FL H1039

Miami-Dade County is directed to appropriate $1.15 million to James D. Feurtado, III, as compensation for injuries sustained in a February 12, 2009 bus accident caused by a county bus operator's negligence at the intersection of Pisano Avenue and University Drive in Coral Gables.

The bus operator failed to stop at a stop sign before making a right-hand turn and struck Feurtado, a pedestrian, causing severe neurological and orthopedic injuries including brain hematomas, hearing loss, and permanent brain damage requiring multiple surgeries.

The settlement agreement totals $1.25 million, with $100,000 already paid under state liability limits and this act providing the remaining $1.15 million as sole compensation for all present and future claims.

Attorney's fees, lobbying fees, and similar expenses are capped at 15 percent of the first $1,000,000 awarded and 10 percent of the remainder, totaling a maximum of $165,000, with taxable costs from the civil action payable separately.

The act takes effect upon becoming law.