FL H1155

City of Hialeah authorized to pay Madonna Castillo $500,000 in ten annual installments of $50,000 each, beginning July 1, 2010 and ending July 1, 2019, as compensation for injuries sustained due to city negligence.

Settlement compensates Castillo for injuries suffered on July 3, 1998 when she was struck in the eye by another swimmer at Milander Park public pool due to inadequate lifeguard supervision and rowdy behavior by other swimmers.

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

Combined with the $200,000 previously paid by the City of Hialeah on April 2, 2004, the $500,000 award constitutes sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from the incident.

Attorney's fees, lobbying fees, costs, and other similar expenses relating to this claim are limited to 25 percent of the $500,000 award amount.