FL H3517

City of Tampa authorized to pay $17,828,800 to Ramiro Companioni for injuries sustained in a November 22, 1996 motorcycle accident caused by negligent operation of a city Water Department truck by employee Faustino Pierola.

Companioni suffered catastrophic injuries including loss of large intestine, spleen removal, spinal fractures, severed sciatic nerve, and permanent scarring; medical expenses exceeded $1.2 million.

Hillsborough County jury found City of Tampa 90 percent at fault and Companioni 10 percent comparatively negligent; jury awarded $17,928,800 in damages on March 26, 2004, with final judgment entered April 5, 2004.

City has already paid $100,000 under sovereign immunity limits, leaving $17,828,800 balance to be appropriated under this act as sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from the accident.

Attorney fees, lobbying fees, costs, and similar expenses may not exceed 25 percent of the award amount; act takes effect upon becoming law.