FL H1417

City of North Miami authorized to appropriate $1,611,237.33 to compensate Maricelly Lopez for the wrongful death of her son Omar Mieles caused by negligence of police officer James Ray Thompson on November 11, 2007.

Compensation covers both Lopez individually for loss of support, services, and companionship, and the Estate of Omar Mieles for medical expenses, funeral expenses, and lost earnings.

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

Attorney fees, lobbying fees, costs, and similar expenses may not exceed 25 percent of the awarded amount.

Award constitutes sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from Omar Mieles's death; effective upon enactment.