FL S0026

A Department of Transportation employee failed to secure a 12-foot extension ladder on a departmental truck on June 21, 1999, and the ladder fell onto Interstate 75 in Hillsborough County, causing a multi-vehicle collision that killed Dr. Sherrill Lynn Aversa.

The Department of Transportation admitted liability and agreed to a consent judgment of $797,500, but has only paid $100,000 under statutory liability limits in section 768.28, Florida Statutes.

The Executive Office of the Governor is directed to establish spending authority from unappropriated Department of Transportation trust fund balances in the amount of $697,500 to compensate the Estate of Dr. Sherrill Lynn Aversa, including attorney fees and costs.

The Chief Financial Officer is directed to draw and pay a warrant of $697,500 to the Estate of Dr. Sherrill Lynn Aversa from Department of Transportation funds.

Attorney fees, lobbying fees, costs, and similar expenses relating to this claim may not exceed 25 percent of the $697,500 award.