HB 3533 Summary

• City of Tampa authorized to appropriate $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 coma, loss of large intestine, spleen removal, spinal fractures, severed sciatic nerve, and permanent scarring with total medical expenses exceeding $1.2 million.

• Hillsborough County jury verdict on March 26, 2004 found City of Tampa 90 percent at fault and awarded Companioni $17,928,800 in damages; city has already paid $100,000 under sovereign immunity limits.

• Attorney fees, lobbying fees, and related costs may not exceed 25 percent of the $17,828,800 award.

• Award represents sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from the accident.