FL H6555

Haines City is authorized to appropriate and pay $825,094 to Thomas and Karen Brandi as compensation for injuries and damages resulting from negligence by a Haines City Police Department employee.

On March 26, 2005, Officer Pamela Graham ran a red light at excessive speed and broadsided Thomas Brandi's vehicle; an internal investigation found her at fault and not responding to a dispatched call.

Thomas Brandi sustained life-threatening injuries including aortic arch tear, multiple fractures, and severe traumatic brain injury; Karen Brandi suffered loss of consortium.

A jury awarded $1,627,330 in total damages with Haines City assessed 60 percent liability; after comparative negligence reduction, the net award was $1,084,396, and Haines City has already paid $200,000 under sovereign immunity limits.

Attorney fees, lobbying fees, costs, and similar expenses may not exceed 25 percent of the total amount awarded under this act.