased awareness regarding the impact NDAs have on patient safety.

Frerichs, an institutional portfolio manager and patient safety advocate, has a background steeped in education from esteemed institutions like Brown University and Oxford. Her commitment to healthcare transparency and accountability drives her continued fight. By sharing her personal narrative, she hopes to galvanize public interest and lawmakers to reconsider the implications of current malpractice policies.

The GoFundMe campaign can be accessed at https://www.gofundme.com/f/refuse-silence. Funds raised will be directed towards litigation expenses and enhancing patient safety advocacy initiatives. As Frerichs forges ahead with her case, her efforts seek not just personal vindication but broader systemic change in the healthcare landscape of Texas.

In questioning the status quo of how malpractice claims are addressed, Frerichs aims to spotlight the urgent need for legal reform that fosters equitable access to justice for all patients. Her case is a testament to the resilience of individuals who, despite the odds, refuse to remain silent in the pursuit of truth and fairness in healthcare.