FL S0044

City of Hollywood directed to pay Ronald Miller $1,047,989.71 to compensate for injuries sustained from a July 30, 2002 vehicle collision caused by negligent city employee Robert Mettler.

Payment covers damages awarded by jury judgment of $1,130,731.89 (including $75,000 past medical expenses, $415,000 future medical expenses, $200,000 past pain and suffering, and $500,000 future pain and suffering) minus the $100,000 already paid under statutory liability limits.

Miller sustained two herniated disks in his neck and torn ligaments in both knees requiring multiple surgeries, with orthopedic surgeon projecting need for bilateral knee replacements every 7 to 13 years over next 40 years at approximately $100,000 per surgery.

Judgment affirmed on appeal by Fourth District Court of Appeals; city's post-trial motions and motion for rehearing were denied.

Attorney's fees, lobbying fees, costs, and similar expenses related to this claim capped at 25 percent of the awarded amount.