HB 3527 Summary

• On August 12, 2000, Christian Darby Stephenson died when his gasoline tanker jackknifed and exploded on the Hart Bridge Expressway after he took evasive action to avoid a hydroplaning Jeep caused by standing water from a clogged drain maintained by the Department of Transportation.

• A jury verdict in 2005 (Case No. 01-03428 CA) assigned the Department of Transportation 36 percent negligence and determined total damages of $3.589 million, with 36 percent equaling $1,292,040.

• The state appropriates $1,116,940 from the General Revenue Fund to compensate Amie Draiemann O'Brien (estate representative and widow), and the two surviving minor children: Hailey Morgan Stephenson and Christian Darby Stephenson II, after the Department of Transportation previously paid $175,100.

• Payment distribution includes $404,575.65 to the estate, $237,454.78 to Amie Draiemann O'Brien, $311,212.04 in trust for Hailey Morgan Stephenson, and $163,697.53 in trust for Christian Darby Stephenson II.

• Attorney fees, lobbying fees, costs, and other similar expenses relating to this claim may not exceed 25 percent of the amount awarded under this act.