FL H0463

City of Hialeah authorized to appropriate $500,000 to Madonna Castillo as compensation for injuries sustained on July 3, 1998, when she was struck in the eye by another swimmer at Milander Park public pool due to city negligence and an absent lifeguard.

Madonna Castillo suffered total vision loss in her right eye, underwent two surgeries including microvalve insertion, and will require eventual eye removal and prosthetic replacement.

Payment of $500,000 represents settlement agreement reached after jury verdict in Castillo's favor and subsequent appellate proceedings; City of Hialeah had previously paid $200,000 ($100,000 each to Madonna and her mother Reyna) on April 2, 2004.

Attorney's fees, lobbying fees, costs, and similar expenses may not exceed 25 percent of the $500,000 award, and the payment constitutes sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from this incident.

Act takes effect upon becoming law.