FL S0042

Authorizes the City of Tampa to appropriate $17,828,800 to compensate Ramiro Companioni for injuries sustained in a November 22, 1996 motorcycle accident caused by negligence of city employee Faustino Pierola.

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

A Hillsborough County jury in 2004 found the City of Tampa 90 percent at fault and awarded $17,928,800 in damages; the city has paid only $100,000 under sovereign immunity limits.

Limits attorney fees, lobbying fees, and related costs to no more than 25 percent of the awarded amount.

Designates this payment and the previous $100,000 sovereign immunity payment as sole compensation for all present and future claims arising from the accident.