FL H6507

Leon County is authorized to appropriate and pay $1.15 million to Angela Sanford as compensation for injuries sustained in a September 5, 2013 collision between her vehicle and a Leon County ambulance operated by employee Benjamin Hunter at West Tharpe Street and North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Tallahassee.

The ambulance entered the intersection against a red light at speeds exceeding 40 miles per hour, striking the passenger side of Sanford's vehicle and causing severe injuries including traumatic brain bleed, organ damage, multiple fractures, and permanent disability that prevented her from continuing her career as an elementary school teacher.

Payment may be made from Leon County general funds or liability insurance coverage with OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd., which will cover up to its $3 million policy limit, and Leon County has already paid $300,000 to other accident victims under sovereign immunity limits.

The $1.15 million appropriation combined with the $300,000 already paid constitutes sole compensation for all present and future claims related to the accident.

Of the $1.15 million awarded, attorney fees are capped at $230,000, lobbying fees at $57,500, and costs and expenses at $30,000.