FL S0050

Authorizes the Pasco County Sheriff's Office to pay Jennifer Wohlgemuth $8,624,754.40 from its non-appropriated funds for injuries sustained due to negligence of Deputy Kenneth Petrillo.

Deputy Petrillo struck Wohlgemuth's vehicle on January 3, 2005, while driving a sheriff's vehicle through a red light at excessive speed without siren or lights activated during a high-speed pursuit, causing severe brain injuries requiring 24/7 supervision.

Trial court awarded total damages of $9,141,267.32 on March 12, 2009, finding Deputy Petrillo 95 percent responsible; amended judgment of $8,724,754.40 was affirmed by the Second District Court of Appeal on March 10, 2010.

Payment combined with the $100,000 already paid by the sheriff's office under Florida Statutes section 768.28 constitutes sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from the incident.

Limits attorney's fees, lobbying fees, costs, and similar expenses to not exceed 25 percent of the $8,624,754.40 award.