FL H1441

Appropriates $1,092,040 plus taxable costs to compensate Amie Draiemann Stephenson, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Christian Darby Stephenson, and his surviving minor children for his wrongful death on August 12, 2000.

Christian Darby Stephenson died when his gasoline tanker jackknifed and overturned on the Hart Bridge Expressway after he swerved to avoid vehicles affected by a clogged drain maintained by the Department of Transportation.

A March 22, 2005 jury verdict found the Department of Transportation 36 percent negligent and liable for $1,292,040 in total damages; the state previously paid $200,000 under statutory limits, leaving $1,092,040 to be awarded by this act.

Attorney's fees, lobbying fees, costs, and similar expenses relating to this claim may not exceed 25 percent of the amount awarded under this act.

Designates the payment as sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from Christian Darby Stephenson's death; takes effect upon becoming law.