FL H0985

City of North Miami directed to appropriate and pay $1,611,237.33 to Maricelly Lopez, individually and as personal representative of the Estate of Omar Mieles, for the wrongful death of her son Omar Mieles due to police officer negligence.

On November 11, 2007, Officer James Ray Thompson of the North Miami Police Department negligently drove a police vehicle at high speed and collided with a vehicle carrying 18-year-old Omar Mieles, who was thrown from the rear window and died from his injuries.

Jury verdict on March 19, 2010 awarded $3,542,000 in damages, with the jury apportioning 50 percent responsibility to the City of North Miami and 50 percent to the other vehicle's driver; final judgment entered at $1,719,808.63, with the city having paid $108,571.30.

Compensation covers all present and future claims arising from Omar Mieles's death, with attorney fees, lobbying fees, costs, and similar expenses limited to 25 percent of the awarded amount.

Act takes effect upon becoming law.