FL S0038

Appropriates $1,092,040 plus taxable costs to compensate Amie Draiemann Stephenson (as Personal Representative of the Estate), and surviving minor children Hailey Morgan Stephenson and Christian Darby Stephenson, II, for the wrongful death of Christian Darby Stephenson.

Death resulted from a August 12, 2000 accident on the Hart Bridge Expressway in Duval County when a gasoline tanker jackknifed and overturned due to a clogged drain maintained by the Department of Transportation.

Jury verdict in Circuit Court Case No. 01-03428 CA (March 22, 2005) found the Department of Transportation 36 percent negligent and assessed total damages of $3,589,000 across the estate and survivors.

Funds to be drawn from the Department of Transportation budget in the State Treasury, with the $200,000 already paid by the department under section 768.28, Florida Statutes, accounted for separately.

Limits attorney fees, lobbying fees, costs, and other related expenses to a maximum of 25 percent of the amount awarded under this act.