FL S0026

City of Haines City is authorized to appropriate $825,094 to Thomas and Karen Brandi as compensation for injuries sustained in a March 26, 2005 vehicle accident involving a police officer who ran a red light.

Thomas Brandi sustained life-threatening injuries including aortic arch tear, fractured ribs and sternum, multiple fractures, and severe traumatic brain injury; a jury found the city 60% liable for the accident.

Jury verdict awarded Thomas Brandi $450,000 for past and future pain and suffering and Karen Brandi $175,000 for loss of consortium, totaling $1,084,396 after comparative negligence reduction.

Combined with the $200,000 sovereign immunity payment already made by the city and $100,000 from uninsured motorist insurance, the $825,094 appropriation provides total compensation for all present and future claims arising from the accident.

Attorney fees, lobbying fees, costs, and similar expenses related to this claim are limited to 25 percent of the total amount awarded under the act.