FL S0032

Appropriates $1,092,040 plus taxable costs from the Department of Transportation to compensate Amie Draiemann Stephenson (as Personal Representative of the Estate of Christian Darby Stephenson) and surviving minor children Hailey Morgan Stephenson and Christian Darby Stephenson, II, for wrongful death resulting from a gasoline tanker accident on August 12, 2000.

Accident occurred on Hart Bridge Expressway in Duval County when Christian Darby Stephenson swerved to avoid a hydroplaned vehicle; his tanker jackknifed, struck a guardrail, overturned, and exploded due to a clogged drain maintained by the Department of Transportation.

Court jury verdict in Circuit Court Case No. 01-03428 CA (March 22, 2005) determined the Department of Transportation was 36 percent negligent and liable for total damages of $3,589,000 across the estate and surviving family members.

Limits attorney's fees, lobbying fees, costs, and similar expenses to no more than 25 percent of the amount awarded under this act.

Payment constitutes sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from the death of Christian Darby Stephenson.