FL H6533

Deputy Kenneth Petrillo of the Pasco County Sheriff's Office ran a red light without siren or lights at 20+ mph over the speed limit on January 3, 2005, striking Jennifer Wohlgemuth's vehicle as she lawfully entered the intersection on a green light.

Jennifer Wohlgemuth suffered severe brain injuries including subdural hematoma and subarachnoid hemorrhage, resulting in 3-week coma, speech loss, permanent cognitive impairment requiring 24/7 supervision, memory loss, vision loss, and inability to work or live independently.

Trial court awarded Wohlgemuth $9,141,267.32 in damages on March 12, 2009, finding Deputy Petrillo 95% responsible; amended judgment of $8,724,754.40 was affirmed on appeal March 10, 2010.

Pasco County Sheriff's Office authorizes payment of $2.6 million settlement to be placed in a Special Needs Trust for Wohlgemuth's exclusive benefit, payable at $325,000 per year for 8 consecutive years beginning no later than October 31, 2017.

Attorney fees capped at $520,000, lobbyist fees capped at $130,000, and no costs or expenses may be paid; if Wohlgemuth dies before October 31, 2024, remaining payments cease and award is deemed paid in full.