FL H6517

Orange County is authorized and directed to appropriate $750,000 to Robert Allan Smith as compensation for injuries sustained in a September 7, 2006 motorcycle collision caused by negligence of an Orange County employee Lynn Lawrence Godden.

The collision resulted in severe injuries including traumatic amputation of Smith's right leg above the knee, fractured left leg, broken pelvis and sacrum, and internal organ damage requiring surgical intervention.

A civil jury trial resulted in a total judgment of $4,814,785.37 against Orange County, reduced to $2,913,536.09 after comparative negligence and Medicaid and Veterans Administration setoffs; Orange County has paid $100,000 under statutory liability limits, leaving $2,813,536.09 unpaid.

Medicaid liens and other lien interests relating to Smith's treatment and care are hereby waived or extinguished by legislative intent.

Of the $750,000 appropriated, attorney fees may not exceed $150,000, lobbying fees may not exceed $37,500, and costs and expenses may not exceed $71,511.15.