FL H0579

Miami-Dade County is directed to appropriate $1,010,000 to Ronnie Lopez and Roberto Guzman as co-personal representatives of Ana-Yency Velasquez's estate for the benefit of her three minor children.

The compensation addresses the death of Ana-Yency Velasquez (age 23) resulting from negligence by a Miami-Dade County police officer who failed to obey a stop sign, did not engage lights or sirens, and struck her vehicle while in pursuit of a phantom speeding vehicle on February 28, 2009.

The $1,010,000 award, combined with the $150,000 already paid by Miami-Dade County under statutory liability limits, constitutes sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from the incident.

Attorney's fees, lobbying fees, and similar expenses are limited to 15 percent of the first $1,000,000 and 10 percent of the remaining amount, totaling a maximum of $151,000, with additional taxable costs allowed separately.

The act takes effect upon becoming law.